Daniel braced himself for the stale aroma of old alcohol and the dank darkness typical of such establishments. He paused at the welcoming aroma of hearty food in the well-lit, simply appointed establishment. A piano in the corner caught his eye. He firmly ignored it.

Phil’s Place bustled, even at nine thirty on a Thursday night. The door jingled, announcing his entrance, but no one seemed to care. He found himself a spot at the bar and dipped his chin in the older man’s direction. Must be Phil. He was expertly filling beers and nodded his acknowledgment. Daniel waited.

He scanned the place, looking for that ponytail. Wouldn’t it just be his luck that he came in on the day that she was off? But what if she was here? What would he say to her anyway? He should leave. If he told her how he knew her, it would only bring to the surface something she may want to forget.

This was a bad idea. He turned on his stool and made to leave when a woman’s voice called to him.

“Weren’t you here the other night?”

Daniel turned to face mahogany-brown eyes that were narrowed at him. The woman’s lips were pursed, and her brow furrowed with the question. She wore her hair back in a ponytail, which Daniel knew hid beautiful dark tight curls. Even though he’d walked in here looking for her, he was caught off guard, and a few extra seconds ticked by before he gathered himself to speak. A slight flush built in her cheeks as he stared at her.

“Um, no. I think I would remember that.”

“Sure, you were here—with the fire engine.” She pointed to his jeans and T-shirt. “You were wearing a uniform, but I’m pretty sure it was you.”

“Ah, yes. The gunshot victim.” Daniel nodded. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Yeah. You were the one who faltered.” There was no challenge in her voice, just fact.

“Excuse me?”

“You just stopped in the middle of treating that man.”

“How could you possibly know that?”

“I saw. Most people watch the victim. I watch the medics.” She shrugged. “Excuse me if I stepped on your manhood.”

Daniel grinned. She’d noticed him. “I hesitated a moment, and my partner took over.” He studied her face. “In any case, it happens almost never. And my partner is great.”

“So, I wasn’t wrong. You faltered.” She waved her hand at the bar. “Can I get you something?”

Her flowery scent wafted toward him as he sat down again. “Bourbon. Rocks.”