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Dan put the finishing seasoning on his five-cheese tortellini. He wasn’t sure how well Dinah tolerated spicy foods, so he went easy on the red chili flakes. The mushroom sauce, which involved sour cream and cream cheese and several other ingredients, would probably be sufficient to give it a rich, robust flavor.
He smiled as he scooped helpings into bowls. He felt happy. He was happy.
And it had been a long time since that had been true.
“Does he always cook like this?” Dinah asked Maria. The two woman stood behind the kitchen bar watching.
“Nope. Just when he’s in a good mood.”
“So that means...?”
Maria nodded. “Very.”
Jimmy and Garrett joined them, grabbing bowls. They all took them into the living room to eat. Garrett pushed a few buttons and soon Mr. K was audible from the television monitor above the hearth.
“How’s my team doing?” K asked. The happiness must be infectious, Dan thought, because K’s voice sounded just as jubilant as he felt.
A chorus of positive responses answered his question.
“And how are you, Dinah?” Mr. K asked. “Are you finding the room upstairs satisfactory?”
“Compared to what I’ve had in the past, it’s the Taj Mahal.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased.”
Dinah looked from side-to-side. “Am I the only one who thinks it’s weird to talk...”
“...to a disembodied voice?” Dan shrugged. “You get used to it.”
“But...I don’t know where to look when I talk to him.”
“And the wonderful thing is—it doesn’t matter.”
“Okay, fine. Mr. K, I’m really grateful. But I don’t want to be a burden.”
“Dinah, you stay just as long as you like. We have plenty of room.”
“You don’t need the space?”
“Not unless we hire another lawyer. And I don’t think we need another lawyer.” He paused. “Though it occurred to me that a paralegal might be useful. Someone to help out with the discovery and the paperwork. And you know, certification only takes six months.”
Dinah turned toward her brother. “Is he telling me this for a reason?”
“Everything K does is for a reason.”
She nodded. “I’ll bear that in mind.”
“By the way,” K continued, “I made that contribution you requested, Dan.”
“Thanks. You can take it out of my salary.”
“No need. It’s a good cause and I can use the tax deduction. But the point is...I think they’ll be amenable to any suggestion you make.”
Jimmy appeared clueless. “Am I supposed to understand this?”
“No,” Dan replied.
“Oh. Well, that’s good.”
K continued. “What happens next, team?”
“Well,” Dinah said, “Dan says he’s going to teach me to kite-surf.”
“Are you excited about that?”
“Honestly? I don’t even know what it means.”
Maria placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It will be okay, dear. We’ve all done it. It’s like a rite of passage here.”
“That and playing Gloomhaven,” Jimmy said. “I see you as more of a warrior princess, Dinah.”
She grinned. “I like the sound of that. Do I get to carry a sword?”
“And shield.”
“And beat up bad guys?”
“In the game. Mostly orcs and ogres.”
“Deal me in.”
“What about you, Dan?” K said. “Other than kite-surfing. Any plans?”
“Yes.” He stood, pulled Maria up, lifted her into the air, and kissed her as hard as he possible could.
The kiss went on and on.
“Geez,” Jimmy muttered. “Stop already. It’s like watching Mom and Dad make out. Ick.”
Dinah giggled. “Do they do that a lot?”
“No, thank God. Let’s hope they don’t start.”
Maria pulled away, though she was still up in the air. “Okay, Casanova, stop. Enough.”
“What? You didn’t like it?”
A slow smile crept across her face. “I did. But...you know. Not in front of your sister.”
“Of course.”
“You know,” Mr. K said, “for possibly the first time ever, I wish I were there to see what’s going on.”
“I’ll send you a video,” Jimmy answered, putting away his phone.
Maria whirled around. “You made a video?”
“Just a little something for social media.”
“Jimmy! Destroy that immediately.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“Dessert.”
“Okay. Deleted.”
