Passion in James County XVI
Martin got Ann's suitcase out of the car and led her up the steps into the large, modern apartment building where his daughter and her fiancée lived.
"Martin, are...are you sure this is all right?" Ann asked nervously as they approached one of the apartments on the second floor. "Are you sure I'm not imposing on your daughter?"
"Stop worrying," Martin said, "like I told you, Melissa's only too glad to help out." He knocked on the door, which was answered almost immediately by a petite redhead dressed in a gray sweat suit that had "Lincoln County Sheriff's Dept." in red letters on the shirt. She was quite attractive and bore a remarkable resemblance to Martin.
"Daddy!" the girl said. She gave Martin, who was blushing furiously, a hug and a kiss. Then she stepped back, looked at Ann, and smiled. "You must be Ann Wallin," she said. "I'm Melissa Flannigan." She offered Ann her hand.
"Come on in, both of you," Melissa said after she and Ann shook hands. She looked at her father. "You need help with that suitcase, old-timer?"
"I'll give you old-timer," Martin snapped, grinning.
Melissa showed Ann the spare bedroom, then they went out to join Martin, who had made himself comfortable on the sofa. Melissa plopped down next to her father, and Ann sat down in a big over-stuffed chair opposite them.
"Bill's working night tour this month, so he won't be in until after two a.m., unless he or his guys catch a call," Melissa said. "Do you have to get back right away, Dad?"
"I've got a meeting with Jamestown P.D. in the morning," Martin said, "so I really should head back. Besides, with Ann here, there's no place for me to sleep. I'm sure as hell not going to sleep on this damn sofa of yours. It's lumpier than your gravy."
