Chapter 46

“You be real careful,” Clay said. “I’d rather not have to make a trip to the hospital in the wee small hours of the morning.”

“That’s right, only think of yourself,” Quint teased.

“Yep. The midnight call that you’ve been hurt messes with my beauty sleep,” Clay retorted. Then, seriously, he said, “I love you, and I want you around for a long time to come.”

“I know,” Quint replied softly. “I love you, too, so I’ll be very careful. I promise.”

“It must be nice to have someone in your life who cares,” Lou said, when Quint hung up.

“You don’t?”

Lou shrugged. “Family, yeah. But not someone on a personal level who would give a damn if I was late for dinner.”

“A good-looking guy like you should have women throwing themselves at you.”

“That’s a bit presumptive.”

“Not really. I’ve seen how some of the ladies at the precinct look at you.”

“No. I meant that I’d be interested in a woman.”

“Ah. Got it. Well, I can’t say I’ve noticed any of the men giving you the eye, but hey…”