The 20th Victim (Women's Murder Club #20)(84)

I thought of the many times Cindy had been instrumental in solving crimes with her press card, by being the dogged bulldog she is. I remembered her taking a bullet and bringing down an armed killer on the block where I lived.

I said, “I feel the same way about you, Cin. You’re the best.”

Back at the table, we made a coffee toast to the Women’s Murder Club, and to how lucky we all were in our jobs, and our friendships.

Claire said, “I’m gonna add some heavy cream to that.”

She creamed her coffee, and then all of us, even those who hadn’t had real cream in years, dosed our java.

I looked around at my three friends and thought how we didn’t take our luck for granted. We never did.

We split the check and, soon after, went home to the men and children we loved.

May it always be so.