I turned. “Please tell me you mean God.”
“Harlan.”
I groaned and threw my head back. “Why?”
“Because he was trying to help. And because we had a moment without screaming for once.”
I ignored the jab and stared at her. “So what? You’re team ‘Chief Gray’ now?”
“No,” she said, then paused. “But I’m not sure he’s the villain you’ve made him out to be.”
That one stung. I looked away, heat curling low in my stomach for reasons I didn’t want to admit.
“He listened,” she said gently. “He asked how we do what we do. He wanted to understand.”
“Curiosity doesn’t equal change.”
“No,” she agreed. “But it’s a start.”
I drained my glass.
Then she added, “I talked to him about hosting a community fundraiser.”
That made me snort. “What, like a bake sale?”
“More like outreach. Resources. Rebuilding trust.”
“With his cops... seriously, Remi?”
“With the community. You know, the people weactuallygive a damn about.”
I didn’t reply.
“He asked for ideas,” she said, “and I gave him some. He listened, Ava. Actually listened.”
My throat burned. “I don’t know if I can do this again.”
“Do what?”
“Hope.”
Remi leaned forward and stole my glass, reached for the bottle and filled it. up. “You don’t have to trust him. But maybe… just this once… show up.”
I looked at her.
She smiled gently. “Play nice. Just once.”
I scoffed. “That’s rich coming from the woman who once punched a senator’s son at a charity gala.”
“Hegroped a waitress,” she said.
“Andyoubroke his nose.”
“I said, play nice. I didn’t say abandon justice.”
I laughed, sharp and tired. “I’ll think about it.”
Remi nudged her foot against mine. “It’s a start.”
