Free SH Medical 08 - The Baby Dilemma by Jacqueline Diamond Page A

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    While some guys figured he was crazy to give up a steady paycheck and a pension, Mike had ambitions. In another half-dozen years, he might run for the powerful job of county sheriff. He considered it a plus to have the experience of owning a firm and making connections in the business world.
    He parked to the side, leaving spaces open for customers, although most often he met clients at their homes or offices, or dealt with them by phone or email. His steadiest sources of income were contracts with a couple of local companies including Kendall Technologies, but he also drew clients from the internet, the Yellow Pages and referrals.
    The display on his watch said 7:47. Although the agency didn’t open until nine, he preferred to arrive early, especially this week, when they were shorthanded.
    His laptop case slung over one shoulder, Mike unlocked the outer door and collected the fliers and envelopes that had dropped through the mail slot on Saturday. Usually, he worked that morning, but Erica had asked him to chauffeur some out-of-town wedding guests. All safely returned home by now or enjoying West Coast vacations.
    Inside, a steep staircase led to the second floor. To his right, a small sign pointed the way to the service elevator. Not an ideal setup but handicapped clients usually preferred to have an agent come to them, anyway.
    Mike took the stairs at a fast clip, unlocked a second door and stepped into his domain. Pristine paint and carpeting, along with framed certificates and commendations, emphasized the office’s professionalism. A few chairs and couches—although he rarely kept anyone waiting—faced the reception desk that in another hour would be staffed by Sue Carrera, the bilingual secretary who’d worked for the previous owner. Mike also spoke fluent Spanish, which had proved useful with foster kids and in his police work.
    The suite held private offices for Lock and Mike, plus a report-writing room that doubled as an archive and as Patty’s base of operations. Mike was glad she’d decided to leave the police department and work for him, a decision that was paying off now that she’d married and had a six-year-old stepdaughter. Although she put in some odd hours and occasional weekends, she had a lot of scheduling flexibility.
    Mike was also glad he didn’t have to deal with the time conflicts that went along with child rearing. In his opinion, that really held a person back on the job.
    As he switched on his laptop, he glanced around the office to make sure it looked presentable for a client. On Friday, as usual, he’d cleared the broad desk. Aside from a file cabinet and framed certifications on the walls, the place made no pretense at decor. Not likely to impress Mrs. Jones, but a cut above the messy P.I. offices in the movies.
    After opening a window—air-conditioning just didn’t keep the place fresh enough to suit Mike—he sorted through the mail, discarding the junk and tucking the bills into a drawer. Then he took out his reading glasses and sat down to read his email.
    At 8:45, he heard Sue arrive and soon afterward he smelled coffee. A few minutes later, Patty stuck her head in the door. Short, straight blonde hair topped her square face as she called out her standard, “Hey, boss.”
    “How’s it going?” he asked.
    “Just ducky.” She beamed. The down-to-earth detective had been blooming with happiness since last November, when she’d married Alec Denny, the hospital’s embryologist. “Heard anything from Lock?”
    “I hope he has better things to do on his honeymoon than call his brother.”
    “Gotcha. Hey, you and the doctor cut quite a figure on the dance floor.” She eyed him curiously. “I thought you two didn’t hit it off.” She’d witnessed their first meeting a year ago, when his remark about Amazons had annoyed Paige.
    Although Mike didn’t like discussing private matters, his change of address would soon be public knowledge. “I’m renting a room