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“The latest budget numbers are on your desk, Captain,” Tim announced, “and they’re looking better than last year’s.”
“Great. Thanks, Tim.”
“Oh, and you’re expected to speak at the criminal justice conference next month.”
“Alright.”
“Do you need me to prepare a speech for you?”
“No. I think I’ll just say whatever inspiring thoughts enter my mind at the moment.”
“OK. Here’s that stack of resumes you wanted for the vacant detective spot.”
“Thanks. I’m sure going to miss Sean. I can’t believe I’m still here and he’s gone. I guess working in the private sector had more appeal. He’ll get to be his own boss and have more time for his family. Maybe that’s what I should have done.”
“Who are you kidding, Frank? After being a captain you’d never be happy working as a lowly private investigator, although it would be cool to have your own business.”
“You’re probably right. I’ll try to get to those resumes this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest. Do any stand out to you?”
“There were a few that looked good. I put those on top for you.”
“Wonderful.”
“I also have those crime statistics you wanted to review.”
“Good. If there’s time, I’d like to go through that whole report with a fine-tooth comb to see...”
Before he could finish, a knock on the door broke Frank and Tim’s concentration. Tim rushed to open it once he realized who was there.
“Gina,” Tim greeted her.
“Hi, Tim. Am I interrupting anything important?”
“The usual,” Tim replied. His eyes lingered on Gina, taking notice of her low-cut top, short skirt, and high heels. “You look...nice.” Tim caught himself before saying something offensive in front of Frank.
“Thanks.”
“I take it you’re not here to see me,” Tim guessed.
“No.”
“Too bad,” Tim muttered under his breath.
After getting a good look at Gina, Frank’s desire to review crime statistics evaporated. “On second thought, Tim, why don’t you look over those reports and give me the highlights.”
“Sure, boss.”
“Hey, honey!” Frank greeted Gina warmly and gave her a kiss. He pulled out a chair for her and sat back down at his desk.
“Hey there, Captain. Do you have a little time for me?” Gina flirted. She stepped around the chair, settled herself on top of his desk, and crossed her legs.
“I’ll clear my schedule. I am the boss, you know. I can do that now. Tim’s going to be rather busy, but I think he can handle it. So, what are you doing here on your day off?”
“Can’t I take my husband to lunch?”
“No, but I can take you to lunch. Maybe an extended lunch.”
“Now you’re talking,” she agreed. “I like the sound of that.”
Frank could tell Gina was pleased with the changes he’d made over the last few months. He felt like he was on the right track and his efforts were making a difference. Gina was happier. She smiled often. She was playful and alive like she used to be, and because she was happier, he was happier. Since promoting Tim, his relationship with Gina was better than ever. He was sure even Tim could see that, and Frank had to admit it felt good to rub his face in it a little from time to time.
Gina slid down from Frank’s desk and took a seat on his lap. She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a big kiss.
“Want to fool around?” he teased.
“Will that be all, Captain?” Tim interrupted. “And do you mind if I leave the room first?”
“Sorry, Tim,” Frank replied. “I forgot you were still here. Go see if the conference room is set up for our weekly meeting.”
Tim looked thoroughly disgusted. He turned his back on them and left Frank’s office, shutting the door behind him.
“I’m sorry,” Frank said to Gina, “but I just couldn’t resist. The look on Tim’s face was priceless.”
“You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”
“Immensely. Anyway, I figure if I keep him busy enough he won’t have time to mess with you. Does my strategy seem to be working?”
“I barely know he’s here except when I’m in your office.”
“Good. That’s just the way I like it. You know, it’s strange. Tim reminds me of myself when I had that job. He actually makes a great lieutenant.”
“Not as good as you were, I’m sure.”
“No, but give him time. He’s working pretty hard to impress me. I think he’s got his sights set on my job someday. You never know. It could happen. He is the next most qualified person in this department right now, which is scary.”
“Terrifying, but it certainly would be interesting,” Gina speculated.
“Knowing Tim, the first thing he’d do as captain is make you his personal assistant, and then I’d really have something to worry about.”
“If that ever happens, I promise I’ll transfer! But for now, I’m going to enjoy having you in power. Everyone here does. They don’t just like you, they respect you too. At least, that’s the word on the street.”
“Good to know.”
“And don’t worry. Tim is the only one foolish enough to mess with the captain’s wife. To anyone else, it’s pretty much career suicide.”
“For sure.”
“Have you heard the latest rumor going around?” Gina asked, trying her best to look serious. “It’s some pretty juicy gossip.”
“No, I haven’t. What did you hear?”
Gina leaned closer and whispered in his ear. “Rumor has it one of the detectives is sleeping with the boss,” she teased.
“I know for a fact that’s not just a rumor,” Frank played along. “Have I told you lately how good it is to have you back?”
“Yes, but I never grow tired of hearing it.”
“Now don’t assume having a personal relationship with the boss is going to get you a promotion. You have to earn it like everyone else.”
“And I will,” Gina said with determination.
“I know you will.”
“Maybe someday I’ll be boss.”
