Background
While wanting to place trust in Logan, McKenzie searches for his sister's murderer. McKenzie doesn't believe anyone would harm her, but Logan feels it's his job to protect her from the threat.
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It's Sunday morning. McKenzie and Logan have known each other 12 days.
Ending of Previous Post:
The dancing continued throughout the evening. Eventually, McKenzie rested her head against Logan's chest. "You're..."
"Comfortable," interrupted Logan as he kissed the top of her head. "You've mentioned it before."
McKenzie looked up and stared into his eyes. Their gaze continued, as their bodies swayed to the music. Slowly their lips met. The kiss lingered. A second kiss followed.
She stepped back and whispered, "I need to go to my room."
Logan nodded and watched her walk up the stairs.
As Logan petted Edger's head, he said, "I wonder if I messed up. What do you think, big guy? You know her better than me." He faced the back door. "Come on. I'll let you two out."
TODAY'S POST:
ST. LOUIS CHAPTER 25 PART 1
Early the following morning, Logan returned from his run with the dogs. On his way to the shower, he glanced in McKenzie's room and grinned. It looks like she slept well. That's good. She needed it. He showered and returned downstairs.
After his second cup of coffee, Logan answered the door and greeted Bill. "What are you doing here this early on a Sunday morning? Mac's not up yet."
"I wanted to speak with you." Bill accepted the offered coffee. "Thank you." Taking a few sips of the hot liquid, he continued, "I needed that. First, can I see the message you received?"
Logan retrieved the paper and handed it to Bill. "Hopefully you can find out who sent it or maybe some fingerprints."
Bill carefully handled the paper. "I'm hoping so, too." He took another sip. "There's no way I can convince you not to jog until we figure out who's doing this, is there?"
Refilling his coffee cup, Logan took a long drink. "I feel we already know who's in charge. That would be Sidney Parks." His eyes met Bill's. "I understand we can't prove it, yet. As for me not jogging, that's not an option."
McKenzie joined the two men and kissed Bill's cheek. "Let me get this straight. I can't jog in the mornings, but it's acceptable for Logan. Why? Parks has made a threat against him. Are we talking a double standard?"
Bill went over to get more coffee. "Mac, would you like a cup?" After she acknowledged she would, he poured her one then continued, "I don't want either of you jogging so you need to argue this with each other."
Logan studied McKenzie before he attempted to reason with her. "Because I'm in the military, I'm required to remain in shape, even on leave. I don't have any warning when I might be deployed. I could get a call within the next ten minutes or tomorrow that I need to leave. The safety of my team and myself could depend on me remaining in shape."
"I understand that. I'm not in the military, but my safety and the safety of anyone I work with depends on me staying in shape."
Bill's gaze alternated between Logan and McKenzie. "You both have made very good points, and I do understand."
"I have been in many more dangerous cities than St. Louis, Missouri. North Korea, Western Africa, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, many South American countries, and Afghanistan. Not to mention secret missions I'm not allowed to discuss."
McKenzie released a deep sigh. "I'm going to lose this argument, aren't I?"
Patting her hand, Bill said, "I'm afraid so, Honey."
"Then can I at least have some breakfast?"
Logan chuckled. "That I can take care of. What do you feel like?"
"Surprise me." She turned, walked to a closet, and opened a door.
Both men watched her walk away. Bill whispered, "What's going on? She's never given in that easy on anything in her entire life."
"I have no idea," answered Logan. He set a skillet on the stove as he continued to watch McKenzie.
Finally Bill asked, "What are you looking for?"
She held up a box. "I found it. Mom's hobby was needlepoint. I figured I need a new occupation. Maybe if I practice enough I can do needlepoint and sell it at a craft store. Do you think it'll be a safe enough occupation for me? I do need an income. My bills need to be paid." Her gaze alternated between the two men.
"My office will continue with you on the payroll. You're still my go to detective when I need one."
"If I'm not allowed to do my job, I won't be of any use, will I? I won't accept pity income."
Logan stepped in front of Bill and whispered to him, "I got this." He took the box from her and set it on the floor. "I have an idea for today. We'll eat breakfast and then go to the hospital." He glanced at Bill before he continued, "While I finish breakfast, you can set up an appointment with Mrs. Whitmore and give her the information you've discovered. After that, we can go to the gym." He took her hand. "Since Vince won't be available, can you still use the JKD mats?" When she nodded, he said, "Good. I happen to be an instructor. We can work-out and then spar. That will keep you in top condition. Deal?"
"I think that'll work. I doubt I should meet with Mrs. Whitmore on a Sunday. I can set up that for tomorrow." McKenzie faced Bill. "Can we at least do that? We've done it before."
"I'll agree to that." Bill walked over to McKenzie. "I need to stop by the office." He held up the message Logan had received. "I want this in the safe and then tomorrow I'll hand it over to the lab. Joanie's waiting for me." He glanced at his watch. "I need to hurry. She hates to be late for church." He kissed McKenzie's cheek. "See you probably later today. Tomorrow morning for sure. What time you going to the hospital?"
Logan pointed to McKenzie. "Any idea?"
"I was thinking about one o'clock. It would probably be the best."
"I'll make sure there are plenty of back-ups. See you two later." Bill left.
Logan went into the kitchen. "I'll get breakfast started. Any preference?"
"Anything will be fine." McKenzie chewed on her bottom lip. "Thank you for last night."
"I'm sure until this mess ends, we'll need a few more special nights. What do you think?"
"I agree." She turned. "I'll be in the den if you need me." Soon she yelled to Logan, "Tomorrow, I need to check with Mitch about Megan's texts."
"I would think he'd have them any day."
Characters:
McKenzie 'Mac' Morgan a 27 year old private investigator
Major Logan Nelson 34 years old and an active duty soldier
Arlo McKenzie's black and tan dachshund
Megan Nelson Logan's younger sister - murdered
The Lou local name for St. Louis
Simon Knight and Sheila Logan's former Army buddy and a Lab technician. Sheila's his wife.
Fan name for the St. Louis Cardinals - a major league
baseball team.
Yadi What Cardinal fans call Yadier Molina - Cardinal's all-star catcher.
Edger McKenzie's black and tan rottweiler
George Whitney A former boyfriend of Megan, early suspect in her murger.
John Benson Man who murdered McKenzie's parents
Bill Abbot A D.A and McKenzie's God-Father; he was a high-
school friend of McKenzie's father. Joanie is his wife.
Jose Lopez his wife is Lucy Chicago Police Department undercover police
department.
Kate Hartford Megan Nelson's friend they taught middle school
together.
Donny Carlton A man Megan Nelson dated.
Mitch Gardner St. Louis Police Department detective who has
partnered with McKenzie's dad.
Ivan Smart A bad guy
Peter and Nancy Nelson Logan's parents
Sidney Parks works for the St. Louis Police Detective with the drug unit.
Mack and Helen Morgan McKenzie's parents - both deceased
Gus Piper McKenzie's abusive grandfather - deceased
Austin Bryant an old boyfriend - McKenzie broke up with him because he's a jerk.
Joshua Davis so far a nobody, but is a neighbor to Donny Carlton
Mark Young an acquaintance of McKenzie, a state trooper, and will become important much later in the novel
