Jane checked the time. She had another three hours before the Scotts’ funeral for their son at Lake View Cemetery on Capitol Hill, where the Scotts had a private family plot. She wasn’t looking forward to it and had bolstered her internal defenses against crying and appearing weak in front of others.
An antiquated view, she knew. Crying was both beneficial and therapeutic. But tears didn’t wear well with a suit and a gun when in pursuit of truth and justice.
“You going to the funeral?” Jenn asked, eating a slice of Pagliacci’s Italiano pizza—Matthew’s favorite—bought in his honor for the squad by Grimshaw.
“Yeah. I don’t want to, but I was asked to.”
In a lower voice, Jenn asked, “By the Scotts?”
“And Haversham. He wants me there too.” She pretended it didn’t bother her as much as it did. “Honestly, I’d have gone anyway. But I’d planned to stand at the back. I have a feeling they’re going to make me sit up front or something.”
“Oy.”
“Yeah. So I’ll have to fight crying while still being sad. I’m not sure what face to wear.”
“Tough having to be tough.”
“No kidding.”
“Any luck on the home invasion case?” Jenn asked. “I know you’ve been stuck for a while. I’m happy to listen if you wanted to bounce some ideas.”
“I’m going to talk to Ray over dinner.”
“Does his husband know?” Jenn winked.
“Ha ha. Yes. He’s cooking, in fact. Ray’s smart, and he’s been on this case from the beginning. I’m hoping he’ll see something I’ve missed.”
“Good thought.”
“How about you? How’s the trafficking case going?”
“It’s about wrapped up, actually.” Jenn smiled, her eyes hard. “The head of the hydra, as I like to call the creep who organized this mess, died the other day in a shootout with police. We managed to sweep in while he was occupied defending his turf and rescued two dozen underage girls.Andwe have a mountain of evidence to prosecute his collaborators. I’m happy as hell.”
“Nice.” Jane bumped fists with her. Grimshaw was waving her over. “I’ll be right back.”
Jenn finished her slice and stared with longing at the pizza on the table. “Take your time. I’m going in for more.”
Jane joined her boss while everyone enjoyed lunch. “Nice of you to spring for pizza.”
“Matthew told me to always make sure the squad knows how much you appreciate them.” Grimshaw grinned. “Or they might launch a coup. Or follow you when you least suspect it.”
Jane flushed, remembering how she’d once tailed Matthew. “In my defense, I thought Matthew might be a traitor.”
Grimshaw chuckled. “I like you, Jane. I don’t mind if you follow me around. Though I will warn you, my husband is a jumpy kind of guy. And my kids are scary.”
“Aren’t they teenagers?”
“Yes. Teen terrors. Only thing more frightening than their apathy is when they get annoyed at you.”
Jane laughed. “Sounds like my friend Grace’s kids.”
“I love them, but sometimes it’s tough to live with them.” Grimshaw grew serious. “Are you doing okay?”
“I will be if we can catch Kaminski and Rook. I want justice for Matthew. Then I’ll have a mini breakdown and get back to work.”
That must have been the right answer, because Grimshaw clapped her on the back. “Good. But if you feel like you’re starting to crack, don’t wait until it’s too late.” She grew quiet. “I lost a partner a long time ago. Nearly broke down trying to ignore that I wasn’t okay.” She stared at Jane. “Don’t be that agent. Be smart, if not for you, then for your team. People look up to you.”
“Aw, thanks, boss. And I thought you didn’t like me.”
