The Boot (Book 1)

Chapter One

"I'm just tired. I'm still going to work today, so don't try changing my mind."

Tim sighs, running his hand along his jaw. "Fine, we'll compromise."

He walks across the bedroom towards the nightstand on his side of the bed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Tim doesn't answer me. He grabs his phone and sits on the side of the bed. I silently watch him as he taps at his phone before bringing it to his ear.

TIM

I wait as the phone rings until finally, the other line picks up. "Hello?" she asks groggily.

"Bailey?"

"Yeah? Tim, is that you? Is everything okay?"

"Uh..." my voice trails off as I glance over at Lucy, her arms crossed as she looks at me with narrowed eyes. "For certain definitions of okay."

"What does that mean?"

"Look, Bailey. I can explain later. Right now, I really need to talk to Nolan. Why'd you answer his phone?"

"John is still sleeping. I can wake him, though."

"Thanks."

I hear some hushed voices on the other end of the line followed by some shuffling before Nolan speaks.

"Hello?"

"Nolan, I need a favor."

"Good to talk to you, too, Tim."

"Look, I'm sorry. It's important."

"What's going on?"

"Lucy's feeling a bit dizzy, and she's insisting on working today. But since Aaron's out, she'd be alone, and I don't want to risk it."

"You want to know if I can ride with her?"

"Yes, please."

"No problem. Celina has the day off today, anyway."

"Thank you, Nolan. I appreciate it."

"You got it."

I hang up the phone and meet Lucy's eyes.

"What's going on, Tim?" she asks.

"I want you to be safe. I don't think you should be riding alone for a 12-hour shift when you're like this."

"I'm just a little tired, Tim. I don't need a babysitter."

"Please. I'll be able to focus better today knowing I won't have to worry about you."

Lucy sighs, putting on her badge. "Fine. Who am I riding with?"

"Nolan. Celina's off today, so it works out."

She walks over to me and rests her head against my chest. "I promise you, I'm fine. But regardless, it's nice to know how much you care about me."

I hug her and place a kiss on her forehead. "I love you, Lucy."

"I love you, too, Tim."

LUCY

I arrive at work an hour later, and Nolan is already waiting for me by our shop.

"Shouldn't we grab our gear first?" I ask him.

"Already done." Nolan shrugs, handing me my body-cam.

I put the body-cam on. "Thanks for doing this. Tim's just being overprotective. I'm fine."

"If you say so." I begin to head towards the driver's side, but Nolan stops me. "I'm driving. Whether Tim's being overprotective or not, you're my friend and so I care about you. I don't want you behind the wheel when you're feeling off."