Free Gasping For Air 2 (Last Chance Romance Series) by Abigail Keam

Lillian.
    “You did the right thing getting away from your husband. Later, after all the heated emotions calm down, you can contact your daughter and mend things.”
    “That’s what I’m counting on,” Lillian smiled.
    “Lillian.”
    “Yes?”
    Masterson rubbed his chin. “I don’t mean to pry, but have you filed for divorce yet?”
    “Yes. I filed a week ago. Bob talked to my lawyer and he has agreed, so the process has started.”
    Masterson stared at Lillian as he tried to measure his next words.
    Lillian could feel the heat rise to her face. Few people looked at her so intently. It made her feel uneasy and excited. Those butterflies in her stomach were churning again.
    “I was wondering if you . . . or when you got your divorce . . .” Masterson trailed off.
    “Yes?”
    Masterson looked away.
    Lillian could see that his face was flushed.
    “I was wondering if you would . . . perhaps you might want to . . .”
    “What is it, Officer Masterson?”
    “Jim. Remember, I asked you to call me Jim?”
    “I’m sorry. What is it you were wondering, Jim?”
    The color of Masterson’s face turned back to normal. “Nothing.” Masterson stood as the waitress handed him the check.
    “I’m going to get that,” reminded Lillian, taking the check from Masterson.
    “I’ll get the car then,” offered Masterson.
    As he walked away, Lillian wondered if she had missed an important opportunity a few seconds ago. Lillian worried that she might not get another chance. If she did, she wouldn’t let it slip away so easily.

31
    J im and Lillian got back to the apartment in record time, as there was very little traffic. Jim parked the car under a bougainvillea tree. Lillian turned in her seat to talk. She was going to ask Jim if he was interested in asking her out on a date when Jim’s attention was diverted to the back door.
    Lillian was taken aback when Jim leaned over her and opened his glove compartment, taking out a gun. “Get out of the car, but stay here,” he told her.
    “What is it?” asked Lillian, scanning the building. She didn’t see anything amiss.
    “The back door has been jimmied,” replied Jim. “Please stay by the car and be alert.”
    Jim called the police station on his cell phone for backup. Within minutes two police cars rushed into the parking lot and several police officers followed Jim into the apartment building while a third stood with Lillian.
    Ten minutes later the policemen filed out the back door with Jim heading toward Lillian. Anxiously, Lillian waited quietly until Jim had finished conferring with his compatriots.
    They talked quietly for a few minutes and then the other officers left with their sirens and lights turned off.
    Jim stood near Lillian watching them turn out onto the highway.
    “Anything?” asked Lillian.
    “I’ve got good news and bad news,” replied Jim.
    “Give me the bad news first.”
    “Your apartment has been trashed.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “Someone broke in and tore the place up including your clothes. You’re going to have to buy new things.”
    “Oh dear. I think I need to sit down.” She opened the car door and sat on the car seat. “What’s the good news?”
    “We got who did it on the surveillance cameras and once my guys do the paperwork, they are going to pick up Jeremy and arrest him. He’ll go down for this.”
    “Is it over then?”
    “As soon as we pick him up, it will be over for you. You will still have to go to court. He trashed the apartment good so we can arrest him on multiple charges. His lawyer will try to plea bargain, but with Heather’s testimony, the judge might require a psychiatric evaluation.”
    “This is wonderful,” cried Lillian, throwing her arms around Jim. She gave him a grateful squeeze, but found herself not letting go. To her amazement, Jim squeezed back and they stood in the dusty parking lot hanging onto each other. They didn’t let go for a very long time.

32
    L illian was back