Blue Smoke

Unclipped her weapon and laid it down. Unbuttoning her uniform shirt she frowned at the serviceable white cotton bra.
    She was going on another shopping trip, she decided on the spot. For sexy underwear. Nothing in the regulations about a female officer’s underwear. And knowing she had something pretty and female underneath would be good for her morale.
    With that idea in mind, she ran herself a bubble bath, lit candles, poured a glass of wine.
    And read about fire while lounging in the tub.
    When the phone rang, she let the machine pick it up.
    She listened with half an ear to Gina’s bubbly voice inviting the caller to leave a message, then pushed up, sloshing water, as the next voice came on.
    “Hello, bitch. All alone? Maybe I’ll come see you. Been a while, bet you missed me.”
    She was up, water guttering out candles. Dripping and naked, she dashed for her weapon, pulled it out of the holster. Gripping it, she yanked on a robe as she hurried toward the door to check the locks.
    “Probably a prank,” she said aloud to soothe herself with her own voice. “Probably just some asshole.”
    But she checked the windows, the street below.
    Then she played the message back twice. The voice wasn’t familiar to her. And the phone didn’t ring again.

    T hey didn’t make a ball game, or the Friday movie. Her schedule or Hugh’s threw them off. But they managed a quick burger at a place near the fire station.
    “Gina’s packed and unpacked three times,” Reena told him. “It’s like she’s going on safari instead of taking a couple days at the beach.”
    “Never knew a woman who didn’t pack twice what she needs.”
    “You’re looking at one.”
    He grinned at her, bit into his burger. “Yeah, we’ll see about that when you get there. You sure you got the directions okay? I can put off leaving until tomorrow night if you’re worried about getting lost.”
    “I think we can manage it. Sorry I can’t leave sooner, but Gina’s stuck until tomorrow afternoon anyway. The three of us will cruise on down. We should be there by midnight.”
    “I’ll keep the light on. This works out. Gives me a chance to open the place up. Hasn’t been used much this season. And I can stock in some food. I hear you can cook.”
    “I was born with a saucepan in one hand and a bulb of garlic in the other.” Plus she liked cooking, the act and the art. “Why don’t you pick up some shrimp? I’ll make us some scampi.”
    “Sounds great. You should make good time. Middle of the week, that late at night. You won’t hit much traffic once you’re into North Carolina.” He glanced at his watch. “I figure I’ll hit Hatteras by two in the morning. If I get going.”
    He hitched up his hip, took out his wallet and tossed bills on the table. “There’s no phone at the cottage, but you can call the market in Frisco and they’ll get word to me.”
    “You already explained, Daddy. Don’t worry about us.”
    “Okay.” He rose, came over to bend down and kiss her. “Drive safe.”
    “You, too. See you tomorrow night.”
So easy. Pathetically easy. Nobody up and around in bumfuck.
    Take me home, country roads.
    Great night, lots of stars but no moon. Just dark enough, just deserted enough. Passed him five miles back, so he’ll come right along. Pick your spot, get started.
    Pull off the side of the road, open the hood. Could set up a flare, for good measure, but some other stupid son of a bitch might stop.
    Only time for one tonight.
    Just one.
    And he’ll stop. Oh, that’s a given. Do-gooders always stop, the Good Samaritans. Wouldn’t be the first you’ve taken out this way. Probably won’t be the last.
    Got the old rattletrap. Redneck asshole you stole it from will just have to cry in his beer. Got the flashlight. Got the .38.
    Lean against the hood, whistle a tune. Might as well have a smoke, pass the time. He’ll be coming along in a minute.
    Lights coming, best look helpless. Step out just a little, hold up a hand. If it’s not him, just wave them on by. No thanks, I got it, you say. Just got her going again, thanks for stopping!
    But it’s him, all right. Big man in his big blue Bronco. And, predictable as sunrise, pulling over to stop, lend a poor guy a hand.
    Walk right on up to the door. It’s better if he doesn’t get out.
    “Hey!” Big relieved smile, shine the light in his eyes. “Boy, am I glad to see you.”
    Hugh shielded his eyes against the glare of the flashlight. “You got