Chapter 23
Eric sat beside his girlfriend and listened to her chatting happily with his former partner and the rookie. The moment was serene for him; the woman he loved got along great with his friends and was currently kicking their butts in a hand of poker.
“Flopped trip nines.” Jenny announced as she revealed her hole cards.
A chorus of disappointment and the raking of plastic chips echoed in the dining room. The killer made another twelve dollars off the peace officers. Officer Lee took a long pull on his beer before pulling out another twenty.
“McGill, you’ll have to chip me up again; your girl is robbing me blind.”
Eric obliged with a handful of colorful discs and a grin.
“I told you, Jenny was a good poker player. You were the one who said this game should be for cash.”
Jenny kissed her doting boyfriend on the cheek and tittered with Jenkins about the latest episode of their favorite show.
“No, they can’t kill him off, he’s going to be getting married later this season. It’s got to be Louisa who gets axed next week.” Jenkins argued.
The murderess shook her head and shuffled the cards deftly.
“No chance. Louisa is clearly in love with Artie’s fiancé and Artie has no other usefulness as a character; they have to give him a dramatic death—probably on the day of his wedding—or have his fiancé leave him at the altar to spice up the show.”
“Ladies, how about we leave the soap opera stuff for later?” Teased Lee as he peeked at his hand.
Jenny watched him and the others while they looked at their cards. She found herself counting the checks they had in front of them. Clearly, Lee didn’t like what he saw and neither did his rookie.
“I’ll leave the show convo for a moment to take your money, Lee. Raise to three bucks.”
Officer Lee stared her down, glanced back at his cards, and mucked with a curse. Jenkins folded. Eric laughed and tossed his cards in the pile.
“Sweetie, I love you, but I think I’ll keep away from you at the card table. How about we call it a night?” He said.
With a round of farewells and hugs, the gathering concluded, and the happy couple straightened up. Jenny loved the rush winning gave her. She watched Eric putting away the chips and decided that this relationship could work. All she had to do was keep her ‘hobby’ secret.
Officer McGill patted Figment as he passed. He set his hands on Jenny’s hips and pulled her in for a better kiss. Their lips danced for a few minutes before the pair paused for breath.
“Jenny, I’ve been thinking.” He began. “I’m here most nights; maybe it’s time we thought about moving in together?”
The killer was taken aback. She blinked rapidly and leaned away. In her head she was having a frantic argument with herself.
He’ll find out what you do. It’s only been a few months. You can’t stop killing.
Eric is wonderful; you love all the same things.
He is a cop, and you exsanguinate people for amusement.
Eric is really good with Figment. And the backrubs.
He won’t be able to stand you when he finds out about your hobby. It’s too big a risk. Where will you live? Won’t matter, you’ll be in a cage in no time if you accept.
Jenny opened her mouth fully intending to tell Eric McGill ‘no’. Instead she heard herself saying, “Yes. Absolutely.”
Eric sealed the deal with a long embrace and a deep kiss. Jenny lost herself in his arms and let her concerns be pushed aside. The lawman guided her backwards and soon the couple was in the bedroom.
***
Jenny and Eric sat perusing websites for a place to move. McGill pulled the laptop closer as he pointed out a condo uptown. The murderess slid the computer across his lap and skimmed through the half dozen pictures.
“It looks like the last tenants were colorblind and the HOA fees are through the roof.” She commented.
“True, but we can repaint and with two incomes we can afford the fees.” The officer replied.
Jenny scrunched up her nose and looked quizzically at her boyfriend. Eric shook his head and clicked the button back to the main search page.
“Or you could move in with me. My place is bigger.” He paused. “Or I could move in here; you have more stuff to move so it would probably be a lot simpler.”
“We need a place that belongs to both of us. As much as I like your place and love mine, we need one that is ours. IF you still want to do this, of course.”
Eric shut the laptop and twisted to nuzzle Jenny’s cheek.
“Of course, I still want to move in together.”
He ran his lips along her neck and softly nibbled her ear. Mentally, the killer cursed herself for agreeing to the change. Physically, Jenny relaxed and flipped open the computer. She was smart enough to make this work.
Why can’t I have my hobby and my relationship? I’m a smart woman.