“Well, I know I believe in you, just like you always believed in me. I wouldn’t be here without the love of a good woman who enabled me to follow my dream. That reminds me, Friday is our sixth anniversary, and I’ve got a little surprise for you.”
“What is it?”
“You’ll just have to wait. For now, let’s leave here for a bit and get some lunch. Tim can handle things until I get back.”
“I’m really starting to like this new Frank. I could get used to this.”
After lunch, Frank walked back to his office on cloud nine. Things were good, really good, in his life. He and Gina had come a long way. Perhaps their lengthy struggle to get here had been worth it after all. Frank thought about how hard he’d always had to fight for everything in life. Nothing had ever come easy. He knew anything worth having took effort, and there was always a risk that someone would try to take it away from you. It was because of his revived effort that things had turned around. He realized he had to give his personal life the same close attention and dedication he gave his professional life. Of course, that meant there had to be compromises and sacrifices on both sides, but it appeared to be working out alright.
“Should I gather everyone for the meeting, Captain?” Tim asked, interrupting Frank’s thoughts.
“In a minute. Sit down.”
Tim looked back at Frank, already certain he was in trouble.
“After that look you gave my wife, I feel the need to remind you of our agreement.”
“I know, Frank. I’m sorry, OK? I forgot myself. Give me a break.”
“You and I work side by side, and you’re going to run into her. I suggest you keep this visual in your head any time you see her, especially after I leave this place someday. If you ever feel the need to flirt with my wife, touch her, or even look at her in any way that could be interpreted as creepy, you’ll find yourself staring down the barrel of my gun. Understood?”
“I’m only human. I have eyes, Frank. What am I supposed to do?”
“If you see Gina coming, steer clear of her, even at the risk of seeming rude. If she comes to see me, excuse yourself and leave my office until she’s gone. If I really need you, I’ll come find you.”
“Fine. Are we done?” Tim shifted in his chair uncomfortably.
“There’s one more thing. The same goes for my daughter if she should ever come visit me, or foolishly decide to come work here in the future, heaven help her.”
“Aren’t you being just a little paranoid? She’s what now, five?”
“Just making sure all my bases are covered. Now we’re done.”
“Way to crush a man’s spirit, Frank.”
“You’re welcome. Trust me, it’s for the best.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. You and Gina belong together. You’re the man. Now can we please move on and get this meeting started?”
Satisfied that Tim had been properly put in his place, Frank agreed. Maybe he had gone a little overboard, but he was not about to let anyone jeopardize his family again, especially now, just a few days before his anniversary. He was determined to do it right this time.
When the evening he had been waiting for finally arrived, Frank told Gina to meet him downtown because he was running late. Unfortunately, fate had conspired once again to create a crisis on their special night, and Frank knew it was something Tim would struggle with on his own.
“You should go, Frank. I think I can take it from here. You don’t want to keep Gina waiting.”
“Are you sure? It’s my mess too.”
“Yeah, I got it. Happy anniversary.”
“Thanks, Tim. That’s very nice of you.”
“And it would be awfully nice of you to remember this on my next performance review.”
“I’ll make a note of it.”
Frank raced off to meet Gina, violating a number of traffic laws along the way. He found her standing out on the sidewalk, looking a bit worried. Her expression quickly changed once she saw him.
“Frank!” she called excitedly and ran to embrace him.
“Did you think I wasn’t going to show up? I guess I can’t blame you for that. I know I’m a little late.”
“Well, you’re here now, and that’s what matters. Besides, you’re not that late, but I’m afraid the restaurant you wanted to take me to is closed tonight for a private party.”
“That’s just our luck, isn’t it? How about if I try talking to them? Maybe they’ll sneak us in if I tell them it’s our anniversary and beg a little.”
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Gina sighed.
“You never know if you don’t try. Come on. Let’s talk to the manager.” Frank confidently led her inside.
“Where is everyone?” Gina asked, completely unaware this was all part of Frank’s plan. “Doesn’t it seem odd to you no one’s here at this hour? There’s supposed to be a party going on, and I see the band over there, but they’re not playing.”
“That’s because they’re waiting for you. The band is here to play just for us, and the whole place is ours tonight. Happy anniversary, sweetheart.”
Gina was speechless and wide-eyed. Her smile continued to grow.
“Oh, and the chef will make whatever dinner your heart desires. But I’m not done yet. There’s more. Gina, on our honeymoon, I felt bad I could only watch you dance. I wanted to make this night all about you and what I knew would make you happy, so I learned to dance too. Are you surprised?”
“Frank, I can’t believe it! Did you learn how to salsa?”
“I attempted it but was unsuccessful. It didn’t exactly come natural to a guy like me, nor did it take very long to realize that a man my age learning the salsa would be ridiculous. I was afraid I’d hurt myself. I also think it looks so much better when you do it.”
Gina laughed. “So, what did you do?”
“Well, my teacher noticed I wasn’t having much fun, but I didn’t want to give up, so she suggested I try something else. After learning more about you, and us as a couple, and why I was taking lessons, she thought the perfect dance for us would be the more reasonably-paced and romantic tango.”
