Snow Angel

Bo tossed his pencil onto his desk and ran a hand across his face. It had been a long day and a rotten way to end a work week. He heard a knock on his office door and called "Come in!" a bit too harshly.

The door opened and Officer Rawlins entered. He handed Bo a file. "This is the perp Mrs. Buchanan identified as her attacker. You were right, Commish."

Bo looked at the mug shot on the file. "I knew it. They should never have let him walk." He sighed. "Well, I guess it's good news really. At least we know who we're looking for; and this time when we catch him, I hope they lock him up for good! Thanks, Rawlins."

"Yes, sir."

The officer exited Bo's office. Bo looked at the mug shot on the file and clenched his jaw. Tossing the file onto his desk, he leaned back in his chair. He thought of the evening's events…

It was Friday and it had been a long day. The weekend loomed before him. He hated the weekends. They seemed long and left him with far too much time to think. When he left the station about 5:15, he made his way across the park to the Imperial Dragon to pick up some carry out for dinner. He hoped the crisp February air and a brisk walk would improve his mood.

As he rounded a corner in the park, he heard hysterical crying; and, upon investigating, found it was Nora, who threw herself into his arms. Through her tearful account, he understood that she had been mugged at knifepoint. He tried to help her...did as much as she would allow. Then, at her insistence, he had an officer take her to the station…

Now, here he sat, the perp identified. The case would be solved as soon as they located the guy and brought him in.

But, for Bo, it wasn't over…

He could still feel Nora...her warm breath and tears on his neck as she sobbed in his arms. He could still smell the sweet scent of her cologne. He found himself thinking about her tear-stained face and the way she had touched his cheek. He was left with not only a feeling of helplessness but also a sense of longing...

Nora pulled the blanket closer about her shoulders and wrapped still trembling hands around her mug of coffee. She was glad to be home...away from the questions, the turmoil, and the stress of the station...away from the pitying, prying eyes of those who worked there.

She thought about the day's events...a difficult day in court followed by being mugged in the park, Bo's rescue, the trip to the station...the loss of her wedding ring.

Tears once again made their way down her cheeks. She swiped a hand across her face, angrily wiping away the tears, but knowing she needed a good cry. She needed to let it all out. Instead she stood and, once again, poked the smoldering fire in the fireplace.

She had never been good at building fires. Bo had always had the gift for that. On days like this, if he was home before her, she could count on him having a cozy fire burning...then she would join him on the couch and they would catch up on the day's events...or just "catch up"...

Tears continued to fall and she swallowed the lump in her throat. How she missed him...

Funny how it was his arms that enfolded her after her ordeal at the park. How good it was to have the comfort of his arms...to rest her head in the crook of his neck...to feel his tender, reassuring hands and breathe in the familiar scent of him...

A log dropping down and sparks flying upward brought her back to the present. She decided to add more wood in a last attempt to revive her fire. She tossed the blanket aside and went out for another log. Snow was swirling down as she searched the woodpile for a log that would not be too heavy for her to carry. As she was searching, a car turned into the driveway. Her heart gave a lurch as she realized it was Bo.

She was silent as he opened his door and approached her slowly.

"Nora," he said, "what are you doing out here in the cold?"

She looked back at the woodpile. "Oh...just trying to find a log that will burn. I don't know...either this wood is wet or it's defective because it doesn't want to burn."

"You think it's the wood?" Bo grinned slightly and shook his head. "You shouldn't be lifting it anyway. Go on in where it's warm. I'll bring in the wood. Go on."

She started to speak, but instead turned silently and went into the house. Bo followed a few seconds later with some wood for the fire.

Nora watched in silence as he added a little kindling and then the logs to the fireplace. A few short puffs of the bellows made the flames lick the wood with a crackling, comforting sound.

Bo stood to his feet and brushed his hands together. "There you go," he said. " Hopefully it will warm up in here soon."

"Thank you, Bo."

"No problem," he answered.

Nora hesitated, then asked, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I just made it."

"Sure. Sounds good," he replied.

"I'll be right back," she promised turning toward the kitchen.

She returned a moment later with a steaming cup of coffee. After handing it to him, she asked, "So…what brings you to this neck of the woods tonight?"

"Well...I'm heading out of town...just getting away for the weekend. I was going to hit Route 308, and this is a shortcut...and...since I was driving by anyway, I thought I'd stop and check on you. I know today was a rough day. So...are you okay?" he asked with concern in his eyes. "Did you see your doctor?"

"No," she answered. "The baby has been kicking around all evening. I know I'm okay physically. I'm just a bundle of nerves." She sat back on the couch and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders again.

"That's understandable," Bo replied seating himself in a nearby chair. "I want you to know, my guys are searching for your perpetrator. I don't think it will be long before they bring him in...and, this time I think we have enough to keep him locked up awhile... I've also given orders for two officers to check the local pawn shops for your ring…"

Nora kept her eyes on the fire as she thanked him. Tears stilled brimmed in her eyes. She was so emotional. If she could just hold onto the tears until Bo left...if only...

They made small talk for a little while before an uncomfortable silence fell between them. Bo finished his coffee and stood to leave.

"Well...I guess I'll be on my way...if you're sure you're alright…"

"I'll be fine...you know me…" Nora said with a half smile. "I really do appreciate your stopping by though...and the fire…"

"Not a problem." Bo buttoned his coat as Nora began to get up to see him out.

"No...I can see myself out," Bo told her. "Just stay under that blanket and stay warm...and take care."

"You too," she answered. "I hope you have a good weekend away."

"Thanks. I'll try. Goodnight, Nora."

"Goodnight," she managed over the lump in her throat.

As soon as the door closed, the pent up tears made their escape. They were brushed away quickly as she heard the door open again. She turned around to see Bo standing there, a serious, anxious look on his face.

"Bo?" she questioned.

"Come with me," he said quietly.

She looked at him incredulously.

"I know it seems crazy," he continued, "but I just have this gut instinct telling me we need to get away...and you know how I always follow my gut. Come with me?" he repeated as a question this time…

To be continued...