There was something in his voice that sounded determined, alluring. Charming. And for some reason, scary.

Val had tried to convince herself that what happened with Mr. Tate was as it should have been. He confessed. It was over. For him, and for her. No need to testify. Yay! Why did she feel so conflicted, then? She was stressed, and in no mood to deal with very much right now, every nerve was standing on edge—pulled to its max, getting ready to break.

Val hated to ask Jack what was up, why he wanted this private meeting but she was left with no choice. Drinks, dinner and now empty dessert dishes sat before them. Other than a discussion about the Morgan case, this evening had been pretty routine. Maybe he just wanted to get together and unwind? Val was exhausted and so completely done after her day, that she was ready to call it a night.

She drained her water glass, and looked at her watch. It was time to go. She sat forward and placed both arms on the table. “I’m pretty beat.”

Jack reached over and took her hand, and held on, his eyes on hers.

Val’s stomach dropped and her heart raced. Okay, there was something more going on. “What is it, Jack?”

He smiled and his cheeks reddened as he sat back. All of a sudden he had a nervous quality to him. “Have you noticed that I’m staying in Buffalo longer than I should?”

“This case has been crazy, hasn’t it?” Of course this is the reason why, Val rationalized. But then why was Jack looking at her that way?

“My staying in Buffalo has nothing to do with this case.” His eyes still on hers.

Val took a deep breath. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for what she thought was coming next. “Jack…”

“Let me finish.”

“No, Jack. Please don’t. Once you say what I think you’re going to, we have to make a decision and I’m not ready to do that.” Val couldn’t believe those words just came out of her mouth, but it was true. And she didn’t know it until this very moment. All along she questioned her feelings, and without thinking, without debating, without struggling with herself to find the truth, the answer suddenly came out.

“I see,” was all he said. His eyes cast down now. The waitress walked by and Jack quickly caught her attention. “Can we have the bill, please.”

As soon as she walked away Val leaned in. “Jack, I don’t want it to be like this between us.”

“Val, you asked me a moment ago to not say anything more. I will ask the same of you now.”