Flirting Under a Full Moon - By Ashlyn Chase Page 0,2
laughed. “Maybe you were there too many times when we were kids. What’s going on?”
“I quit.”
Konrad’s jaw dropped. “The force?”
“Yeah, what else do I have to quit?”
“Why?”
Nick fidgeted in his seat. He couldn’t very well say his brother’s high-profile court case had damaged his credibility, could he? Just because they looked exactly alike and Konrad had incurred public wrath and humiliation, Nick couldn’t be absolutely sure that was the only reason his honor had been questioned—more than once—even though he had done nothing to deserve it. He hated the idea that it might be his brother’s fault.
“I was butting heads with some of the guys.”
“What about?”
Nick shrugged. “Nothing in particular. John Q. Public has been pissing me off too.”
“Are you sleeping?”
“Not well.”
“You look like you’ve lost weight.”
Nick glanced down at his baggy Dockers. “Yeah, maybe a little.”
“Sorry, Bro. I hate to say it, but it sounds like symptoms of depression.”
Nick laughed. “Me? What do I have to be depressed about?”
Konrad gave him a sympathetic smile. “You just stood up for me as my best man. Maybe without realizing it…”
“You think I’m jealous? Of you?” Nick was about to let out another bellowing laugh, but he thought better of it. He didn’t want to insult his brother—or his new sister-in-law. Roz was a great girl and Konrad had found his true mate. Marriage was right for him. Nick didn’t want to settle for less than that, and he didn’t have to. He just had to be patient—correction—more patient, but it better not take much longer. At one hundred and one years old, Nick’s secret wish was to find the right one without being attached to the wrong one.
“So tell me about quitting the force after nine years. It can’t be over a few personality clashes.”
Nick shifted uncomfortably. “What are you, my shrink now?”
“No, of course not, but you called and said you wanted to see me.”
“I was bored.”
Konrad leaned back in his big, oak armchair. “You were bored? You interrupted my workday because you were bored?”
“Hey, sorry I bothered you.” Nick rose, ready to walk out.
“Stop. I didn’t mean to run you off. You’re here now, and I’m sure you weren’t in the neighborhood. Newton isn’t exactly around the corner.”
“Nah, you’re right. I should let you get back to work.”
“Not if you need me. Look, I know you’re not telling me everything. What’s going on?”
Nick let out a long sigh. Konrad was right. There was more to it than just quitting his job. His lifestyle didn’t hold the same glamour it once had, but he didn’t dare voice that thought. Everyone was quick to tell him he needed to find a nice girl and settle down. Better to blame his boredom on job dissatisfaction. “I need to work for myself. I’m tired of taking orders, but I don’t want to give them either.”
“Then you’re kind of fucked.”
“Not necessarily. I thought of a way to work for myself without taking on a bunch of pesky employees. I’m getting my PI license.”
“Private investigator?”
“No, public idiot. Of course private investigator. I’d be perfect for it. With my experience as a cop, I know the law—and how to get around it. As a paranormal PI, I can corner a niche market. There aren’t any others in Boston.”
“I don’t know,” Konrad said. “Public idiot sounds a lot more fun.”
Nick snorted. “Well, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to be a paranormal PI. There’s only one thing left to do. I need three upstanding citizens to vouch for me.”
“So that’s why you’re here?”
“That and to see my brother and his lovely wife.”
“Stay for dinner. I’ll give Roz a call.” Konrad picked up the phone.
“If it’s no trouble. Since she’s an attorney, I was hoping to ask her to be one of my three upstanding citizens.”
“I’m sure she’d be honored.”
“I’ll get out of your hair and see who might be hanging around the teachers’ lounge. Is it okay if I stop back later to see what she says about dinner?”
“Why don’t you wait a minute? Then you won’t have to interrupt me twice.”
After a brief conversation, Konrad ended the call with a whispered endearment. He grinned and hung up.
A pang of envy took Nick by surprise. Damn it, maybe he and everyone else is right. All I need is the right girl…wherever she is. So why is it taking so long?
“Roz said she’ll thaw another steak. Not to worry. You’re always welcome.”
“Thanks. Well, I’ll let you get back to work. What time should I show up at