“Okay,” she said softly, lifting her mouth for a kiss. “I’m going to do that. And when you come back, I’ll be all rested, and then I’m going to wreak havoc on you.”

“Promises . . . promises . . .” Mick pushed open the door, and as they stepped out of the building, it seemed to him that Sarah’s shoulders relaxed even further. He flagged a yellow cab, tucked her inside, shoved a wad of cash in her hand as he brushed a light kiss across her lips. “Love you,” he said, then stepped back onto the curb and swung the door shut.

“What?” Her mouth had fallen open as she stared at him through the window with a look of wonder on her face.

“You heard me.” He grinned as the taxi pulled away from the curb. “Strap in!” He stood and watched as she and the cab became smaller and smaller. Finally, the cab made a right-hand turn and disappeared from view. Mick returned to the police station with a buoyancy in his step and a smile in his heart, thinking about Sarah. He let the receptionist know that he had returned and then reseated himself in the green plastic chair to await his interview with Detective Kostas.

50