Page 97 of Protect My Heart

“What does the chief think?”

“He thinks we should run with the heart attack publically until we learn different.”

“But…”

“He wants you and I to continue digging into other options, quietly. Fifteen people had badged into the building at the time of Finden’s murder. Only three officers couldn’t account for their whereabouts.”

“That’s assuming it’s one of us and the killer didn’t find a way into holding that night.”

“He’s not ruling out anything at this point.” CJ stayed Jim with a hand. “Amy’s on the list.”

“What? Larson?” Jim looked around and lowered his voice. “That’s bullshit. You know she’s a good cop. Hell, I’d lay money on her making detective in the next six months.”

“I’m just telling you what the chief said. We can’t say anything.”

“Shit.” Jim paced, and ran a hand through his hair. “She can’t be. This would kill Doc.”

“I don’t believe she’s the dirty cop any more than you do, but we need to let the system work.”

“Yeah, I get it.” Jim cut off the rest of his thoughts as he heard Doc’s voice floating over the parking lot. “We better go before they get antsy. Thanks for telling me.”

“Sure partner, and Jim.”

“Yeah?”

“Take care of our girl.”

He pulled the car around to the front of the church and watched as Doc slid into the seat next to him. She leaned over and dropped her head on his shoulder. He kissed her nose. “You okay?”

Her big brown eyes, free of makeup, long rubbed off, looked up at him. “I will be. Thanks for today. I couldn’t have gotten through it without you.”

He laced his fingers with hers and lifted her hand to drop a kiss on her knuckles. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. He was your father. You loved him. I love you. Of course, I’d be here.”

A tired grin crossed her face. “Let’s go home.”

That was the best thing he’d heard all day.