I lift both brows, inhaling deeply.
“Are you ready?” he asks, continuing to sweep his cerulean eyes up and down my body.
I feel the heat spreading all over, and I have to swallow to collect myself.
“Ready.”
He holds out his hand for my bag, and I give it to him. I place the killer shoes on my feet and don’t miss the way Nick’s eyes darken as he takes in the entire package.
“Bye, ladies. Happy New Year,” I yell out, and hear it echoed back. I’d love to give them real hugs for the holiday, but based on the way Lanie arrived, they’re likely in deep conversation. I do not have time to get involved in whatever that is. If it were important, they’d tell me before allowing me to leave.
Nick helps escort me to the car, which is very appreciated. There are still patches of black ice, and the last thing I need is to ruin tonight before it gets started by breaking my ass on the sidewalk.
He starts up the car and we’re off. Nick keeps glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, and I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he excited for tonight? Or are his thoughts still on what he learned today? I want to ask him, but his phone rings, cutting off my chance to speak. He glances at the screen on his dash and curses under his breath.
The screen is lit up with the nameGrayson.
“It’s my captain,” he explains. “I’ve gotta grab this.”
It’s not a question, but he’s staring at me like he’s awaiting my permission.
“Of course,” I say, sitting back into the car seat, getting comfortable for the thirty-minute drive we have ahead of us.
“Captain,” he says by way of greeting.
I watch the side of Nick’s face, but he doesn’t give anything away. He’s a stone fortress, holding in his thoughts on whatever is being said on the other line.
He mumbles words of understanding and agreement, and I think it’s over when he says, “I’m very sorry for your loss, Captain. I’ll catch the sonofabitch responsible.”
They found her.
He presses the End button and sighs, glancing over at me, a look of regret shining through his stony features.
“I’m so, so sorry, Alyssa…”
He doesn’t have to say another word. I already know what’s coming.
“They found Chelsea.” It’s not a question. It was clear from the conversation.
He huffs, pulling the car off to the side of the road. His head falls against the headrest.
“It’s all right, Nick. I understand,” I say, hoping to alleviate some of the anxiety radiating from him.
He shakes his head. “They did, and you’re right…it’s bad.”
I want to ask. I really want to, but I’ve learned in the short time I’ve known Nick that some things aren’t meant to be shared in his line of work.
“They found her body in Falls Haven, and they suspect foul play,” he says, which is more than I expected to get. He sighs heavily. “My captain is losing his shit.”
I place my hand on Nick’s leg, squeezing lightly.
“We knew this would be the case. I’m just glad they found her. I’d love nothing more than for Chelsea Grayson to move on.”
He blinks several times, and I’m sure he wants to ask questions, but he doesn’t.
“Captain wants me to head to the scene and work the case with the local authorities.”
“You can do that? Work in another city?” I ask, recognizing there’s still a lot for me to learn. Especially if I’m going to be starting a business where I cowork on cases.
