Chapter 31 #2
“I know that. The autopsy complicated things, though. Abrasions on Zara’s forearms matched Lila’s fingernail imprints. Between the marks and apologies, they upgraded it to suspicious, which is UK-speak for potential homicide.”
“Unbelievable. She probably tried to haul her away from the edge.”
“That’s what they ultimately concluded after sending Lila to a child psychologist. His report is in here too.
But you get the gist. The girls got excited and ran off to see some rare bird, leaving the aunt in the dust ‘cause of her bad knees. Since it was an important bird to the aunt, they tried to take a picture in case it flew off before she got up the hill.”
My chest vibrates with the need to yell or cry. Scream or wail.
Taking hold of the last of my restraint, I surmise, “So then Zara leaned too far over to get the picture and fell.”
“Yeah,” he confirms, eyes downcast. “Just as you said, the scratches were from where Lila was holding her. The apologies were because it was her idea to get the picture and because she wasn’t strong enough to pull Zara from the edge.
Blamed herself. Not only did she witness her sister’s death, the kid slipped right through her hands. ”
Heart. Shattered.
In my years on the job, I’ve heard horrible stories and worked countless scenes that would give you nightmares.
But this one?
It’s too much. Too tragic. Too horrific.
I bend forward at the waist, propping my elbows on my knees. With my head in my hands, I release a string of tears, letting them fall onto my pants.
I can’t pretend this isn’t gutting me open. I won’t dishonor Lila’s suffering by acting like a fucking emotionless Zombie.
Maybe setting these tears free will ease the sting in my sinuses. And I don’t even give a damn that I’m doing this in front of Andrews.
Fuck.
Lila’s sister literally slipped through her hands, much like when I lost hold of Perry. While I can relate to this type of grief, her loss is permanent and irrevocable. I chose my solo path for my own reasons, but Lila didn’t have a choice.
It all makes sense now. That mystical bond I have with her is genuine.
Some of my racing thoughts escape, their sound muffled by my hands.
“For so long, I’ve felt Lila and I were two pieces from the same puzzle.
I’ve never been able to explain the connection, but it’s been there.
Under the surface. It drove us together so many times.
” I roughly scrub my face before sitting up straight and facing my mentor. “Now I know why.”
Andrews lowers his chin, and his expression takes on a fatherly glow. For once, it doesn’t trigger me. “Shared experiences can be a powerful force.” He gives me a knowing smile that topples more of my walls. “It makes you love her more, doesn’t it?”
“It does,” I confess so quietly he might not hear me.
Remaining silent—for a change—Andrews pats my forearm soothingly. Words aren’t needed now, only his reassuring compassion. He isn’t intrusive or nosy.
He’s just there, offering me unwavering support.
His presence sets a protective perimeter around us, giving me the safe space I need to lower my guard fully. Now I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of his comfort. More than likely, this isn’t the first time he’s tried to be there for me.
But this is the first time I’ve ever let him in.
Shockingly, I don’t hate it.
“Warren, thank you for how you handled this.” I swallow, stalling to let my courage rise to the surface.
“And for what it’s worth, I regret shutting you out for so long.
I see now that you were only trying to earn my trust because you knew I needed someone I could count on.
Unfortunately, I was too pig-headed to accept your guidance and friendship. I apologize.”
Instead of mocking me, which I would deserve, he maintains his empathetic demeanor. “You’re welcome, kid.” He rises, his bones creaking audibly. “I’ll give you a minute to yourself. I’m gonna empty the tank and then refill it with more coffee. Can I bring you something on my way back?
I wave him off. “Nah. I’m fine. Thanks.”
He slaps my shoulder as he leaves me alone with my thoughts.
Right then, Morgan Freeman’s voice returns, obviously assuming I summoned him.
Hard to believe the same man who wouldn’t answer a single question about his personal life at the beginning of our story just confessed something so deeply vulnerable to his partner.
If I didn’t know better, I might think Reed’s finally lowered the drawbridge to the fort that contains his humanity.
Time will tell if this is a temporary blip due to the shock of learning these sad facts about his dear Lila.
Or maybe it’s something more. Perhaps, he’s finally removed the cork from his asshole and is no longer emotionally constipated. One can hope.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Mr. Freeman. I get it. You can piss off now.
Andrews returns to the office, sitting down at his desk this time. “Let’s see. Where were we?”
“You said there was more to share. If it’s something that’ll require me to arrest her, keep it to yourself. That might be my tipping point.”
Unlike how it typically irritates me, his familiar baritone laugh eases my anxiety. “Stow your cuffs for now, kid.”
