Blake settled back after reading the paper and looked at the clock. It was eleven in San Jose, late enough to call. He went into his home office and called from there.
She answered after the second ring. “Hi, Dad,” she said. “What’s wrong?”
“Can’t a father call his daughter once in a while?”
“You only call if you need money.”
Blake laughed. That was his answer to her whenever she called out of the blue. She laughed with him.
“How’s it going over there? Did you sell the house?”
“No,” she said disgustedly. “Nobody likes condos around here anymore.”
“You’ll find someone.” That was a good segue into why he called. “Speaking of which…”
“You did?” She sounded happy. Even though she had told him over and over again that he should go out and date again after her mom died, he had felt guilty broaching the subject with her. She knew they divorced for a reason.
“I have.”
“About time! Did you meet her at work?”
“Him.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Him. I met him through work, yes.”
There was silence. Here it comes, he thought, closing his eyes and waiting for the indignation.
“Oh. Oh, that’s nice,” she finally said quietly.
He wasn’t sure if that tone of voice was worse.
“Is he cute?” she asked, her tone a little more accepting.
“Ever heard of Scott Angrier? Angry Emerald?”
“No, can’t say I have.”
“He’s a superhero.”
“I thought you said you weren’t going to get involved with metas or other shifters, Dad?” He could hear her tapping on a keyboard. She was probably Googling him as they spoke.
“Things just…happened.”
“Got him. He’s not bad-looking. He’s young.”
“Younger than you.”
“You’re dating someone younger than your own kid?”
“What’s wrong with that? Do you think I really want to find some men or women my age?”
“Dad, they’re not infirm.”
“They’re mostly thinking about retirement at my age.”
“And having someone to spend it with.”
“Are you telling me what to do, young lady?”
She sighed, “No, Dad. You know he’s gay.”
“I figured that out.”
“As long as you know that.”
“Look, Diana, we’re just dating. I’m not marrying the guy.”
“He’s rich.”
“I know.”
“Richer than you and the family.”
“I know that, too.”
“You’re not doing this to feel young and fresh and new, are you?”
“Stop with the psych stuff, Diana.”
“Sorry.” She paused. “Are you happy, Dad?”
“Right now? Yes, I am.”
“I want to make sure you’re thinking straight.”
He saw that his light was blinking on his console. Who was calling him on a Sunday afternoon? Probably the law office – another shifter in trouble. “Honey, I have to go.”
“All right. I love you, Dad. Please be careful.”
“Love you too, Di.” He hung up and picked up the other line. “Thompson,” he said.
Judy Swanson’s voice came over the line. “Blake, there’s been a murder…”