Dead of Winter (Cold Case Psychic #15) - Pandora Pine Page 0,8

that.” Ten laughed. He took his phone back from Ronan and set it on the nightstand. “So,” Ten began.

“I knew there was a reason you didn’t join me in the shower,” Ronan challenged, wearing an accusatory look.

“Calm your hems, Ronan.” Tennyson rolled his eyes internally.

“I don’t have hemorrhoids.” Ronan grinned. “Although, you are a pain in my rosy, red ass.”

“Cute, and so close to Christmas,” Ten deadpanned. “I wanted to talk to you about the Skye Washington case.”

Ronan’s mood instantly sobered. “That poor family. I can’t imagine what the last thirty-five years have been like without their daughter.”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing all night.” Tennyson picked up Ronan’s hand. “I’m afraid to work on this case.”

Ronan’s eyes narrowed on his husband. “Because you think it’s dangerous?”

Ten shook his head. “No. I didn’t touch the file, but I could feel the evil oozing out of it. Sort of like when you feel the heat coming off your coffee mug on a cold morning, but uglier. Much uglier.”

Nodding, Ronan seemed to be mulling Tennyson’s words over. “What do you suggest we do to minimize that feeling for you?”

“That’s just it, Ronan. I don’t want to minimize it. I want to feel it. Every last drop.” Ten sounded crazy, but he meant every word.

“I’m confused.”

“Maybe you’re not the only one who misses our old job with the Boston police.” If this case had never come their way, Ten would have kept this news to himself.

“Are you serious?” Ronan’s eyes glowed with happiness.

“Yeah,” Ten admitted shyly. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, our lives have been great since you retired from the force. I don’t have to worry about you getting shot, again, or that lousy commute into Boston, but I miss helping grieving families find answers.”

“I do too.” Ronan pressed a kiss to the back of Ten’s hand. “To be honest, I was a little surprised you were all in for working on this case and the idea of Three Dicks Investigations.”

“Oh, Christ.” Ten snorted and started to laugh. “You need a better name.”

“How about, O’Mara’s Two Dicks?” Ronan smacked a kiss against the side of Ten’s head.

Ten giggled. “That sounds like the title of a super-dirty porno. And let’s face it, I have a hard enough time dealing with one dick.”

Ronan waggled his eyebrows. “He has been a bit unruly lately, but I digress. I miss helping people too. It’s been fun working at the Magick shop and getting an idea of what you do all day, but I miss solving crimes and helping families heal.”

Tennyson yawned. “I’m sorry, Ronan. For you and your unruly dick.” He snuggled closer to his husband, resting his head on Ronan’s shoulder. “It’s been such a long day with the party, and I know what we’ll be facing tomorrow.”

Ronan pressed a kiss to the side of Ten’s head. “Sleep well. I love you.”

“Love you too,” Ten mumbled. As his mind drifted toward sleep, he said a silent prayer for the Washington family and asked that his gift be up to the task of solving Skye’s murder.

5

Ronan

It was a regular Monday. Ronan and Ten got a little action before Everly started her day with a song. The snowman song. Again. Ronan got the baby changed and dressed while Ten took care of his bathroom needs. After he was done, Ten took Everly downstairs to get breakfast started while Ronan got dressed. The only difference between this Monday and all the other ones since he retired from the BPD was that Ronan was going back to work today.

He knew he shouldn’t feel giddy about what the day would bring, but he did. Ronan knew this was a second chance with his first love. He’d wanted to be a cop since he was in grade school. At least now he’d only have to deal with the investigative side of the Skye Washington case and not worry about all of the administrative bullshit. Someone would have to deal with the paperwork, but it wasn’t going to be him.

“Wow! Look at you.” Tennyson let out a wolf whistle. “I never thought that detective suit would see the light of day again.”

Everly tried to imitate her father’s whistle, but ended up blowing a raspberry.

To be honest, Ronan also never thought he’d be dressed in his navy suit and tie again. “What’s that saying about dressing for the job you want?” He knew damn well that he’d be taken much more seriously dressed like this with a badge and gun on his