“Hit me.”
“Remember the pictures you took at her blackjack table a while back? The other players you thought were making her nervous?”
“Yep. Did Carson finally find something?”
“She did.” He pauses, most likely for dramatic effect. “Brace yourself. I’m about to say your favorite words.”
I quash the smile threatening to crop up. Once I know the intel, I’ll decide if I can allow that type of reaction. “Go on.”
“Special Agent Reed Hayes, your instincts about those patrons were spot on. You. Were. Right.”
“And the crowd goes wild,” I retort sardonically. “Was the older guy one of them? Keith, I think was his name.”
“He was clean. Lots of debt, but he’s a chronic gambler. That goes with the territory.” He pauses for another sip of coffee. “Two of the gamblers were identified as part of the local chapter of STK. I have their names somewhere.” He flicks a hand toward the paperwork sprawled over his desk.
I tap my fingers on the chair’s armrest. “Was there any record of Silas being in STK?”
“As far as the gang unit is aware, no. Certainly not under the name of Silas Everson, which we know is bogus.”
Not only do we still need to find out where Silas is, but who he is. How does he fit in this mess, or do I just want him to be guilty because he hurt Lila?
When I get home tonight, I need to ask Lila to tell me everything she knows about him. Maybe she’s been to his house or has another phone number. Something we can use.
A knock at the door has us both springing from our seats.
“Come in,” Andrews calls out.
“Oh, good. Both of you. I have news from Lila’s phone.” Agent Carson enters, closing the door behind her. “She received two texts tonight. Both of them concerning.”
My hands ball into fists. “Jesus Harold Christ. What now?”
Ignoring my childish outburst, she explains, “First one was from the burner phone.”
For clarity, I ask her, “The one she messaged to set up a meeting?”
“One and the same.” Carson nods, continuing without missing a beat. “The text moved the meeting up. Tonight at midnight. Same location.”
Oh, hell no.
Andrews jumps ahead. “And we still have no location information on the owner of the burner, nor do we know where the original meeting was, right?”
“Affirmative.” Agent Carson faces me, her expression downshifting from Dragnet: Just the Facts into something more human.
Now she’s just Bianca. “Reed, how do you want to handle this meeting? We can’t let her go without a tail.
Do you want me to send someone, or will you do it?
Did you roll her yet? Will she wear a wire?
Let’s face it. Her involvement is confirmed.
Oak Winds had already flagged her as a high-loss dealer, and now we know who was at her table. We need her to—”
“Easy, Carson.” I take a quick breath while considering my response.
“I made good progress today. If the call to nab Riddick hadn’t interrupted us earlier, she’d have already confessed everything by now.
She’s at my place, waiting for my return, and we’ll talk more then.
I’ve got eyes on the hallway at my condo, and I’ll know if she leaves.
” I check my watch. “We have two hours to decide how to play this. If it comes to it, I’ll follow her. No fucking way she’s going on her own.”
“Got it. We’ll circle back in about an hour.” Satisfied with my decision, Bianca attempts to move on. “Next text was—”
Andrews cuts her off. “Easy, speedy. Aren’t we getting ahead of ourselves? Did Lila even agree to the meeting?”
Bianca shakes her head. “No reply yet. However, based on the sender’s language, there wasn’t room for discussion. He didn’t ask for confirmation.”
I massage the tension in my neck. “The other message?”
“It was from your sister. Also unanswered as of now. Here.” Carson shoves a piece of paper in my face with a screenshot of the message.
Lila leaving this one unanswered makes sense, considering how today went. She’s gotta be wrecked about Kenzie’s betrayal. No doubt she’s spiraling. Unlike me, Lila doesn’t compartmentalize well. Wish I were there with her. She shouldn’t have to face Kenzie on her own.
While this text is concerning to me on an emotional level, I don’t get why Bianca would find it alarming. “Carson, they’re friends and roommates. What’s the big deal?”
She sweeps her eyes from me to Andrews, her brows lifted inquisitively. “I take it you didn’t show him the picture.”
Andrews shakes his head, his jaw clicking. “That was up next on the docket before you came in.”
Well, fuck fuck fuckety fuck balls.
Judging by his reaction, this one might sting. No wonder he wanted me to sit down for this chat.
Resigned to let the chips fall where they may, I feel my shoulders sag. “Don’t wait for me to attempt a guess. Get it over with. Show me the damn picture.”
Andrews pulls up something on his computer and spins the monitor to face me.
Despite the instant confusion about what I’m looking at, my protective instincts flare.
With my pulse skyrocketing and adrenaline pulsing, I grit out, “What the fuck is this?”