Page 30 of No More Lies

“Yeah. It’s time sensitive, and Mackie’s skills were needed.”

“Thanks, man, for doing this. No idea you knew how to.”

Donnie chuckled. “I didn’t, but I do now.”

“If I’d known it was that easy, I would have done it myself.”

“Nah, you need special software. I did it on Mackie’s laptop. He walked me through it. I’ve set it up, but I have to head back. Mackie said to go on over and help yourself. He said you had a key?”

“Yeah, I do. Thanks, man. I owe you one.”

“No worries. If there is anything else you need, just ask.”

“You and Mackie have done enough. Thanks. Focus on the op, brother, I won’t be there to watch your ass.”

“How will I survive?” Donnie’s tone was sarcastic. Then he ended the call.

Steve would have to be patient and wait for Diane to come home. Then he could slip over to Mackie’s place. Megan was asleep now, so he wasn't about to wake her and drag her out, no matter how badly he wanted to see what was on Diane’s phone. It was eight o’clock on a Sunday night. She still wasn’t home.

When he tried her phone again, this time she answered.

“Hey. Sorry, I got absorbed. I know it’s late,” she said quietly.

“Are you leaving now?” He kept his voice neutral, not wanting to make a bad situation worse.

“I... no.”

“When then?”

“I’m right in the middle of something. I’m going to keep going while I’m on a roll.”

Steve was grateful they were not on a video call, and she couldn’t see his scowl.

“Diane, you’ve been there over twelve hours. You need to sleep and eat. I’m worried about you,” He let her hear his genuine concern.

“I ordered in. I’m good. Don’t worry about me. I promise this is nearly done. It’s why I want to stay and get finished. Then I can get back to some sort of normality. Don’t be mad at me please.”

He leaned his head back on the couch, wincing. He would never hurt his wife, but he had been snapping at her lately because of his frustration. He hated the wariness in her voice that he was going to be angry.

“I’m not mad angel.” he said softly. “I miss you and we need to talk about last night. About what you said.”

“We will. I didn’t mean what I said, Steve. I was tired, and this case...well, I already told you. It’s complicated.”

“Are you coming home at all tonight?” It wasn’t the first time she’d pulled an all-nighter.

“I’m not sure.”

At least she was being honest. Guess there was no way he was getting to Mackie’s tonight.

“Tomorrow night, Diane. You and me are talking. No more excuses. Clear your schedule for a couple of hours.” He kept his voice soft but firm.

“OK.” It was barely more than a whisper.

“I love you, Angel. You need to let me in.”

“OK,” she said again. “Tomorrow night.”

She hung up on him before he could say anything else.