Page 78 of Target Acquired

“Butler,” Cole said. “This is a surprise.”

The man flushed. “I didn’t lie about a family emergency. You know Woodruff is like a brother to me. He’s having a tough time”—his accusing gaze landed on Kenzie, then flicked back to Cole—“and asked me to meet him. ASAP. I told him I could meet him here since it’s not too far from HQ. I was going to take the rest of the day to visit my dad. He’s not doing so great either.”

Cole frowned. “You never said anything.”

Butler shrugged, looked at Kenzie, then away again. “I try to keep my personal and professional business separate. Talk to you later, okay?”

“Sure.”

Kenzie kept her mouth shut. Butler walked back to his table, and Cole rubbed his chin. “Well, that went better than I thought it would.”

“But?”

“But I find it odd he took half a day to meet with the guy who was your competition for the SWAT position.”

“You think he’s trying to get rid of me on behalf of Woodruff—out of some sense of loyalty to a friend who got beat out of a job he wanted?”

“I won’t say it didn’t cross my mind.”

The waitress reappeared and they gave their order.

Kenzie sat back. “Now what?”

“Well, we keep an eye on Butler for sure. In the meantime, I have a little project I’m working on.”

She raised a brow at him. “What’s that?”

“You might think it’s stupid,” he hedged. The look of uncertainty on his face floored her.

“Why would you think that?”

“Past experience,” he muttered, then shrugged. “Okay, so . . . uh . . . I want to give Micah and his buddies a basketball court.”

“Oh.” Past experience? Had to be Tracy. “A basketball court?”

“Not what you thought I was going to say?”

“No, but that’s a fabulous idea.”

He blinked, then a slow smile curved his lips. “You really think so?”

“Yes, so why do you have that silly smile on your face?”

“Silly?”

“Or something. Regardless, why the smile?”

“I don’t know. I guess I just didn’t know what you’d think about that. I’m going to have to pay for it myself out of pocket, but it’s something I want to do.”

“I can pitch in some.” She could always wait to replace the plumbing in the guest bathroom.

He frowned. “I didn’t tell you that to get money out of you.”

“Didn’t think you did. It’s a great cause and I’d love to be a part of it.”

“Really?”

“Of course. The team probably would too, if you asked.”