Right then, I couldn't imagine ever being able to fend off an assailant of his size, but I'd seen some really petite women in the class do it.
I grabbed my towel and my water and headed toward the aluminum bleachers lined up against the wall.
My steps faltered when I saw one of the detectives who'd come to my apartment.
Detective Shelley Graves wasn't dressed for work, though.
She wore a sports top and matching pants with athletic shoes, and her dark, curly hair was pulled back in a ponytail.
Since she was just entering the building and the door happened to be next to the bleachers, I found myself walking toward her.
I forced myself to look nonchalant when I felt anything but."Miss Tramell," she greeted me.
"Fancy running into you here.
Have you been working with Parker long?" "About a month.
It's good to see you, Detective."
"No, it's not."
Her mouth twisted wryly.
"At least you don't think so.
Yet.
Maybe you still won't when we're done chatting."
I frowned, confused by that tangle of words.
Still, one thing was clear.
"I can't speak to you without my attorney present."
She spread her arms wide.
"I'm off- duty.
But anyway, you don't have to say anything.
I'll do all the talking."
Graves gestured toward the bleachers, and I reluctantly took a seat.
I had damn good reason to be wary.
"How about we move a little higher?" She climbed to the top, and I stood and followed.
Once we were settled, she set her forearms on her knees and looked at the students below.
"It's different here at night.
I usually catch the day sessions.
I told myself that on the off chance I happened to run into you off- duty someday, I'd talk to you.
I figured the chances of that were nil.