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to the others tonight, about the hospital scene down here.”
    The dinner had been a big success in Venn’s eyes. He and Beth had been seated at a table with four other couples, all doctors and their spouses. Beth didn’t know any of them, so Venn felt immediately less out of place. And the other couples proved to be engaging company. None of the significant others were cops, but one husband was a veteran of the Navy, and he and Venn hit it off right away.
    And the food was outstanding. Venn attacked his seafood paella hors d’oeuvre and lobster entree as if he hadn’t seen a decent meal in weeks, and was embarrassed to discover he’d finished before everybody else. As he mopped his mouth with his napkin, he glanced guiltily at Beth, who winked at him.
    He had two glasses of wine, making them last the entire meal. Usually he’d have a few more, but since Beth had stopped drinking when she learned she was pregnant, he’d cut down a little himself. It didn’t seem fair otherwise.
    Maybe he’d treat himself to a nightcap in the hotel bar, later.
    The dinner had gone on until half-past eleven, and gradually they’d begun to filter out. The night was still warm outside, the afternoon heat radiating off the sidewalks. The sky was clear, a black velvet cushion studded with diamonds.
    “Take a walk?” Venn suggested. Beth nodded happily, and linked arms with him.
    There was no rush to get home. No pressure to do anything at all. Beth had an early start the next morning: she was going to breakfast with a bunch of colleagues, to discuss a possible research collaboration, and after that the conference program began at eight. Venn, who wasn’t a morning person, thought he’d stay put in bed.
    They ambled along a gentle curve in the marina. Up ahead, a sleek boat was berthed in what looked like a customized spot. Along the side of the boat, the name was displayed: Merry May .
    “Nice,” murmured Venn.
    He liked boats, even though he hadn’t grown up with them and didn’t know a whole lot about them. The lights were on in the cabin and on deck, and there were people moving about, but it didn’t appear to be a party vessel like some of the others along this stretch.
    “Boys’ toys,” said Beth mischievously.
    Venn gave her a mock-reproving squeeze. “Hey. I’m not exactly Mr Flash. I don’t go for muscle cars. Allow me to indulge myself a little, even if it’s in fantasy only.”
    “Venn.” She pressed close against him. “You can indulge whatever you like. If you want a boat, get one.”
    “On an NYPD cop’s salary?” He laughed. “I don’t think so.”
    “I’m serious.” She looked up at him. “I’m due a pay rise later this year. Plus bonuses. We can make it work.”
    He smiled back, shook his head. “Appreciate it. But we’ve got other priorities now.” He reached down and ran a hand across her belly. She wasn’t showing, yet, but he was sure he could detect a fullness there. “Maybe when I’m retired.”
    “You? Retired?” It was Beth’s turn to shake her head. “Can’t see it happening.”
    They walked in silence for a few moments, the Merry May boat drawing ever closer.
    It was a sore point, Venn knew. Beth respected what he did. Admired it, even. He was good at his job, and he’d pulled off some spectacular operations in the last year. He knew the Department’s top brass had their collective eye on him. His boss, Captain Kang, was one ambitious guy, and Venn had no doubt Kang would one day make Deputy Commissioner at least. Maybe even the top job. And Kang was both loyal, and smart. He’d reward those who’d supported him, and who were of sufficient quality that they’d continue doing good work. Which meant Venn himself was likely to move up. Captain next, and then... who knew?
    Beth knew all of this, and appreciated it. But Venn was aware too that she was afraid for him. Every day he strapped on his holster and went out there, there was some part of her that feared the urgent