Read The Officer's Promise (Brothers in Blue Book 1) for Free Online

me and told me she’d left me everything. Couple thousand dollars, some old 45s, and this ornery ass cat.”
    Her pale blue eyes lifted to mine. “Letty was lucky to have you in her final days, and I’m sure she gave you this sweet kitty for a good reason.”
    “Yeah, to drive me crazy.”
    She looked down at Bernard, then back at me.
    “Maybe she didn’t want you to be alone, like she was.”
    A tear slipped down her cheek, and I reached out to catch it before it fell, then I curled my fingers around her chin, bringing her eyes to mine. “You’re not alone, MaryAnn. And as long as I’m breathing, you never will be.”
    Her eyes searched mine. For what, I don’t know, but I’d make damn sure she found it.
    “You hungry?”
    She nodded.
    “You want chicken noodle soup?”
    “More than life itself.”

T he early morning sun peeked through the dark curtains, casting bright rays of sunshine across the hardwood floor. I blinked, remembering where I was.
    Ryker’s.
    I smiled then stretched. My sore body screamed in protest, but I’d never felt more well-rested. The small smile inched across my lips when I thought about last night. Ryker was so sweet and attentive. After he made me dinner, waiting on me hand and foot, he pulled out a few of those old 45s Letty had given him and we sat and talked until midnight, reminiscing about our childhood before he finally helped me to bed. Where I lay awake for hours, wondering what I was going to do next.
    I had no idea where to even start. What would I do? Where would I work? Where would I live?
    Every thought seemed so daunting. Yet, I still had hope. Hope that I did have a future. One where I wasn’t dependent on a man for my happiness or an income. I should be making plans, goals, but I had no idea where to start.
    Maybe start by getting out of bed.
    Pushing back the comforter, I placed both feet on the floor then pulled in a deep breath. Knowing these feet would not be carrying out any of Trent’s orders today gave me a newfound sense of independence.
    That seemed to lift my spirits even more.
    The guest bedroom was small but cozy, located just across the hall from Ryker’s room. Furnished with a simple full bed, nightstand, and dresser. The only décor was a stunning canvas painting of an arrow on the wall above the bed. The mixture of colors and textures was exquisite. I narrowed my eyes at the signature below to find RLC in the bottom left-hand corner.
    Smiling to myself, I shuffled toward the door on my crutches.
    Miraculously, I made it to the bathroom, struggling a bit to take care of my business. These crutches were already a pain in the ass. How the hell was I even going to shower? Speaking of which, I really needed one of those. But I would need coffee before tackling such an enormous chore.
    I inched slowly toward the kitchen, where I found a note sitting on the counter next to a new iPhone, a key fob, and a single brass key.
    Good morning.
    I’m downstairs working out in the gym. I’ll be back around 8:30. I wasn’t sure if you liked coffee, but I prepped it anyway, so all you have to do is press start.
    The phone is yours.
    I need to be able to communicate with you and check on you, and you need a way to get in touch with me. My number is programmed. Call me anytime you need anything.
    I mean it, MaryAnn.
    Anything.
    The key fob gets you in and out of the building and the key is to my apartment.
    Bernard is on guard, so rest easy.
    See you soon.
    Ryker
    The freedom in these three little items was so great, so profound. I hadn’t had a cell phone I could use at my leisure in two years. And even though I had no intentions of going anywhere alone anytime soon, it felt good to know I could without asking permission from anyone.
    My throat tightened, tears stinging my eyes. I lifted the phone from the countertop, swiping the screen, but all it delivered was a wave of panic. It slipped from my fingers, clattering against the granite loudly. Collapsing to the