I hate my job.

Ginny’s good will had come to an end as she managed to push her way toward the edge of the crowd, away from the band. Closing her eyes, she hoped Brogan was having a good evening because, as a cop, she was tired and grumpy and it was only ten p.m.

The crowd was more than what was expected, but she shouldn’t be surprised. The local bands were good so the promise of good music, good food, and alcohol had pulled in hundreds more people to keep an eye on.

Finn’s block party to raise money for the American Legion and Baytown Fire Department was in full swing with two blocks of town closed off to traffic and people were milling about in great numbers. The food trucks lined one end and she had seen Mexican, Barbeque, Chinese, and Cajun. Then there was the dessert trucks with funnel cakes, snow cones, donuts, and fried Oreos. The scent of food was tantalizing, initially, and after her fourth trip around the perimeter, she was starving.

The other end of the blockade was a temporary stage for the evening’s entertainment and quite a few people were dancing on the street, just in front of it. As she walked along the sidewalk in front of the closed businesses, in the old, brick buildings that lined the town’s business end, she could not help but admire the history of Baytown.

The sound of teenagers rang out and she quickly moved through the crowd to check out the situation, only finding a group calling out loudly to each other as they danced and laughed. Children scooted among the adults and she saw a few parents darting behind them. Looking to the side, she saw Torrin and Glenda Shadwell, their two daughters walking with them. The family looked happy and, as she passed, she offered a smile, pleased when she received one in return.

Making her way to Finn’s large tent behind the pub, she stood to the side for a moment, admiring the MacFarlane’s set up. It had been Katelyn’s idea and it was a good one. The customers had to go to one side of the tent where they showed their ID to get an alcohol wrist band and their name was entered into a database. Each time they went through the line, the bartenders used a marker to make a black slash on the sturdy plastic. Keeping up with those who came back often, Brogan or Aiden would cut them off. It made for a few pissed off customers, but Brogan was determined to cut down on the number of drunks staggering around. Most of the town was very impressed and as a police officer, she had to admit it was a great plan.

Brogan caught her eye and grinned, making his way toward her. Bending down, he kissed her lips, whispering, “How you doing, babe?”

“Fine, although, would you be pissed to hear me say that I’ll be glad when it’s over?”

He chuckled, “Nah. To be honest, it’s been bigger and better than we expected, but I’ll be ready at midnight to shut it all down as well.”

“Oh, God, two more hours,” she mumbled against his lips.

“Hey, Romeo, wanna get me a beer?” someone shouted from the line.

Brogan kept his lips on Ginny’s while flipping off the customer. Leaning back, he grumbled, “I gotta go.”

“Me too. See you later.”

With a wave, she continued around the perimeter of the masses, observing that the evening was going well. Families were out, their children dancing to the music. Couples were circling the dance floor, as well as moving along, hand in hand. She nodded to the other officers and deputies as she walked.

“Officer Spencer,” she heard and, turning around, spied Helen rushing over to her, wearing a blouse with a bright blue cat embroidered over the breast pocket.

“Helen,” she greeted.

“I just wondered if that peeping man had been caught yet.”

“No, ma’am. But we are working the case diligently.”

The older woman patted her arm, “Oh, I’m sure you are. If you ever want some of my cookies, dear, just come by anytime.”

Smiling her thanks, Ginny watched as Helen wandered off in the crowd. Turning around, she spied Al Barton wandering along, his beady eyes jerking around. Eyeing him for a moment, she determined there was no reason to try to follow him, so she continued walking down the sidewalk.

Looking to the side, she almost ran into Corwin Banks and his wife. “Mayor, Phyllis,” she greeted, noting his apparent good humor.

“Officer Spencer!” he shouted, making sure to be heard over the crowd.

“Corwin,” Phyllis said, “you don’t have to shout. It’s not an election year.”

“Just wanted to be sure the good Baytown officer, here, could hear. I’m sure her ear is trained for any unruliness.”

Rolling her eyes, Phyllis smiled sympathetically at Ginny before moving on to greet someone else.

“Well, I have to say that I didn’t think your boyfriend’s plan would work, but this is bringing in quite a bit of money,” Corwin said, his chest puffed out. “I know the proceeds from the sales here go to worthy causes, but with so many out-of-towners, the hotels and inns are full, and I’ve heard the town restaurants have had full houses today. Excellent, excellent.”

