‘Yeah.This Lindsey Doyle bitch likes to play games, so be smart.If she lured us to it, she wants us to see it.’
‘I knew I brought you along for a reason.Just make sure it’s not a bomb.’
Ripley checked the music box from every angle.‘If it is, it’s the worst bomb I’ve ever seen.It’s not even electronic, and it doesn’t even play a song.It’s jammed.’
‘Best to check just in case.’
‘Yeah.How’s the arm?’Ripley asked.
‘Which one?’
‘The one you can’t lift above your shoulder.’
‘It’s fine.’
‘And the ribs?’
‘Also fine.’
‘And the eye?’
‘Mia.’
‘I’m just checking.You’re going to have to justify all of these wounds to Vernon, so get ready.Trust me, I remember those days well, and it’s never easy.’
‘I won a fight with a murderer.I’d say that’s a reasonable trade.’
‘For what it’s worth, you did good tonight.Following the chain, finding Borden, identifying the connection to the support group.That was clean work.’
‘Are you complimenting me?’
‘Don’t let it go to your head.Your head’s taken enough punishment for one evening.’
‘Noted,’ Ella said.
‘And next time, wait for backup.’
‘I’ll consider it.’
‘You won’t.’
‘No,’ Ella said.‘I won’t.’
‘Yeah, well, I’m hungry.What about you?’
Ella almost laughed.It came out as a cough and the cough lit up her ribs.‘I could eat a horse.I’m ready when you are.’
Boots thundered outside the door.Fields appeared in the doorway and he was too large for it, as usual, and the look on his face was not the look of a man delivering a debrief.
‘You two about done in here?’he said.
‘Pretty much.’
‘How’s your face?’
‘Cosmetic.What’s going on outside?’
‘Borden’s on his way to booking.Forensics have the scene.Coroner’s been called for Parsons.All present and correct.’
