Because I usually had to wait a month or two in-between, I was pretty much happy that anything was happening at all. And trying to talk with her abou... it turned into a quiet war and the time between intimacies would at least double. So I just grinned and bore it.***** After climbing out of the shower, I made my way into the bedroom. Amy had begun going through her carry-on bag and the small suitcase that made it through the flight. “So, what’s the damage? Do we need to find somewhere to. I trotted to first and the relieved crowd cheered. I wasn't going to let him off the hook entirely though.While he was concentrating on Pete I got a good lead. As soon as he started his delivery I took off for second. I was pretty fast but it would have been close if their catcher hadn't screwed up and threw too high.When I saw the ball go past I popped up and headed for third, making it easily. It was the first time either team had a runner past second the whole game. It looked like it was up. ”“My ‘normal’ visit doesn’t include blood work,” Bev said.Liz sighed.“I drew milady a bath,” I said, hoping to end the inquisition.“That’s why you were so obnoxious all morning,” Mom chimed in. “If it’s private, that’s fine. But we are your family, Liz. Or ... I will be your family soon, I suppose. We care about you.”“I know you do,” Liz said, giving my mother the full-wattage smile. “I’m glad that you do. I care about you, too. It was ... my monthly times have been...”“Missing,” I supplied.The. She said she wanted a man with higher aspirations than being a mall cop. I think she just couldn't handle being with a man with this dangerous of a job, never knowing when the store manager might show up at her door to announce my demise.And for the record, I ain't no fucking mall cop. I am an investigator. I sit in a room full of cameras, watching the store for shoplifters, watching the employees for theft. And sometimes, I just watch. The name's Marlowe, Sam Marlowe and for the last two years.