When a cop and a newly released convict cross paths, few cons can expect anything positive. Struggling toward a home he knows no longer exists, Ike Hernandez meets a cop who seems different. He isn’t sure he can believe the kindness, but he wants to learn to trust again and regain his lost self-respect.<br><br>Perry Parker became a law enforcement officer to help people. He learned there wasn’t much he could do, but now and then he found someone he could help. Would the lost man with the little dog that he picked up one stormy night be one of them?<br><br>Pursuing tales about a new drug dealer, Perry starts to doubt the man he’s befriended, but something inside him still feels Ike is a decent person. When the real dealers take advantage of the convict’s past, Perry, his unofficial canine partner, and the little stray Ike adopted save the day. Can a cop, a con, and two dogs make an unorthodox family?

A Cop and a Con

Very gingerly, he began to pry and pick at that frame. The wood was old and splintery. Maybe he could get the window loose. He had to be quiet, but he persisted. Finally, there was enough of a crack that a bit more light filtered in and a whisper of colder air. Night would come soon. Darkness might be his friend. He made a last effort to dig a little more and then pry. The window shifted with a screechy noise.


“What was that?” The voice came from outside, maybe even in the bedroom. Close, too close. Ike sucked in a breath and held it, trying not to move a muscle.


“Oh, quit worrying. Probably a cat or something outside. Sit down. Miguel’ll be back soon, and we can get this project finished.” That was the slender man, the boss. More footsteps, but they grew softer and soon quit.


Chapter 23