“The dance of love and passion,” Gina added.
“Yes, that’s the one. After a couple lessons, she thought I actually had some potential. So, think of it as a work in progress and something we can learn together, although I’m sure you’ll catch on much faster than I did.”
“When did you have time to do all this?”
“There’s a place just down the street from the precinct that offers lessons, so I sneaked over there every chance I got, including a couple evenings when you thought I was still at work. It turns out you can add some extra time to your day just by skipping lunch, so I not only learned how to dance, but I lost a couple pounds in the process.”
“I thought so. Wow! I’m shocked and so impressed!”
“I hope this proves just how much I’m willing to go the extra mile for you and how much I love you.” Frank watched her gorgeous smile light up the room.
There he was, thought Gina, still master of the grand gesture. It appeared he had outdone himself to impress her. This was the Frank she used to know but hadn’t seen in years. She was thrilled to finally be seeing him again! Gina just stood there, staring at Frank in disbelief, until he took her by the hand and led her to the dance floor. The band began to play music fitting of a grand ballroom.
“I know it’s not the sultry latin rhythm that suits you, but I hope you’ll learn to appreciate it the way I do.”
“I like it. It’s classy. Maybe you could teach me some new moves.”
“I hope so. I’m no expert,” Frank admitted, “but I’m confident I know enough to dance with you and not look stupid. I learned I’m actually quite capable of doing this dance reasonably well if I put in the effort.”
“Sounds like a metaphor for marriage,” Gina commented, taking on a more serious tone.
“I suppose marriage is a dance, and right now that dance is the tango. Now, picture our worst fight ever and channel the energy and intensity of that argument, while at the same time, remembering how crazy in love we are in spite of it. Think you got it? Let me show you.”
“I’m still having a hard time believing you’re my husband! This is like some fairytale! I’m not sure I could love you much more than I do right now,” Gina said, wiping away joyful tears.
After a romantic evening of dinner and dancing, they shared dessert, and their thoughts turned to enjoying each other’s company at home.
Frank reached across the table and took Gina’s hand. “You know, we never did finish celebrating our anniversary last year.”
Before she could respond, Gina noticed him shift uncomfortably. “Your phone is vibrating, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Right on cue as usual. How did you know?”
“You looked distracted.”
“I’m sure it’s Tim, but I’m not going to answer it.”
“You’re not the least bit curious?” she tested him.
“It can only mean trouble.”
“And it doesn’t bother you?”
“Oh, it bothers me, but I’m in the middle of something far more important right now. There, it stopped.”
Two minutes later, it started again.
“It’s him again,” acknowledged Frank.
“So, you’re still not going to answer that?”
“No. I’ll deal with the fallout in the morning. Tonight I’m all yours.” The buzzing resumed, but Frank kept his eyes on Gina.
“Can I see that?”
“Sure,” he said and handed the phone to Gina, who promptly deposited it into her water glass.
“There. That should solve the problem.”
“No big deal. I’ll also pick up a new phone in the morning.” Frank wasn’t bothered. He could see the satisfied look on his wife’s face and knew he had done the right thing.
Gina smiled when she thought about what had actually happened. The truth of the matter was that she had asked Tim to call Frank. She simply had to know if her husband’s change in attitude was real, and he had passed the test with flying colors! Still, Gina believed he was better off not knowing what she had done. She let that be her little secret, and they went home to make up for lost time with a passionate night together.
A few days later, Gina watched Frank confidently address the department. She sat back and studied him while he spoke, taking in all his familiar gestures and mannerisms. He had a look of satisfaction and fulfillment on his face. Frank was doing what he loved, and it showed. He had that special charisma that made him a great leader. As much as Frank had accomplished so far, Gina could see he was destined for even greater things. That’s my husband, she thought, beaming with pride and convinced no other man could ever measure up to him. As a couple, they shared a special connection of the mind and the heart. He was her soulmate, and they had a bond that could never be broken. Gina had been with her share of lovers in the past, but Frank would always be the one great love of her life. Although she wasn’t sure what she had done to deserve such a genuinely good man, she knew no one else could ever love her the way he would.
Of course, the whole time Gina was admiring him, Frank was admiring her. She would always be the most captivating woman he had ever laid eyes on. Gina was the mother of his children and the keeper of his heart. Six years into their marriage, he still couldn’t believe she was his. She had stayed by his side and never left him, even when she had every reason to. But Gina wasn’t perfect, and neither was he. They had each made their share of mistakes, but that was behind them, and all was forgiven. Somehow, they had weathered the storm and were enjoying smooth sailing. Frank knew the future would bring even greater challenges for them, but he was ready to take them on. While Frank was committed to being a great captain, what mattered most to him now was keeping his commitment to Gina. Someday his career would come to an end, but his love for his wife would last a lifetime. Spending the next forty years with the same woman never sounded so good, and he planned to do just that. After devoting his life to investigating violent crimes, he had come to realize the most important case he ever solved was a case of the heart.
