Deadfall Read Free

coffee or stopping for lunch or dinner to call me so I know you’re okay?”
    â€œAh,” Pastor Jim said. “Now we’re getting somewhere.” Again, they both turned their gazes to Mac.
    No, it’s not possible. I don’t want to have to check in. Mac didn’t express his thoughts aloud. After all, Linda’s request was reasonable— annoying, but reasonable. Linda slid her hand over his, and he released his grip on the arm of the chair. “I might be able to do that. Not all the time, but when I can remember.”
    She smiled, her eyes still misty. “That’s all I ask. You have such a dangerous job, and I really want to know you’re okay. Besides, it’s good to connect more often.”
    He caught a glimpse of the woman he’d fallen in love with in that smile. She really was a wonderful person. He’d met her in the hospital where she worked as a nursing supervisor. Linda had been so compassionate and efficient. Of late, instead of listening to her requests and acknowledging her concerns, he’d written them off, feeling smothered and put upon.
    â€œThat went well, don’t you think?” Linda had asked on the way home.
    â€œI suppose.” Mac’s annoyance returned, and he wasn’t sure why.
    â€œAm I such a bad guy that you feel you need to change me?”
    â€œOh, Mac.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. The warmth of her breath and the heat of her hand on his leg almost made him forget his question. “Change is necessary in any relationship.”
    â€œFor me, but not for you?” Mac didn’t want to be upset with her.
    â€œYou want me to change?” She removed her hand and leaned back, shifting slightly in her seat to look at him. “In what way?”
    He shrugged. “Stop acting like I have the worst job in the world. Some people think what I do is honorable.”
    â€œI do, Mac.” She licked her lips. “It just frightens me.”
    â€œWell, if it’s any consolation, you’re listed as one of the people to contact if anything happens to me.”
    Linda folded her arms and leaned back against the seat, her dark, shoulder-length hair falling forward. “That’s not exactly comforting.”
    After walking Linda to her door, Mac drew her into his arms and kissed her.
    â€œWant to come in for some coffee?” She smiled up at him, her eyes shining with promise.
    Mac wanted more than coffee—more than she would offer. He chided himself for thinking about sex when their relationship was on such tentative ground. Holding her close, his arms securely around her, he said, “You really need to decide whether or not you want to be married to a cop. Some women aren’t cut out for it.”
    She leaned back. “Mac, I love you.”
    â€œThat may be, but take a look at the divorce rate among law enforcement officers. I don’t want you to get into a marriage you’ll regret.”
    She frowned. “I can handle it. We’ll just need to make some adjustments.”
    Mac dropped his arms to his side. “Don’t expect me to change too much, Linda. I’m not sure I can.”
    He’d driven away, more upset with himself than with her. He was the one who had serious reservations about marrying Linda. Now he’d dumped his concerns in her lap. Why couldn’t he just tell her how he felt—manipulated, coerced, unsure of himself and of their relationship?
    The coffeepot sputtered out the last few drops. Mac filled his Mariners mug then took it into the living room. He listened to the answering machine. Dana’s voice and her message about the missing hiker lifted his spirits. He took the wireless phone to his favorite chair in front of the fireplace and punched in Dana’s number. When he got her voice mail, Mac left a message indicating that he had the day off tomorrow and if the hiker was still missing, he’d be happy to join