AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I will.” The confession was out in a flash.
“Doesn’t surprise me to hear you say that. Knowing you, you’ve probably found a way to blame yourself in all this too. But you shouldn’t. The only one to blame is the killer. If it helps make up your mind, know that I intend to keep working.”
Was he a freaking mind reader? Sometimes it felt that he knew her better than she knew herself. The fact he made a point of saying he’d be putting in overtime didn’t alleviate guilt, just stacked on a different kind. But at least the investigation wouldn’t be put on pause. “While I’ve got my feet up, you’ll be working. Is that meant to make me feel better?” She attempted to say this seriously but snickered and gave herself away.
“I see you’re broken up at the idea. But if we’re lucky, I’ll make some progress tonight. Besides, we’re partners, and do I really need to point out again that it’s Wednesday, and you weren’t officially due back until Monday? Go. Be with Zoe and Logan.”
Logan was presented as an afterthought, but all the same, going home sounded great. “Okay, but you’ll keep working?”
He smiled. “Yes, and I’m thinking I’ll prioritize looking at her social media accounts and email.”
“There’s a lot there.”
“There is, so it’s best to get started. I’ll just knock off what I can, one at a time.”
She nodded, loving how his mind worked in such an organized manner. He had a way of breaking every task down into manageable steps. “May I suggest starting with the deleted emails?”
“Why?” Trent parked in the lot at Central, and they got out.
“If we are looking at a stalker or obsessed fan, she’d have deleted their messages.”
“All right, I’ll start there.” He turned and clicked a button on the key fob twice, and the vehicle honked, confirming it was locked.
“Great. Keep me posted on what you find.”
“Will do. First thing tomorrow morning. Good night.” He saluted her before turning to walk toward the station’s doors.
She stood watching, wanting to join him and get to work. Seize control where I can… It wasn’t like she could reverse time and bring Felicity back to life, but she could find justice. To that end, she would do everything within her power. For the sake of her family, she’d pick up that quest tomorrow.
THIRTEEN
The water in her sister’s pool felt incredible after a long, hot day, but it didn’t wash away Amanda’s guilt. Neither had Zoe’s welcoming—and refreshing—wet hug. Amanda ended up borrowing a suit from her sister and joined everyone by the pool. Everyone being her parents, sister, and brother-in-law. Zoe and Ava too, who were busy splashing in the pool and squealing. It was a good spot to be. While it was seven thirty at night, the sun had lost its power, but humidity hung heavy in the air.
Was it selfish and short-sighted to allow herself such an indulgence? She’d left an active murder investigation to take time for herself. Felicity Kelley was dead, and if Amanda had responded sooner, if she hadn’t been on the flight when she’d called…
“Iced tea?” Kristen set a tray down on the table near where Amanda was seated on a lounger. She came armed with a large glass pitcher and six glasses. Lemons and berries floated on top of the drink, and it swayed Amanda’s answer.
“Yes, please.” Her sister made the best iced tea—a perfect combination of sweet and tang.
Kristen poured some out and handed Amanda a glass. “Here you go.”
“Much obliged.”
Kristen laughed. She barely had time to pour herself some before Zoe and Ava rushed over from the pool. The girls were dripping wet, the water splatting onto the concrete patio. Zoe was licking her lips in anticipation of the iced tea, already knowing how delicious her aunt made it.
Kristen gave the girls full glasses but left Erik to serve up the rest and dropped onto the lounger beside Amanda. “You look like your mind’s a million miles away.”
“Probably because it is.” She took a slow draw of her drink, savoring every drop as it passed over her taste buds.
“Talk to me.”
“You know I can’t do that.” She glanced at her father. If she was going to open up to anyone here, it would be Nathan Steele. He knew the job and had been the PWCPD police chief before his retirement seven years ago. Astute as ever, her father looked over when she told Kristen she couldn’t talk. He didn’t speak, but his eye contact said all that was needed. He was there for her. And the offer was tempting.
“Hmm.” Kristen kicked back on the lounger, stretching out her legs. “You can’t or won’t?”
“Both.” Amanda smiled at her sister. Kristen was two years younger, and just one of her five siblings.
Zoe bounced up and down next to Amanda. “I need to go to the bathroom.”