“One last thing,” K said. “Garrett, have you talked to the prosecutor’s office?”
“I have. And I’ve talked to Jake as well. They’ve cracked the guy from the raid Dan led. He’s talking. They’ve made several arrests. I think the cartel is finished. At least around here.”
“And Sweeney?”
“They don’t have enough on him yet. But Jake thinks it’s just a matter of time until they bring charges. And even if they don’t—he’s been hurt. Badly.”
“A wounded shark is dangerous.”
“True. But I think this one’s already in a cage. They just haven’t quite locked the door yet. But they will. Thanks to Dan.”
Dan shook his head. “I had lots of help.”
“Don’t minimize it,” Garrett said. “I know I’ve criticized you and the way you do things. But you’ve done a great public service. You’ve made this town a better place to live.”
“I was just...doing my job.”
Garrett placed his hand on Dan’s shoulder. “You’ve done much more than your job. You’ve done more than I would’ve imagined possible.” He paused, drew in his breath, then spoke again. “Your father would be very proud of you.”
* * *
Dan had three stops before the day was done. Happily, Dinah had agreed to accompany him.
First stop, the children’s museum. It only took him a few minutes to track down Beth Kramer. She was teaching some schoolkids about fungi. When she finished, they talked.
“Beth, you mentioned that you needed volunteers. I’ve brought you one. This is my sister, Dinah.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “Your sister? So there are more like you out there?”
“As it turns out.”
“Good. The more, the better. This will keep the city in line. Until you get around to having your kids.”
“Wait a minute—”
Beth looked at Dinah. “Does he at least have a girlfriend?”
“Does he ever. Super-smoochers.”
“That’s a good start.” She took Dinah’s hand. “I am so glad to meet you. Do you like children?”
Dinah looked unsure. “I guess we’re about to find out.”
Beth laughed. “Fair enough.”
“Dinah is thinking about taking some classes in the fall,” Dan explained. “but I thought she’d like to have something to do till then. And I can’t think of anyone better to work with.”
“You flatterer. And you’re going to teach a cooking class this weekend?”
Dan tilted his head. “If you insist.”
“I do. But bring Dinah. She looks like she could be a big help. And nothing personal, but she’s way cuter than you.”
Dinah blushed.
* * *
The trip to the rescue pound took no time at all. PetSmart took even less. But it did take him a while to locate Mandy. Navigating the tunnels was more complicated than he remembered.
But he found her, nestled behind the unattached door in the tiny nook she called home.
He’d wanted this to be a surprise, but the animal started announcing himself the moment Dan knocked on the door.
Mandy pushed the door to the side, saw the puppy, and clapped her hands together. “You brought me a puppy?”
Dan handed the tiny chihuahua mix to her. “Rescue dog. He needs a home.” And you need a friend.
She took the dog and cradled it close. “Aw. You remind me of my Bustopher.”
“I know you can’t replace someone you’ve lost but...I don’t know. I hated to think of you living out here alone.”
“It’s not so bad. Seen worse. Storm didn’t come.” She lifted the puppy up and he licked her face. “Aww. I think we’re going to be good friends.”
“I’m certain of it. He’s seen the vet, gotten his shots and whatnot. I brought you some food and water and doggie dishes. I’ll check back with you periodically to see how...you’re both doing. And when you’re ready to move, I know a place you could go.”
“I don’t want no charity.” She pressed her nose against the puppy’s. “I think we’re going to be fine right here.”
He hoped she would change her mind later. But maybe having someone to take care of would be the first step in her recovery. The next step could be an indoor apartment.
“Did you find your sister?” Mandy asked.
“Sure did. I can never thank you enough for your help.”
She looked up. “Does the dog have a name?”
“Nope. That’s your job.”
“Then I’m going to call him Dan. Is it all right with you?”
He twisted his neck. “Eeeh...if that’s what you want.”
“It is.” Mandy had tears in her eyes. “This is the best thing you could possibly have done for me.”