Chapter 23

Heidi slid into her seat without a fuss. She had put on a full face of makeup today, stunning to the point of being almost intimidating. Some rookies who had just joined the squad had only heard that Maverick's wife was drop-dead gorgeous. Seeing her in person, their jaws nearly hit the floor. Her beauty could put the station's prettiest officer to shame in an instant. The food arrived quickly. There was chili fish stew, hot chicken bites, beef strips with red pepper, and a spicy sausage skillet. The table was a sea of red. Even the plate of vegetables had a few dried chili flakes floating on top. Two years ago, Heidi could have demolished dishes like these. She lived for spice, and Maverick never missed a chance to lecture her about it. But things were different now. Heidi felt as if someone had shoved a handful of broken glass into her stomach. She was already hurting before she had even taken a bite. "Come on. Let's toast to Captain Cadwell and Heidi!" Russell raised his glas