Henry and I headed to the pawn shop. When we explained that the ring and watch were stolen property, the owner demanded proof before he would hand them over. I pulled out my phone and showed him a picture of Thomas Bishop. "Is this the man who pawned the ring and watch?" I asked.
"No."
"There's your proof," I said. "He was the owner of the watch and ring. If you are still not convinced, I can have the bank send over the information they have on file."
"No, that's okay. That's Thomas Bishop, isn't it? I wouldn't want to have any association with his murder. Here, you can have the watch and ring, as long as I get my money back from the other guy."
We assured him that he would, and left with watch and ring in hand. "I'm glad we got these back before they were sold," I said as we got into the car.
"Me, too. I'm sure Miss Bishop will be grateful to have them returned."
I buckled my seat belt and was reaching for the ignition when Henry captured my hand. He lifted it to his lips and kissed it. "What was that for?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"You're so beautiful, I couldn't help it," he replied, releasing my hand with a smile.
I smiled back, touched. "Thank you, Henry."
"Speaking of your beauty, Jo, I have a question," Henry said as I started to drive.
"What is it?"
"Are we officially – I believe the colloquial term is "dating," yes?"
I wanted to burst into giggles, but I controlled myself. Barely. "Would you like that?"
My eyes were on the road, but I could hear his grin in his voice as he replied, "Yes, I would like that very much, Jo."
"Then yes, we are."
"Will that be a problem at work?"
I cocked my head as I thought about it. "I don't think so. The OCME and the Eleventh work together, but we're not the same."
"Will Lieutenant Reece see it that way?"
I shrugged. "I don't know why she wouldn't, as long as it doesn't affect our work."
"Good." His tone sent shivers down my spine. "Because I'm not certain I would care."
We arrived at the precinct and found Hanson instructing a combined team of uniforms and Narcotics detectives. He held up a photo. "This is our mark. Tony Fields, thirty-five, scrawny, brown hair, brown eyes. He's the prime suspect in the Thomas Bishop murder. Probably carrying a forty-five. We expect him to be at Greenfield Park at three o'clock, so we'll be in place by two o'clock."
A Narcotics detective stepped forward to assign positions. Hanson saw us and came over to greet us. "Did you hear? Two o'clock. You'll be with me and Detective McGee there."
"Sounds like a plan," I told him. "We retrieved the watch and ring. I'll take them to evidence and see that they get to Emily soon." Hanson nodded and returned to McGee's side. I turned to Henry. "Want to grab a quick lunch?"
We took the ring and watch to evidence, then went outside and found a food truck. I ignored Henry's protests about unsanitary conditions and bought us both a gyro, along with one for Hanson. "Just try it," I urged through a mouthful. "You'll love it."
He eyed his gyro with a critical eye. "The things I do for you, Jo Martinez," he said, and took a bite. His eyes widened as he chewed.
"Amazing, right?" I asked, grinning.
He swallowed and said, "You're absolutely right."
Hanson met us at the elevator as we were returning. "Are you two ready to go?"
I nodded and handed him his gyro. "Let's go catch us a drug dealer."
One chapter left! Thank you to everyone who has read, followed, favorited, and reviewed. I truly never expected to get this much response to my stories. :)
Okay, bonus points time. Who can figure out what the names Thomas, Bishop, Emily, Tim, Leon, David, Tony, and McGee have in common? They're all related to a particular fandom.
Superlc529 - Thank you for your compliments once again! I'm glad you think Jo's shift made sense. KenH - Thanks! Don't worry, another story is in the works!
