―Paulo Coelho
Carly
I'm not so sure I'm entangled in a culture war or a gender war. All my problems seem to emanate from my relationships with women.
I'm sitting in my front room with Carly Winters, the detective on my case, and we're sipping coffee and chatting like any couple...except we're not.
She's technically off-duty and not being paid for protecting me, which I discover she's been doing for free because of the level of threats I'm experiencing.
It's the old story of government cut-backs in law enforcement budgets and sometimes a petty bureaucrat decides the level of protection needed doesn't quite merit the expense...
So she's here on her own dime, looking after my interests.
But what exactly are my interests one might ask, and to anyone who asks I'd have to admit I don't have an answer for that.
Frankly, the girl intrigues me―she's beautiful, intelligent and well-educated―something I was not expecting from the fuzz, so she's the exception.
Do I think she's interested? Truthfully, I doubt it―she can have her pick of men, and face it―we might be able to jog together, but apart from that what do we have in common?
More to the point, why am I even pondering these questions? I've been with Anna since high school and can't imagine even being with another woman.
So, what am I doing flirting with disaster? Yeah, good question. I don't have the answer.
"Brr! It's cold for June, don't you think?"
I glance at my weather station monitor―it's 50 F outside and just 60 in here. Then, I notice the goose bumps on her bare arms.
"Damn!," I exclaim, "what was I thinking? Here, pull this lap blanket around you and I'll make a fire."
She stands up and drapes the crocheted blanket around her like a shawl, and curls up in a corner of the couch.
It's pouring rain outside and I feel guilty for her partner, Tom, on surveillance, stuck in the car.
"Maybe Tom should come in as well and have some coffee and warm up?" I suggest.
"Naw, it's his turn tonight. I took the night watch last time you were in town. He slept the whole time―and the guy snores."
"I feel really guilty about having you guys babysit me."
She shakes her head. "Don't downplay the situation, Mark. Those were credible threats. We're not just here to investigate, but to serve and protect. Besides, I'm enjoying this―love rain at night and the company's good."
"You mean the Force treats you right?"
She turns her huge eyes upon me and I know that's not what she meant. I feel awkward and stupid.
"I'll make some more coffee," I mutter lamely and head for the kitchen.
"Do you have any more croissants?" she calls out to me.
"Are you hungry?"
She nods, "Starving―didn't get a chance to eat. Was filling out reports on the plane while Tom devoured the snack tray."
"I've got just the thing," I smile.
A short time later, we’re eating warmed up Chinese food from Mandarin and sipping coffee.
The rain is pouring down outside but within, we’re sheltered and cozy...a little too cozy, perhaps, but nothing about this situation is conventional, even from its beginning.
Unlike Zara, I’m comfortable with Carly…there's no strain between us...
No strings...our togetherness is unforced,
And that’s what worries me.