Renegade (Tin Star K9 Series Book 1) by Jodi Burnett (literature books to read .txt) 📗

she’s agreed to come and stay with me for a week or two on her way home for a training intensive—as long as I provide her with room and board.”

“Sounds great.”

“Yeah. I’m hoping there’s money for training in our budget.” Caitlyn smiled but soon was tugging on the corner of her bottom lip with her teeth. “Colt, there are still a couple of things bothering me about the murder case.”

“Like what?” Colt opened the file on his desk and looked down at the paperwork he thought was ready to put away.

“Well, Tackett explained how he’d fired my gun at the range and then exchanged that slug and its casing for the ones found at the crime scene. But whatever happened to the actual evidence? Where is the bullet that killed Wendy, and the gun that fired it?”

“I’m betting he got rid of the actual evidence. Tackett refuses to tell me, but he probably threw the original slug away somewhere. I asked both Jim and Maribel what they did with the murder weapon. Neither of them would answer, but the forensic team went over Maribel’s car with a fine-toothed comb. They determined that the silver paint on the mashed quarter panel is definitely from your truck, but more importantly, they found a 9mm Ruger under the backseat. It’s at the lab now, but without the actual slug, I don’t know if they can confirm it as the murder weapon. It depends on the detail of the photos they have on file.”

“I don’t like those kinds of loose ends. I hope they can confirm what we already know.” Caitlyn hooked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Did you ever find out why Tackett’s arm was so sore?”

Colt shrugged. “He says the pain is because of an old football injury.” He closed the case folder and stood to walk around to the front of his desk. He shoved his hands in his pockets, feeling suddenly shy. “Speaking of loose ends, I was thinking, we should celebrate solving the murder. What do you think?”

“I agree. What should we do?”

He drew in a fortifying gulp of air. “Will you let me take you out for dinner tonight?” He suspended his breath and waited for her answer.

Caitlyn dropped her gaze to the floor and ran her tongue over her lip before she looked back up at him. Warmth radiated from the dark depths of her chocolate eyes. “I’d like that.”

Colt worked hard at not letting his smile get too big and goofy. “I’ll pick you up at your place then, if that’s all right with you?”

Caitlyn bit down on her bottom lip and her cheeks flushed a warm pink. “What time should I be ready?”

That evening Caitlyn slipped into one of the few skirts she owned. The turquoise fabric with its brown and gold design hung an inch above her knees and flared out full when she twirled. She belted a silky white blouse at her waist. Caitlyn didn’t own any high heels, which was good, because she’d probably break her ankle if she tried to wear them. But she thought the skirt looked nice with her dressiest cowboy boots. She had braided her hair when it was wet, and now that it was dry, it cascaded in long luscious waves over her shoulders. Caitlyn hardly ever wore makeup, but tonight she dabbed a thin layer over the remaining greenish brown bruises on her face. She applied mascara, dusted her nose with a shimmery powder, and glossed her lips.

Caitlyn felt as though she were in high school again, the way grasshoppers were jumping around in her stomach. She laughed at herself. It’s just Colt. You’ve known him almost your entire life. Still, she couldn’t shake her nerves.

Smiling at herself in the mirror, Caitlyn ran her fingers over her hair. For the first time she could remember, she was filled with clarity and purpose. She’d been in her element while helping solve Wendy Gessler’s murder and loved everything about the police work, including the thrill of danger. Things are finally falling into place.

She heard Colt’s Jeep roll up the drive, and she skipped to her room to spray a whiff of perfume on her throat—the crowning touch. Renegade followed her in and sat, watching her primp.

“I hope you don’t mind staying home by yourself tonight, Ren. But I don’t think they let dogs into fancy restaurants. At least not off-duty K9s, anyway.” She stroked his face, and he licked her hand, thumping his tail on the floor.

A knock sounded at the door. “Come on in,” Caitlyn called. Colt stepped in, and blood rushed to her head. She blinked at him. He was incredibly handsome in a dark suit jacket that he wore over a light blue shirt. He’d had a fresh haircut since she saw him earlier that afternoon, too.

“Glad to see you got your window fixed,” he said before their eyes met. His gaze assessed her, traveling up and down her frame, and an appreciative smile spread across his mouth.

Caitlyn swept a lock of hair behind her ear and moistened her lips. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear a tie. Very sharp.”

His grin broadened. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear a dress. You’re beautiful, Catie.”

Pleasure spread across her skin like warm honey at his compliment. Suddenly, her arms felt gawky and awkward—she wasn’t sure what to do with her hands. “Thank you.” She stammered, bending to collect her purse from the couch.

“Ready to go?”

Caitlyn nodded and double-checked Renegade’s food and water. She made sure he had his favorite toy to play with. “We won’t be late, Ren.”

Colt placed his hand on her lower back and guided her toward the door. “Is he gonna growl at me if I get you back after curfew?”

Caitlyn playfully shoved his shoulder. “Probably.”

It had been years since Caitlyn had gone on a date, let alone been anywhere this nice for dinner. At first, she felt out of place, but after a glass of