Chapter 38
LAWSON
Waking up with blue balls was my new constant state. I groaned as I rolled to my back, reaching for the alarm.
“Too early,” Hallie muttered, trying to put the pillow over her head but failing.
I chuckled as I leaned over and pressed my lips to her hair. “We gotta get up before we get caught having a sleepover.”
“Mmm,” she mumbled.
I pressed up on an elbow, looking down at Hallie.
God, she was beautiful all mussed and sleepy.
I swore I could still taste her on my tongue.
My dick twitched at the memory, and I wondered if it was a horrible idea to pull her into the shower with me.
I didn’t regret making yesterday all about her, but my balls hated me just a little.
Children in the house, I reminded myself and pushed from the bed.
That had Hallie waking fully. She blinked as I turned on a light. “Showering?” she asked.
I looked down at my throbbing dick pressing against my boxer briefs. “What do you think?”
A strangled laugh escaped her. “Sorry?”
I shook my head. “You’re not sorry in the slightest, Little Minx. You could at least feel bad for me.”
She bit her bottom lip. “I could come help…”
“Killing me,” I grumbled as I headed for the shower, her laughter following me.
By the time I was out of the bathroom and dressed, the scents of an amazing breakfast were filtering through the house. My stomach growled, but I ignored it and went looking for Luke first. His door was closed, and I knocked lightly.
“Yeah?”
I poked my head in. “Morning.”
Luke looked up from his desk but quickly averted his gaze. “Morning.”
I moved in and squeezed his shoulder. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine,” he mumbled.
“Luke, look at me.”
My son lifted his gaze. There was so much pain there.
“We’re not brushing things under the rug anymore. We’re talking about everything. Okay? I want to know how you’re really doing.”
Luke’s jaw worked back and forth. “I’m worried you’re pissed at me.”
I took a seat on his bed and spun his chair around to face me.
“Nothing in me is pissed. Not at you. Worried about you? Yes. Pissed as hell at your mom? Another yes. Hurting because I know that the kid I love more than life is in pain? Yes again. But I’m not mad at you.
Not at all. I’m glad to know what’s been going on. ”
Luke swallowed. “Vi said you weren’t mad.”
“Sounds like you’ve got a smart girl there.”
Luke shifted in his seat. “She’s really been there for me when I’ve needed to talk.”
“I’m glad. We all need that.”
He looked up at me. “I like her.”
I grinned at him. “You’d be an idiot not to, and I’d like to think I didn’t raise any fools.”
Luke’s lips twitched, and he looked down at his shoes. “Could I invite her over, even though I’m grounded? I want to make sure she’s okay.”
I sighed. “All right. Invite her for dinner this week. I want to get to know her better.”
A smile split Luke’s face. “Thanks, Dad.”
How long had it been since he’d called me that? I didn’t remember. He’d avoided using any moniker at all for me. And now I was Dad again. It left a burn, but it was the kind I loved.
I strode into the station, the wind swirling as I let the door close. Smith was back at his desk, and I greeted him with a nod. “You hanging in there?”
He swallowed hard as he nodded. “Who does something like this?”
I stopped in front of the desk. “A monster. But we’re going to find out who’s responsible and put him away.”
“He’s already killed two people, maybe more. Daniels said it’s gotta be the guy you picked up.”
My gut clenched at the thought of the missing persons that might be added to the unsub’s list. I’d put a call in to the FBI team who had worked Hallie’s kidnapping and let them know of the similar cases we were seeing. They’d promised someone would get back to me, but I hadn’t heard a word yet.
“I hope it’s him and we’ve got him locked away. But until we’re certain, we’re putting all our manpower behind it, and we’ve got a county meeting this morning,” I assured him.
Smith nodded. “Just let me know what I can do.”
“I will,” I promised.
I’d have to do a check-in with all my people. I didn’t want anyone playing vigilante. We needed focus and attention to detail.
A whistle caught my attention, and Nash motioned me toward the conference room. I headed in that direction. His gaze was assessing as I approached. “How’s Luke doing?”
I’d filled my family in via our text chain last night. To say they weren’t happy with Melody was an understatement.
“He’s a lot better today. I just dropped him and Hallie at the SUV. They’re going to work on stuff for Drew’s birthday.”
“Good. I’d like to put ex-lax in Melody’s coffee indefinitely,” he grumbled.
“You and me both. But at least Holt’s keeping a closer eye now.”
Nash nodded, changing the subject. “Mads told me you gave in and are getting a puppy for D-man for his birthday.”
I groaned. “I hope Maddie’s dog-whispering ways are charged and ready for use because I really don’t want to be picking up dog shit in my house for a year.”
Nash chuckled. “She’s great with puppies. She’ll have your buddy in tip-top shape in no time. I just hope yours isn’t a constant shoe-stealer like mine is.”
“Let’s hope.”
“Chief.” A voice sounded behind me.
I turned to see our crime scene photographer, Gibson, heading toward us. “Morning.”
“I’ve got everything loaded. Want me to set up in the conference room?”
“That’d be great. I think we have coffee and donuts in there, too. Help yourself.”
“Just don’t take the Boston cream,” Nash called.
I shook my head. “You can’t call dibs on group donuts.”
“I picked them up, didn’t I?” Nash argued.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “You need help.”
Movement caught my eye as Reed wound through the desks toward his. “You feeling all right?” I asked as he passed.
“Huh?” Reed looked up, dark circles standing out under his bloodshot eyes. “Oh, yeah. Late night.”
“Get some coffee. We’re meeting in fifteen.”
Nash let out a low whistle as he walked away. “Did he bathe in a vat of whiskey or something?”
I didn’t want to know. I just hoped he got his head on straight with what we were dealing with.
“Come on, let’s get set up.” I motioned Nash into the conference room.
Copies of the case files were already at each seat. Coffee and donuts were set on a table off to the side. Gibson was hard at work setting up the projection screen.
I wanted everyone to go over the case together, talk it out. Because you never knew what would shake loose as you did.
I moved to my spot against the wall and set down my water and notes for the meeting. As I straightened, our county sheriff’s frame filled the doorway.
“Lawson,” he greeted.
“Morning, Bruce. Thanks for coming out.” Thankfully, Sheriff Jenkins and I had a good working relationship. Neither of us was threatened by the other, and we always lent a helping hand when we could.
He didn’t respond to my thanks; instead, he strode toward me. “I think we have a problem.”
Gibson and Nash both glanced in our direction at that.
“Tell me,” I clipped.
“I extended the parameters of the search to a few more counties north and south of us.”
I nodded for him to continue.
Jenkins met my gaze. “Nine more missing persons that fit our profile. Ones that pick up six months after Halston Astor was found. He could be back. Hell, he may never have left.”