Ginny smiled, not wanting to belabor her conversation with the mayor and hating the way the word boyfriend left his lips, but his nephew walked up and smiled at her, halting her escape.

“Officer Spencer, nice to see you again,” Robert said, his gaze drifting down to her chest.

“Robert,” she said, realizing how much like his uncle he was. Wow, to be such a smooze at a young age. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Oh, yes. I find the quaintness of the town to be fascinating.” His gaze drifted to the side as a group of young women walked by in tank tops and short shorts, twirling their hair and popping their gum. “And the diversions to be exceptional.”

As he turned to follow, she called out, “Those happen to be teens, Robert.” He looked back at her before his eyes cut over to his uncle, who had now engaged someone else in conversation, then hesitated. “Just make sure to check the ages of anyone you decide to…uh…party with. Age of consent is eighteen in Virginia.”

His wide-eyes narrowed suddenly as he stepped back closer to her. “I appreciate the warning, Officer. I’m sure I can handle myself.”

With that, he walked away, but she noticed he walked in a different direction than the young girls. Turning, she decided to head toward the food trucks but had only made it half a block when she ran into Silas. And from the pinched expression on his face, he was no more glad to see her than she was him.

“Officer Spencer,” he said, making her name sound like something unpleasant he stepped in.

Knowing he had been against the block party, she smiled and said, “Isn’t it exciting how successful this endeavor is? And everyone is having such a good time!” She added the last in a sickly-sweet voice, just to irritate him, knowing it was childish. It was all she could to do to keep from sticking her tongue out at him.

“We’ll see, we’ll see,” he sneered. “By the time we add up the expenses for the extra trash removal and,” his gaze swept her from head to toe, “the added police protection, who knows if this was profitable to the town or not.”

“Part of the proceeds go to the town’s fire department,” she reminded, “and the added police protection is on a voluntary basis. So, I think when you crunch your numbers, you’ll be impressed.”

He said nothing for a moment, his Adam’s Apple bobbing, before turning to walk away, tossing out, “There’s very little that impresses me about the police or the pub. Very little.” With that, he walked away, leaving Ginny to fume in his wake. She was surprised to see Celia make her way to him, but even more surprised to observe Celia place her hand on his arm, which he shook off before hustling away. The pissed expression on Celia’s face almost made up for the irritation Silas had cause. Lordy, this job is making me so catty.

Her stomach grumbled again and she continued down the block. Coming to a food truck, she recognized a few of the workers, the tantalizing odor of spicy Mexican food meeting her nostrils. One called out to her and, as she made her way over, they handed her a soft tortilla filled with flavorful meat and beans, with a hint of queso.

“Just like you like it, Officer Spencer?”

“Oh, Manuel, thank you,” she gushed, her stomach ready for some food. Taking a big bite, she grinned, the flavors mixing in a delightful way on her taste buds. Pleased that he remembered she did not like food too spicy, the delicate blend of flavors was perfect. Grinning as she grabbed a napkin to wipe her chin, she continued along her patrol, her mood much improved.

* * *

Brogan looked over the crowd, amazed at how many people came to the block party. It seemed as though most of North Hampton County had come, as well as some people from the Virginia Beach area. He knew the main band they had booked was local, but gaining popularity, and for the little fee they charged, it was a steal. Marking another customer’s wrist band, he also marveled at Katelyn’s idea. He, Katelyn, and Aiden had spent time trying to figure out the best way to control the flow of alcohol at the event, while still turning a profit. Working with Mitch, they decided to keep track of those who drank so that they could not cut off their wrist band and apply for a new one. The customers were told when they showed their ID that the bartenders would have ultimate say in who could and could not buy more beer. So far, it was working.

As his gaze traveled over the crowd, he observed couples, from teens to elders, strolling around, hands held tightly. Sighing, he wished that he and Ginny had the opportunity to enjoy themselves instead of both working.

A couple of teenage girls came up to him, attempting to buy beer. They flashed their eyes and one leaned forward so that she almost flashed her entire breasts to him, in an effort to gain his favor. “Keep moving,” he barked, his brow lowering as he glowered at them. “You want beer, you go over there and prove you’re old enough. Then, and only then, will I even consider serving you.”

“Bastard,” one grumbled under her breath.

“Girls, what are you doing here at the beer tent?”

Brogan looked up and saw James standing nearby. The girls giggled and rushed over to him.

