QUOTE : Mike?” Sam asked. “I didn’t expect to see you.” “I decided not to call ahead, sir,” he said. “I thought—” Brie appeared from around the corner, standing behind her dad. “Mike?” she asked in equal surprise. He smiled. “You look good,” he said, relieved. “Great. You look great. I was saying I didn’t call ahead because I thought if I just came here, maybe I could lure you out of the house for a while. If I’d called, you’d think of a million excuses.” She actually took a step back. “I don’t know…” “How about Folsom,” he said. “Enjoy the mountains, walk around the shops, have a little lunch, maybe stop at a vineyard or two. Just a few hours, just for some fresh air and maybe a little practice at facing the public. You have to get out in the world eventually.” “Maybe not this soon…” “It’s only soon because you haven’t done it. You’ll be safe, Brie.” “Of course, but—” “Brie,” Sam said. “You should take advantage of this. Mike is a trained observer, a cop with years of experience. You couldn’t be in better hands.” Mike gave his head a slight bow in Sam’s direction, respectfully. “Thank you, sir. You’re welcome to join us.” He laughed. “No, I think I’ll pass. But this is a good idea. Brie,” he said, taking her hand and rubbing it between his, as if warming it, “you should go out for at least an hour, maybe two. Mike’s come all this way….” She looked at him pointedly. There might have been a glare in her eye. “You didn’t tell Jack you were doing this, did you.” It was not a question. “Of course not. He would have tried to talk me out of it. If you needed someone to pry you out of the house, he’d want to be the one to do it.” He grinned. “I couldn’t risk that.” She seemed to think about this momentarily. Finally she said, “I’d better change.” “Nah, you’re fine. Folsom isn’t any fancier than your shorts. Let’s just do it. You won’t be out longer than you’re comfortable.” “Dad…?” “This is a good idea, Brie. Go out for a while. Have lunch, a glass of wine. I’ll be right here when you get home.” Mike