Mary Baxter - In Hot Water

“That doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten how to kick butt.”

“We’ll soon see, won’t we?”

Arriving at his office after leaving police headquarters, Holt found that Marianne had everything in order. She’d even pulled the folders from pending cases that had been updated and placed them on his desk, along with law books pertaining to cases on doctors.

“What’s first on the agenda? Or do you know yet?”

“Read the actual police report, then go from there.”

“Oh, before I forget, a reporter from the paper stopped by and wanted to talk to you.”

“I hope you told him to take a hike.”

She grinned. “Not in those exact words, but he got the message.”

“I hope so. Talk about losing my cool. That would do it.”

“That’s why I’m not stepping out of this office. Just in case he tries to sneak back in.”

“Thanks.”

“By the way, it’s good to have you back.”

He smiled, but it was short-lived. “Don’t get too used to it. As soon as I can, I’m sailing back off into the wild blue yonder.”

Her thin mouth curved downward. “I’ll enjoy you while I can.”

Holt turned to the police report, but instead of seeing the printed words, Maci’s face flashed across the screen of his eyes.

Blinking, he muttered a curse just as the door opened and Marianne stepped inside. “You’ll never believe who just dropped in.”

Maci. His heart raced at the thought. “I don’t want to guess either,” he said tersely.

“Mrs. Grant Dodson.”

For a moment, the name didn’t register. He must’ve looked blank because Marianne gave him one of her looks. “Dr. Ramsey’s friend who died on the table. She’s his wife.”

“Sarah’s in the office?”

“That’s what I just said.”

He stood. “Send her in.”

“Are you sure?”

“Hell no, but what choice do I have?”

“I can tell her you’re not here.”

“I think it’s a bit late for that. Besides, I have to face her sooner or later.”

“Done,” Marianne said before sweeping out of the room.

Holt didn’t bother to sit back down. Seconds later Sarah Dodson, a formidable opponent under even the best of circumstances, walked across the threshold, her mouth stretched pencil-thin.

“I’m proud of you young man for having the balls to see me.”

In spite of himself, he smiled. “Hello, Sarah.”

“You look like you’ve been rode hard and put up wet.”

“Thanks, friend,” Maci replied drolly. “That’s not exactly what I needed to hear.”

“Ah, even on your worst days, you’re still gorgeous. And I’m pea-green with envy.”

“Stop it,” Maci admonished with a grin. “You’ve got a lot going for you, too.”

Bobbi rolled her big blue eyes. “Sure, all one hundred and fifty pounds of flab.”

“Once the baby arrives, that excess weight will come off.” Maci gave Bobbi a brief hug. “You’ll see. Trust me, I know from experience.”

“You’re being kind, and I love you for it. But we both know better. I’m a short tub of lard, and I don’t see that changing at this stage in my life, baby or no baby.”

“Speaking of baby,” Maci asked, “have you heard anything?”

“Not a word, but then you should know that. After me, you’ll be the first to hear the good news.” Bobbi paused and gestured with her hand toward the plush sofa in the great room. “Hey, come on in and sit down. I didn’t mean to keep you in a holding pattern at the door.”

Maci chuckled. “Hey, I’m not company, so don’t treat me like I am.”

“Of course, you’re not company. Before we get started on the house, let’s have a cappuccino, shall we? I need to catch up on what’s going on with Seymour.”

Maci felt her features tighten.

“Sorry,” Bobbi said. “I didn’t mean to hit on a nerve.”

“That’s the beauty of our friendship. I can be myself with you. I don’t have to pretend that life is a bowl of cherries when it’s not.”

“I know this mess is taking its toll on you. I think—no, I know—you’ve lost weight, and you didn’t have any to lose.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Bobbi made a face.

“I will. You know I’m a survivor. Just like you.”

“You’re right about that. Still, I’m sick that it happened. In fact, I still can’t believe it. I thought doctors were untouchable.”

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