Just as she was about to walk out of the station to go talk to Sienna, Sean stopped her near her car.
“I want to go with you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Lana, I’m worried about you.”
“I don’t need you following me around twenty-four seven, Sean. I can handle myself and have been for years. Come over for dinner tonight, okay?”
“I don’t like it, but all right.”
* * *
Feeling safer after her visit with Sienna, Lana headed home. After some sack time, she went into the kitchen and began to prepare the meal.
She’d had a ball of apprehension lodged in her stomach, and the thought of eating didn’t appeal to her. What was the matter with her? Why couldn’t she feel relief now that the test was over?
Was she in the process of trashing her career? Why wasn’t she more alarmed? Why did the thought of never becoming captain not fill her with panic? It’s what she worked her whole life toward.
The soft knocking on the door sent her into the foyer to let Sean in.
She wanted to go into his arms and let him hold her, but that would be giving in to her weakness. And she never gave in.
“You okay?” he asked, sliding his hand into her hair and cupping her cheek.
“I’m fine. Dinner is almost ready.”
“What are we having?”
“Salmon steaks, rice, salad and a nice bottle of white wine.”
“How did it go with Sienna?”
“I told her everything, including the backdraft suspicion.”
“What did she say?”
“She’s going to pick up John Fisher and consult with Bryant.”
“She’s a good cop. She’ll get the job done.”
Lana nodded and pulled the fish out of the oven and dished up two plates. “It’s out of my hands now.”
Setting them on her small table, she lit the candlesticks and turned off the lights.
“This is nice.”
“It is, and when I get the kitchen remodeled and painted, it’ll be even better.”
“The last project for your bungalow.”
A demanding knock sounded on the door, startling Lana. She pushed her chair out and went into the foyer. When she opened her door, her father, his face twisted with fury, stalked into the house.
“Dad…”
“What is this I hear about you actively going against orders and investigating arsons?”
Sean came in from the kitchen. When Lana’s father saw him, he pointed a finger at him. “And you’re still sleeping with a squad member. This is too much, Lana.”