Page 36 of Chasing Amanda

“I don’t know that I saved her life.”

“You did.” The amusement drained from the major’s voice. “Sealy told me they ran Harris’s prints and got a hit. Two, actually. They pulled a thumbprint off the belt buckle of a college student who was raped, murdered, and left in a dumpster in Albany. There was another match from a crime scene in western Mass.”

Mark sat on the side of the tub. It’d be a bad idea to hang up on his superior so he could vomit. “I see.”

“I imagine the detective will call soon.”

“My phone rang twice before you called.”

“He’s going to ask you to go to the DA’s office tomorrow to sign a statement so you won’t have to appear at a trial. I assume that won’t be a problem?”

“No, sir.” He’d need to stay in Providence another day, which would irritate his mother, but what else was new?

“They’re not going to release the guy, right?”

“He won’t be granted bail. The only question right now is where he’ll stand trial first. Probably New York or Massachusetts, since those would both be murder charges.”

At least Amanda wouldn’t have to worry about him coming after her again. “Thank God.”

“That’s right, son. Thank God. Listen, get this taken care of. We expect you with us one week from tomorrow.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Mark ended the call and stared at the hazy mirror.

He’d saved her life.

Maybe he should’ve killed the guy.

He slipped into his dirty jeans, wiped the mirror with his towel, and checked his reflection. Not a hair out of place—the good thing about a crew cut.

He opened the bathroom door to let in some cool air. Standing in the hallway, he picked up the unmistakable scent of frying bacon.

“Good morning.”

Mark turned to see Amanda behind him wearing jeans, a sweater, and sneakers. Her hair was brushed, her face scrubbed clean of makeup. Despite the bruise on her cheek, she was beautiful. And staring at his bare chest.

“Sorry. It’s hot in there.”

She looked up and blushed. “The fan’s broken. I’m making breakfast.”

“Where’d you go?”

“I needed a couple of things. I got you a coffee.”

“Thanks. Let me just⁠—”

“Take your time.”

Mark slipped back into the bathroom, threw on his sweater, and headed for the kitchen in his bare feet. He leaned on the kitchen counter and watched her from behind as she stirred something in a cast-iron skillet.

“Smells delicious.”

She started at his words, and he cursed himself for startling her. She spoke before he could apologize. “It’ll be another few minutes.” When she turned to him, her face was pale. She nodded to a Dunkin’ Donuts cup. “That one’s yours.”

He reached for it and took a sip. “Perfect. Thanks.”

“I just talked to Detective Sealy.”