Tempted By The Badge. Deborah Fletcher Mello

her bright smile pulled from ear to ear that had him still grinning. He liked seeing her happy.

      He had cracked the eggs into the glass bowl and seasoned them with salt and pepper. A second trip to her fridge produced cheese and an assortment of vegetables to complete the morning meal. He was sliding omelets onto two plates when she returned. This time she was wearing denim jeans and a white-and-blue button-up shirt. Her hair had been pulled into a ponytail that hung down her back. She was still just as stunning. He ignored the rising sensation quivering for attention in his southern quadrant, instead reaching for the coffeepot to fill two cups with brew.

      “I hope you’re hungry.”

      “I usually don’t eat breakfast, but it smells really good.”

      “It’s the most important meal of the day. I always eat breakfast in case I don’t get to eat for the rest of the day.”

      Joanna moved to take a seat at the table as Mingus pointed to her plate. “Does that happen often? That you don’t get to eat?”

      “Sometimes.”

      Mingus suddenly reached across the table, motioning for her hands. For a brief moment the gesture caught her off guard. She eyed him questioningly, her brows raised. He waved his fingers a second time until she extended her arms toward his. He clasped her hands beneath his own and lowered his head.

      “Father God, thank You for the food we are about to receive for the nourishment of our bodies. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.”

      Joanna was still eyeing him curiously as he let her go and leaned back in his seat. He reached for his fork and began to eat. She reached for hers, poking at the two-egg omelet filled with cheese, spinach, onion and tomato. She rested her fork against the plate and reached for her coffee cup. After splashing it with hazelnut-flavored creamer, she took a sip, her eyes closing as she savored the rich flavor.

      “Coffee’s really not good for you,” Mingus said as he took a sip of his own brew.

      Joanna smiled. “So, breakfast is good and coffee isn’t?”

      “That’s what they say.”

      “So why are you drinking it?”

      “I never pay much attention to what they say. I do what I want, when I want.”

      Joanna took another sip. “Works for me,” she said, tossing him a look of complicity.

      Mingus resisted the urge to smile, his game face sliding into place. He swallowed a forkful of eggs, the melted cheese and vegetables bursting with flavor in his mouth. For a moment they both sat savoring the meal, neither saying anything until Joanna spoke.

      “So, what’s on the agenda today?”

      “I’m going to take you to Ellington’s office, so we can figure out his next steps. After that, you’ll come back here.”

      “I need to get my personal belongings from my classroom and I need to pick up my car.”

      “You can’t do that. I’ll get your things for you. If you go within ten feet of the school, it will violate your bond.”

      She suddenly thought about the news segment, her face plastered across the television screen. People thinking she was a criminal when that was farthest from the truth. “I was on the news this morning. They called me a predator. A child molester. And they posted my picture. Suddenly, I’m guilty before I’ve even had the chance to prove my innocence.”

      There was the faintest hint of sympathy in Mingus’s tone as he answered. “I know.”

      Joanna sighed softly, took up her fork and began to eat. She suddenly paused, the utensil stopped in midair. “You said we’re going to figure out your brother’s next steps. What are you going to do? And what am I supposed to be doing?”

      Mingus narrowed his gaze, amusement sweeping across his face. “You are going to sit tight and say out of trouble. And you’re not going to worry about what I do.”

      Her gaze skated across his face, trying to read the emotion staring back at her. She finally shook her head, rising from the table as she grabbed his plate and hers. “Well, I can tell you now that’s not going to happen, so try again, Mingus Black. I need answers and I don’t plan to leave your side until I get them.” She tossed him one last look as she turned, moving to drop the plates into the kitchen sink.

      Mingus watched as she rinsed the dirty dishes and moved them into the dishwasher. Her pronouncement came with much attitude in her tone and her body language showed she didn’t care whether he agreed or not. Her expression was stoic, her emotions tightly contained. She was learning not to show her hand and he was impressed. He appreciated her determination, even though he sensed she was going to be a royal pain in his ass.