The door opened. The nurse reappeared, pointedly checking her watch. "Time's up, gentlemen."
I stood reluctantly. "I'll be in touch. Lay low. Don't trust anyone who isn't me or..." I hesitated. Glanced at Hawley's impassive face. Then made a decision. "Or him. Detective Hawley. He's... he's good."
Daniel's attention tracked to Hawley. Assessing with the sharp instincts that had made him a valuable CI. "Your new partner doesn't smile much."
"It's part of his charm. Get some rest, kid."
As we exited, I could feel Hawley observing me. Not judging, exactly. But taking measure. Cataloging the version of me I'd just shown him.
I wasn't sure how I felt about that.
Wasn't sure how I felt about anything anymore, except that the past I'd tried to outrun had finally caught up.
And it had brought danger right to 51 Division's doorstep.
Chapter 19: The Phone in the Inspector's Hand
Ryan
The spring air hit my face as we exited the hospital.
My legs carried me mechanically toward the car while my mind raced. Implications. Connections. Threats. Daniel's bruised face kept flashing before my eyes. Along with fragments of memories from 52. Late nights sorting through evidence. Confidential meetings in back alleys. The crushing weight of watching it all collapse.
"Carlson."
I barely registered Hawley as we crossed the parking lot. My hand was already pulling out my phone. Thumb hovering over Inspector Murphy's number.
"Carlson." More firmly this time.
I ran fingers through my hair. Tried to recalibrate. Slip back into the smooth, unflappable Detective Carlson that everyone expected. "Yeah, I heard you. Just thinking."
"About going rogue?" Flat, but missing nothing.
"About keeping people safe," I corrected. Fingers already dialing.
Hawley moved closer. Positioned himself directly in my line of sight. Unmovable. "Put it on speaker."
I looked up at him. Thrown. "What?"
"Speaker phone." His tone left no room for argument. "Whatever you're planning, I'm not being left in the dark."
I wanted to protest. This wasmymess. My informant. My failed case. But the determined set of Hawley's jaw told me it would be pointless.
With a sigh, I hit speaker and held the phone between us.
Murphy answered on the second ring. "Report."
I cleared my throat. Struggled to keep my tone even. "Daniel confirmed the attack was connected to my 52 Division case, sir. The men who beat him specifically referenced his work as my informant."
"Details."
"The drug operation from 52 is expanding into 51's catchment. They've been setting up distribution channels through local clubs for months. Daniel believes they're ready to launch, which is why they're eliminating potential threats. Like him."
A pause on the other end. When Murphy spoke again, his voice was carefully neutral. "Why 51 specifically?"
"Just a theory, but the timing suggests someone wanted me positioned where I'd have minimal credibility if I started noticing familiar patterns."
"You're suggesting a mole."
