The Gadgeteer

Chapter 6

ARABETH MOVED THE map to the kitchen table. Marble walked the edge of the tabletop, sniffing and scratching the paper, regardless of how often Arabeth picked her up and put her on the floor. Arabeth gave up, making a mental note to bleach the tabletop later. Hicks moved quickly, pencilling in new information.

How much of the family conversation had he heard? Could she ask him to pretend to be her fiancé, just to shut her mother up, or would that be cruel to him? He was a good man and a better friend.

In their teens, they'd discussed the concepts of life and love, and he'd appeared interested in her. Her heart and mind fixated on gadgeteering as she worked to prove herself worthy of inclusion in her Grandfather's projects.

"Have you thought about marriage?" she asked. "I mean, you must have entertained ladies in the past. Why aren't you married? You seem functional from here."

His face flushed red, and he put his pencil down. "I'll be happy to prove it."

"No, I get it," Arabeth fought the sudden urge to fan her face and turned her attention to the map. "Back to work."

Still, she stole glances, wondering why Hicks had never married. He was visually appealing. He could be charming... at times. He was a better gentleman than most.

Even in these modern times, a broken engagement would hurt his reputation. She wouldn't do it. He might eventually want to marry, and she refused to be a scar on his reputation. It would be better for her to go on a few blind dates and convince the men she was never, ever marrying again, thank you very much.

"Look," he said, tracing his finger around an area, drawing her out of her thoughts.

"A pattern! Great work, Hicks."

"You know, when we're alone you can call me Sam."

She felt a blush rise up her face and bent closer to the map to hide the colour, wondering what was wrong with her. She was too young for menopause, so why did her body heat keep spiking up?

"I mean, we are friends," he said, half-teasing.

"Can we focus on the map, please?" She waved her hand to redirect his gaze to the map.

Hicks leaned forward and pointed to the southwestern corner near the river. "I think we should start there."

"It has zero incidents. To my way of thinking, that's suspicious," she agreed. "Do you think they're hiding something there?"

"Perhaps... what's the theory?" Hicks asked.

"Marble caught an uncommon scent in an alley earlier. She followed it, but I couldn't go with her. I'm hoping if we go to that quiet area, she'll catch it again before something happens." They had chased little more than a rumour and a shadow before, after all.

Hicks reached out and scratched Marble between the ears. "She is a clever little thing."

This was all starting to feel a bit too comfortable and cozy. It was nice having Hicks back in her life, but they weren't the same people they'd been seven years ago. She was probably being overly sensitive because of her mother's visit, she decided.

"Are you sure you're not needed back at the station?" she asked.

Hicks smiled. "I suspect you overestimate my usefulness at the station level."

She narrowed her eyes as she examined his expression. He had to be kidding.

"Seriously?" His eyebrows lifted. "You know, I'm a detective now... I'm rarely there, especially when things get busy."