“Oh, Mr. Smithson, isn’t this a great party?”

“What are you drinking? Care to share?”

More giggling ensued and Brogan rolled his eyes. Barely noting the customer in front of him, he watched James carefully. If that man so much as even looked as though he would share his alcohol with those teens, Brogan would be over the bar in a flash.

“No sharing, girls,” James said, moving back slightly to add more distance between he and the girls.

“Hey, Brogan.”

Brogan’s attention was diverted by Ben, up for another beer. “Hey, Ben, how’s it going?”

“You got a great thing going here, man. This is fabulous.”

Handing him a beer and marking his wristband, Brogan nodded. “Thanks. ‘Preciate it.”

Ben turned, taking a sip, and saw James with his groupies hanging around. “Geez, I see it at work and damned if I don’t see it when I go out.”

Brogan’s attention was pulled away by the next customer and when he looked up again, the girls were gone and so was James. Good riddance.

Loud voices at the other end of the beer tent grabbed his attention and he hustled over to see what was happening.

“I’m telling you, your name is already on the list,” Katelyn was saying. Gareth was standing at her back, his stance protective.

“I ain’t got no band on my wrist, so I ain’t been here yet,” the man yelled, staggering slightly.

“Just because you took it off after you were shut down at the bar does not mean you get to start over,” she said, her voice firm.

“Mister, you need to move on,” Gareth said, just as Brogan and Aiden made it to the table.

Ginny walked up, assessing the situation, her gaze jumping from the man to Brogan. With a slight nod his way, she placed her hand on the man and said, “You need to move on, now. They’re not serving you anymore. In fact, it looks like you’ve already had enough.”

He whirled, his face red with anger. “Shut up, bitch. This ain’t got nothing to do with you.”

In a flash, Brogan scaled over the counter, his size not hindering the speed with which his arms pressed down and his legs swung over. Ginny blinked at his agility, before jerking her gaze back to the inebriated man.

“Oh, the big guy’s gonna come over here now,” the man sneered, staggering more. “You ain’t gonna do nothin’ with this bitch cop standing next to me.”

“No, I’m going to do something,” Ginny said, reaching for his arm as she spoke into her shoulder radio, calling for assistance.

The man made a swing as Brogan stepped forward, but Ginny tried to place herself between the drunk and Brogan. Unable to duck in time, the blow caught her on the jaw, knocking her backward.

Brogan roared as he saw red, grabbing the man by the throat. Regaining her balance, Ginny moved quickly, pushing her body into the fray.

“Brogan, let him go. I’ve got this.” With zip ties, she secured the man’s arms, still yelling at Brogan. “Let him go, or I’ll have to arrest you too!”

He dropped his gaze to hers, his growl emanating from deep within, “No one hits what’s mine.”

Standing to her full height, which still left her eyes having to look way up, she narrowed her eyes and said, “I may be yours, but right now, I’m a cop. Let. Him. Go. Now.”

“Bro,” Aiden’s voice came from behind, calm and gentle. “Do as Ginny says. She’s got him.”

He loosened his fingers and the man fell backward, Ginny taking his weight, stumbling slightly. “Yes, ma’am. By all means, do your job, Officer Spencer.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Brogan dropped his chin to his chest, regretting the sarcastic tone. “Ginny, I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant—”

Grant made it to the tent and, taking the man’s other arm, said, “Come on. Time to sleep it off.”

Brogan looked at Ginny, a red bruise on her cheek forming, blinking to battle the tears, and the hurt in her eyes, as she glanced back at him. “Fuck, Ginny, I’m sorry.” She gave a curt nod and walked off with Grant and the drunk, the crowd parting for them.

Brogan looked over the gathering, his mom and dad looking on, worried expressions on their faces. Turning he saw Katelyn and Aiden standing behind him and he bit out, “Can you handle this?”

Both nodded as Gareth said, “I’ll take your place. Go on. Take a walk and cool off.”

“I need to go to her—”

“Let her do her job, right now, Bro,” Aiden said, his voice still calm as he placed his hand on Brogan’s shoulder. “She’s fine and you need a breather.”

“I need to fix this—”

“Brogan,” Katelyn said, stepping up to him, her blue eyes pinning him in place. “You and Ginny are fine. Shit happens. Arguments will occur, but it’s okay. You and Ginny love each other and you’re still learning to be a couple.”

