files she was working on. “Well, I’ll let you get back to it then, but don’t exhaust yourself. If you need to go home early this week, do so. We need to keep you healthy from now on.” He stepped out of the room, but then leaned back in with a questioning gaze. “If you don’t mind my asking, who are you seeing?”
“Dr. Bart Eckert. I have a standing appointment with him on Friday’s, but I had Melody clear my schedule so that I’m only out of the office during my lunch break.”
“That’s fine. I’ve heard good things about him. He was a good choice.”
* * *
By late that afternoon, Julie was admittedly drooping energy-wise, so she headed down to the hospital coffee shop. She’d been digging through her purse as she stood in line for change when the man in front of her put his hands over hers and told her, “Don’t worry about it. I already paid for it. A venti mocha, right?”
She looked up into his weary blue eyes. “Brian! I’m so sorry. I didn’t even notice you standing in front of me. I must need the caffeine more than I thought I did. Thank you.”
They slid down the counter to wait for their drinks and Julie couldn’t help noticing the lines of fatigue on Brian’s face. “You look exhausted. Are you okay?”
He rubbed his hand over his face and grimaced. “Yeah, I have to admit I could use about twenty straight hours of sleep at this point, but it’s probably not going to happen.”
She knew he was working the rapist case, which with the escalation of that suspect to serial killer, probably just meant more pressure from the higher ups in his department. Poor Brian. It seemed like he was constantly overworked. “Do you ever think about quitting? You know, go do a job where you could live a normal life?” The barista handed them their drinks and they sat down at a little table together to chat.
He gave a dry, humorless chuckle. “Only every other day, but this is my job and it’s important, even if it’s rough a lot of the time. Someday I’ll probably have to make a choice between a life and the job, but right now, this is all I have so I’m okay doing it.”
And that was just sad. She’d forgotten the vow she’d made at the wedding to find someone for Brian. He deserved so much more than this half-life that would burn him out within the next five years. He needed something more.
He studied her. “So how are you feeling? I’m surprised you’re already back.”
“I’m good. I’ll be better after this caffeine, especially since it’s going to be a late night. Pete and I have a Krav Maga class tonight, although I’ll admit I plan to let him handle the bulk of the work on this one.”
“Pete?” Brian frowned down at his coffee cup. “Um, have you talked to him lately?”
“I didn’t talk to him, but I texted back and forth with him earlier to remind him about the class tonight. Actually, I texted with all three of the guys: Pete, Lyle, and Stephen.”
Brian glanced around the patrons around them, before turning back to Julie and lowering his voice. “I know Pete isn’t teaching the classes on behalf of the police department. It’s a volunteer thing, but you probably should know that he’s been suspended.”
She shook her head. “Pete Larson? Why? I don’t understand. Why would they suspend him? He didn’t mention it at all. When did this happen?”
“Julie,” he glanced around to make sure that no one was paying them any attention, “I can’t share any of the details, but he has some personal things going on that have interfered with his ability to do his job. Just keep an eye on him. Honestly, I’d be surprised if he even showed up tonight. If he does, though, don’t let on you know about the suspension unless he says something about it. I probably shouldn’t have even mentioned it.” The scowl deepened between his eyes. “You have my cell number, right? Call me if there are any problems.”
Julie frowned. What kind of problems could Pete be having that would cause Brian this kind of concern? “My friend, Toni, is dating him. Should I tell her something? You’re acting like maybe he could be dangerous.”
“No, no. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give you that impression. He’s just been acting a little erratic lately. It’s really just an administrative