Getting to know her was a gift he didn’t want to give back. He would have never met a woman like her without running over her. Good women like her don’t speak to bad boys like him. They didn’t hang out where he did.

When he walked back into her little house, Millie was reading in her favorite chair by the window. She smiled at him. They’d grown comfortable with one another. They liked talking and laughing, but the quiet times when they were just near one another were special too. He’d even kissed her a dozen times. They’d become friends, and Hank figured that was all they would ever be.

Car lights flashed across the window. Hank winked at her. “I knew they’d come as soon I came in.”

“Your protective gear has finally arrived,” she whispered, as if it were still a secret that he was a Houston specialist.

Hank walked out, not surprised the rangers had sent a highway patrolman to relay the box to him. Colby said they’d get it to him fast, but it seemed forever since he’d requested the equipment. Hank hoped he didn’t have to use it, but if he needed the protection at least it would fit.

“Evening, Trooper. Thanks for driving this up.”

“Captain Norton, it’s an honor.” The trooper looked tired, and Hank wondered if he had made the drive after his shift.

The lawman helped him lug the huge box into the house. Hank tried to thank him again, but the man stopped him. “Before you thank me, you’d best pick up the other cargo, Captain.”

“But I didn’t order any . . .” Hank looked out and saw a little boy dragging a duffel bag out of the back seat of the cruiser. Eight years old and more trouble than a bar fight. Hank and the boy’s dad had been best friends when Simon’s father died in the line of duty.

“You do know him, Captain?” The trooper looked worried.

“Simon?” Hank said. “I signed on to be his guardian uncle two years ago. I didn’t know how hard a job it’d be.”

The trooper had the nerve to look sorry for Hank. “I watched a detective and two sergeants try to talk the kid out of coming to you, but the kid wouldn’t budge. He told me he was at the station being passed from one of his uncles to another. He claimed you four were his almost uncles. When you called in and asked for your gear, the kid said if the gear goes, he goes.”

Hank walked toward the chubby ball of trouble. “What do you think you are doing here, Simon? I said I’d be back. You shouldn’t be here.”