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it’s time. I had been feeling like I was ready for a change before. My life has been too centered on the darkness in life. I worked narcotics right out of the academy, then homicide since. With either, you don’t get to see the good. I’m ready for the good.”
    “You’re not married?”
    “No. I was kind of tied to the job when I got out of the academy, and as I say the dark side. I’m not saying my life is all bad. I’ve made some good friends along the way, and I have a good family. My parents and sister’s family live a couple hours upstate. When I need a break, I head up to visit them.” Mac couldn’t believe he told her that.
    “So what is your plan?”
    “Believe it or not, I have a teaching degree. Three years of narcotics I spent undercover as a college student. I passed all my classes. I have a degree in teaching with a minor in forensic science. There’s a university about halfway between here and my hometown that’s looking for a professor. I have all the qualifications listed so I sent them a resume. I made it through the interview to the short list. I’m still waiting to hear back. You know the old saying, ‘those who can’t do, teach’.”
    “No, I don’t believe that about you,” she said firmly. “You’re more than that. You don’t just survive, you come out on top.”
    Looking in her eyes, he could see she truly believed what she said. It felt amazing to have her look at him like that. Still, it was a bit embarrassing. “I don’t have the job yet, and I don’t know what kind of a teacher I’ll be.”
    “What kind do you think you’ll be?”
    He had to think about that. “A pretty good one. I’ve taught a couple classes at the academy that went well. I had a couple professors that I liked and I tried to emulate them.”
    “I think you’ll be great.”
    “Oh really, and how’s that?”
    “I’ve gone from feeling pretty devastated to feeling comfortable around you in a matter of minutes. It says you have an honest way around people, and that counts for a lot.”
    “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
    “It’s okay.” She gave a self-derisive smile. “It’s been one of those days. In fact, I really should get home and take care of myself, so I don’t get sick again.” She started to stand. Mac used the tree for help as he followed the motion, and then caught her as she swayed on her feet. He braced his back against the tree and locked his arms, holding her to him. “Easy.” He steadied her. “Are you okay?”
    She dropped her head against his chest as she took in a couple deep breaths before she pulled back. “Sorry, I was a little upset and missed lunch. I guess my blood sugar level’s low. I’m okay now, thanks.” She moved back.
    “No problem.” He missed the contact with her. “Are you going to be all right to drive?”
    “I took the bus. I came from work, and for getting there, it’s always easiest to take the bus and not pay for parking.”
    “All right, I’ll give you a ride home then.” A surge of pleasure jumped in him. “In fact, I have a better idea. Would you like to have dinner with me?”
    “I think I’d better point out before saying anything else that you think I’m either a phony psychic or plain crazy.”
    “Well, since I haven’t decided yet, why don’t we settle for I think you’re fascinating and would like to spend some time with you?” He grinned watching her expression change to a look of amazement.
    The laugh that escaped her seemed to catch her as much by surprise as it did him.
    “I would really like to have dinner with you,” he said, repeating the invitation.
    Her eyes scanned his face a second before the answer slipped out. “Yes.”
    Elation soared through him as he held his hand out to her.
    ****
    Laken settled back, oddly content, enjoying the warmth of fire near their table. Dinner had been wonderful. She couldn’t remember when she’d spent such an enjoyable evening. There was something about Detective