Page 15 of Hostile Witness

But he wasn’t any other man. He was someone she’d wanted to see, possibly kiss again, for years.

Stabbing at the soil and digging more holes, Tia shook her head. She’d probably made him feel like crap when she’d said it had been like kissing a brother. But he might have seen right through her words. If he had, she was the one who looked foolish. Tia crammed flowers into the holes, then roughly pressed the soil and mulch around them.

How dare he upset the order she’d reestablished in her life? If he knew how damaged she was, he’d run in the other direction. It would take her years to recover from her previous mistake, not to mention the surgeries she still needed to endure.

And he deserved so much better, because he was a really nice guy. Well, that settled that. There was no way in hell she’dlet another kiss happen. Yes, it had been nice... more than nice. Maybe even life altering, sizzling, and other hot descriptive words she couldn’t think of at the moment. She shoved her earbuds in and turned the music on.

She’d keep her wits about her and stay grounded, despite that when his five-o’clock shadow had grazed against her neck she’d nearly come undone. No more kisses for a long time.

Absolutely not. Period.

14

Tia stopped short at the entrance to the grand ballroom. The country club had a reputation for stunning decor and refined taste. They’d outdone themselves today for Lieutenant Plante’s repast. The wafting scents of pink roses and eucalyptus blended with the aroma of the savory hors d'oeuvres the tuxedoed waitstaff served on silver trays. She’d never seen so many police brass in one place. The turnout for the repast was almost as large as the funeral’s. A string quartet played soft music in the far corner. Tia caught Casey’s short wave from a table across the room and briskly headed in her direction.

Casey rose, and after the two exchanged a quick hug, there were tears in Casey’s eyes. “We saved you a seat at this table.”

Tia looped her arm through Casey’s. “Thank you. Are you okay?”

Casey lifted a shoulder. “I’m no good at funerals. This one is more difficult because I knew Margie personally.” She took a sip of wine and swiped a tear from her cheek. “Flynn is sitting with Mrs. Stoddard, Margie’s aunt. They’re receiving condolences in the back of the room, away from the crowd. I’ll walk over with you.”

Tia’s stomach flip-flopped. The last thing she wanted to do today was say goodbye to Flynn. Straightening her shoulders, she followed Casey. No way could Flynn leave without her at least requesting to keep him. While she understood the police wanting him here today in case the lieutenant’s murderer had the gall to attend the service and repast, she couldn’t help wishing he were resting somewhere cozy and warm with his furry friends.

A dozen NYPD officers surrounded Mrs. Stoddard, expressing their sympathies. A few even gave Flynn a quick pat on the head. Detective Kelley stood to Mrs. Stoddard’s right, holding Flynn’s leash. Ethan’s dress blues accentuated his fine build, and really, she ought to stop noticing such trivial details about him. But he was so enticingly pleasant to look at even though she wasn’t the least bit interested. Call it bad timing. Maybe she could fix him up with Sarah, the kindergarten teacher? At least then he’d be off-limits and she’d stop thinking of him as sinfully male. Tia shook off the ridiculous thoughts and peered around the crowd to get a look at her favorite dog.

He was lying on a big faux-fur rug with his head resting on his paws, but when she approached him, he lifted his head and barked. She got down on one knee and was rewarded with a face full of dog kisses.

Mrs. Stoddard leaned forward. “You must be the vet who’s taken such great care of him.”

Casey, who stood a few feet away, chuckled. “No,I’mthe vet. Flynn tolerates me, but he loves her.”

The older woman peered at Tia. “And who might you be, dear?”

“Tia O’Rourke.” She reached over and held the woman’s hand. “Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss, Mrs. Stoddard.”

“Thank you, dear. Did you know my Marjorie?” She dabbed a tissue at her swollen eyes.

“No, I didn’t. I was on a ride along with Detective Kelley when the disturbance call for Margie’s house came in. I’m sure you’re proud of everything Lieutenant Plante accomplished in her life, and I truly wish I had known her.”

“Thank you, Tia. I appreciate your kind words. Flynn here seems mighty fond of you.” She leaned over and gently rubbed the dog’s ears. “He’s almost as crazy about you as he was about my Margie, and that’s saying something, because he adored Margie. He would have done anything for her. They were inseparable.” She sighed wistfully. “They used to visit me all the time when she lived in New York... but enough of that. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a third-grade schoolteacher and have been visiting Flynn after work. He’s made great progress with his recovery each day. You could say we’ve bonded a bit. He’s a brave animal, and I respect his service to your Margie and the citizens of New York. Are you taking him home with you tomorrow?”

“Oh, heavens no, dear, I’m eighty-six years old, and I moved into a retirement home a year ago. I’m still very active, but not active enough to take care of a seventy-pound German shepherd.” She smiled at Tia with the kindest blue eyes that crinkled at the corners. “I asked my two sons and their wives if they would like to have Flynn as a family pet, and they both declined. You see, my older son is allergic to most dogs—it’s a shame—and the younger son and his wife recently purchased two bichon puppies, so they have their hands full.”

Mrs. Stoddard sipped at her tea. “I suppose there may be someone in the police department who would like to keep him and honor Margie’s memory, but I’d like to see Flynn with someone he likes.” She patted the seat next to her. “Please, sit with me a few minutes.”

Tia scooted over, and Flynn followed, resting his head on her lap.

Mrs. Stoddard chuckled. “Look at that. He moves when you move, like he can’t get enough of you. It’s kind of cute, what with him being such a big dog and all.” She leaned in as if she had a secret. “The detective who’s escorting me today has been very kind to Flynn and me. And he loves dogs. We talked about it, but he said that with his work schedule, he wouldn’t have the time to devote to an older animal. I’m not sure if I believe him, because he certainly has been attentive today.”

What?Tia rubbed her forehead.Omigod.Mrs. Stoddard was considering giving Flynn to Detective Kelley? To Ethan?Nooo way.The guy was nice, and seriously the best kisser, but she had been the one visiting Flynn for well over a week. Adopting a house-trained dog had been on her wish list for quite some time. For heaven’s sake, it was high time she started verbalizing the things she wanted in her life.

She turned to face Mrs. Stoddard. “I’ve been hoping for a chance to speak with you, because I’d really like to keep Flynn. I have a house with a backyard, and we’re already pretty good friends.”

The old woman patted Tia’s hand. “I’m delighted to hear that, but he’s an awfully big dog. Are you sure you could handle him?”

Tia smoothed her skirt and sat up. “Mrs. Stoddard, I teach, fix boo-boos, and encourage twenty-two third graders five days a week. If I can handle that responsibility, I’m sure I can handle Flynn.”