Page 103 of Diamonds in the Mud

Just then, Jameson stepped into the room, thankfully fully dressed.

“Sabrina, meet DEA Narcotics Investigator Special Agent Caleb Jameson Morales. Jameson, Reporter for the Gemsville Herald, Sabrina DeRouen, an old friend who has agreed that what we say next is off the record.”

“You were in the Reapers.” Sabrina pointed at Jameson, who smiled and nodded.

“Undercover,” he said smoothly.

Sabrina’s eyes moved between us as Jameson stepped up and wrapped his arm around me.

“You two are a thing?” she asked.

“Yes,” we both answered at the same time.

Sabrina walked over and sat down on one of my chairs, and we followed and sat on the sofa together. “Did Quincy really hold you at gunpoint and then kill himself?”

I nodded, feeling the tight knot in my gut.

“How did you hear?” I asked.

“I have my resources,” she countered. “The DEA”—she motioned towards Jameson—“you really think that he was in charge of the Reapers? The head of some drug ring?” Jameson shrugged. Sabrina turned to me. “And you think he killed Sharon, Bobby, and Earl?” I shrugged. “What about Evelyn?” she asked.

I shrugged again. “We’re still working the case. Looking for proof.”

Sabrina remained quiet for a moment. “Quincy and Evelyn did have some history. Not any that might cause him to run her down in the alley though.”

“They did?” I asked with a slight frown.

Sabrina’s eyes turned to me. “Sure. I mean, he dated a lot. Went through more than a handful of women before and after you.”

I shrugged. “I didn’t pay too much attention. I suppose I’ve had my share of flings around town too.”

“I’d wager none of them held a gun to your temple,” Sabrina said softly. “Are you okay?”

I nodded as I swallowed. “I’m… dealing. The station is making me see a counselor, standard procedure and all. I start next week.

“What now? The entire Reaper gang is locked up for how long?” she asked.

“Until they are each individually charged,” Jameson answered. “In a federal court.”

Sabrina nodded. “And Wyatt Taylor too?” Jameson nodded. “I heard you had Declan in custody as well?”

“These facts you can report on. My father will be making a statement tomorrow morning,” I added.

“I know, he’s doing a press release at six tomorrow. I’m scheduled to be there, along with half the reporters in the country.” She sighed and leaned back. “That just means no one will pay attention to a small-town reporter.”

“What if I could get you a one-on-one with the arresting officer?” Jameson said.

Both Sabrina and I looked at him.

“Jameson,” I warned him, and he turned his eyes toward me.

“It’s my call. Tomorrow’s press release has vague details. I can give more. In time.”

Sabrina sat forward. “Seriously?”

Jameson nodded and stood up. “Tomorrow. I’ll meet you at the bakery under my apartment in town around eleven. For now”—he took my hand and helped me stand up—“we have dinner plans we don’t want to be late for.”

As we pulled up to my parents’ house, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of eagerness and apprehension swirling in my stomach. Dinner with my family was always special, but tonight felt different because this was the first time Jameson was with me. My entire body tingled with an undercurrent of excitement and tension.