Tina turned away. Shame for what she’d done overwhelmed her. Cole was Rick’s best friend, like a brother to her. And she’d done the unforgivable. She’d hurt the man who’d tried to save her husband’s life.

“It’s just this damn job,” she cried. “It’s inhuman.”

Cole’s expression froze. Debbie watched her world falling to bits before her eyes and knew that if she didn’t do something now, it would be too late. Tina was simply mouthing Cole’s sentiments. It’s all she’d heard since she’d arrived from Oklahoma. Cops, marriages, and families don’t mix.

She knew there were plenty of policemen and women who made marriages work…and work well. But the facts were there. There were also plenty that failed.

“Come with me,” Debbie said. She slipped her hand beneath Tina’s elbow. “Let’s go wash up. When we come back, I’ll fix your hair. When you put on some makeup, you’ll feel like a new woman. Trust me.”

Cole watched them walk away. He tried to block out what Tina had just said, but it was impossible. Cops and marriages don’t mix…don’t mix…don’t mix...

They came back, but Cole was gone. Two members of Tina’s family had just arrived to bring her fresh clothing and news of her son’s night at the grandparents’ home. For a moment, everything seemed almost normal.

“Did anyone see where Cole went?” Debbie asked.

A man, whom Tina quickly introduced as her uncle, spoke. “He’s in Rick’s room. The doctor was just here making rounds. He got permission.” The last was said for Tina’s benefit.

Tina slumped down into a chair and buried her face in her hands. “He doesn’t need permission,” she said softly. “He’s as much a member of this family as any of us. I just hope he can forgive me for what I said.”

“Don’t,” Debbie said softly. “Knowing Cole, he already has.”

But Debbie was wrong. Cole hadn’t forgotten a thing. And for the next five days, it festered inside of him until he was a fight waiting to happen.

*  *  *

“Dad, I’m going to be gone for a couple of days.”

Morgan turned around in shock and dropped the shears he’d been using to trim the shrubbery in the backyard.

“Now? I thought you were taking a few days off since—”

“The man is dead. I couldn’t stop it from happening, just like I can’t make the world stop spinning, understand?”

“That isn’t what I meant,” Morgan answered just as sharply.

Cole stuffed his hands in his pockets. The grim expression on his face darkened. “I know it,” he said. “And I still jumped all over you anyway. That’s why I need to get away. I’ve got to get back to work, get back on the street…”