Brogan sighed heavily, his hands on his hips and his eyes staring at his boots. “I’ve never told her I love her,” he confessed. “But I do.”

“Then I suggest you rectify that situation tonight…along with your apology.”

He lifted his head and said, “But what if…” His voice trailed off, unable to put words to his fears.

“No ifs, Bro. She loves you. She’s doing her job right now, but if I had to guess, she feels as badly as you do.”

Uncertain they were right, he nodded toward Gareth. “Thanks for filling in. I’m just going for a walk, but I’ll be back for cleanup.” With that, he walked away from the block party, leaving the noise, music, and laughter behind. With no particular direction in mind, his feet eventually took him down Main Street to the town pier. Walking along the wooden planks, the dark, moonlit waves washing against the pylons, he sat down heavily, leaning back against the sides. The memories of his first date with Ginny on this very pier assaulted him.

Rubbing his hand over his face, he cursed his temper and the look on Ginny’s face when he made a snide comment as she was doing her job. Chuckling ruefully, he thought back to his last counseling session, when he had discussed his anger and sense of guilt. Charles had been so proud of him for telling his story to Ginny and encouraged him to continue to work on letting go of guilt. Now, I fuck up and have more guilt to deal with. And this time, it is my fault. God, is this what dating a cop is going to be like? Knowing she could get hurt at any time. And if I step in, then I take away her control and authority?

After thirty minutes, he grew tired of his pity-party and knew it was time to head back. The music from the band could still be heard and, he had to admit, they were talented. The crowd appeared to have had a good time and the money raised for the American Legion and Fire Station was beyond expected. Trying to focus on the positives, he knew it was a losing battle, as long as things were unresolved with Ginny.

Stepping off the pier onto the sand leading to the street, he saw a dark shadow nearby. Halting defensively, he opened his mouth to speak, but the shadow spoke first.

“Hey.”

The soft voice curled around his heart bringing peace as his breath caught in his throat. “Ginny,” he whispered, his low growl carried away in the night breeze.

She stepped into the light of the nearest streetlamp and looked up at him. Her left cheek was bruised and slightly swollen. He wanted to roar before going to the police station, pulling out the drunk and seeing how he felt having a bigger man punch him in the face. Sucking in a deep breath, he pushed that thought out of his mind.

Ginny stepped closer, still keeping her distance, uncertain of Brogan’s feelings. “I wanted to check on you, when they said you left.”

“You went back to the block party?”

Tilting her head to the side, she said, “Yeah. Once we got the drunk into the tank, we went back. The party still has another thirty minutes until it’s over and I know there will be some cleanup, as well as making sure the crowd disperses.”

Swallowing, he nodded, “I need to get back. I…uh…took a walk.”

A light chortle slipped from her lips as she said, “I kinda got that.” Sobering for a moment, she said with less lightheartedness, “Well…I better get back. I just wanted to check on you.” Turning, she was halted as his quick steps brought him next to her, his hand on her arm.

“Can I walk with you?”

Nodding slowly, but without smiling, she replied, “Of course.”

Silently, they walked the three blocks to the corner where Finn’s stood proudly, the beginning of the party. Brogan looked over at the alcohol tent, now closed for business during the last half hour of the concert, seeing Katelyn, Gareth, Aiden, and others putting the alcohol away while swaying to the music. He knew he needed to be over there helping, but hated leaving Ginny’s side with so many emotions unsaid.

“Ginny, I owe you a big apology for the way I spoke to your earlier. It was rude and uncalled for—”

“Shh, Brogan. We can talk later.” She smiled up at him, jerking her head toward the tent. “Go on. You’ve got work to do and so do I.”

“Will I…uh…see you…later?” His voice sounded strange, even to his own ears. Swallowing deeply, he steadied himself for her rejection. Instead, his eyes jumped down as she placed her hand on his arm.

“Of course,” she replied. “We both have a lot to do, but I’ll see you when I get home.”

“Home?” he asked, his voice hopeful.

“Yes, silly. Home.” Her brow creased as she said, “I was thinking of my house, since it’s closer, but would you prefer yours?”

The weight on his chest lifted as he said, “If you don’t mind, I’d rather wait and go with you. Either house…doesn’t matter, but…I’d…uh…really like to just be with you.”

“Okay,” she said, her smile warming his heart once again. “We’ll go home together.”