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Lachlan
Exhaustion consumed me as I walked into my hotel room mere blocks from the White House, the Washington Monument visible from the immense windows.
After pitching eight innings, I was absolutely knackered. I typically didn’t pitch more than six or seven, since the coaching staff kept a close eye on pitch count, not allowing any of us to go over one hundred.
But I had an amazing night. It took eight innings for me to reach one hundred. If Washington’s renowned slugger hadn’t gotten a base hit in the bottom of the fourth, I could have had another no-hitter under my belt, provided they kept me in and I continued pitching like I was.
But they didn’t.
And now that the thrill of the game was over, I was beat.
After kicking off my shoes with a groan, I padded across the lush carpeting, slowly stripping off my suit jacket and tie. In a matter of moments, I was comfortably lounging on the bed in a pair of gym shorts, setting up the muscle-recovery device I used after each game, attaching a couple of electrodes to my left shoulder and arm.
When I powered it up, the machine massaging the muscles, I relaxed against the headboard and exhaled in relief.
Glancing at the other side of the bed, I released a sigh, wishing Julia were here. Tonight was the first night in over a week I had to fall asleep without her. Hell, in the past three weeks, I was lucky enough to only have to spend two nights without her.
As much as I hated being away from her, we knew we had to eventually return to reality. This was it. Our new normal. I had to travel with the team. She had to be with her daughter. It didn’t mean I couldn’t miss her, though.
And I absolutely missed her. More than I thought possible.
Grabbing my phone off the nightstand, I debated sending her a text, even though it was after midnight and she was probably asleep. I wanted to let her know I was thinking about her.
That I missed her.
I navigated to my messages, about to type one out to Julia, when an incoming call flashed on my screen, Nikko’s name popping up.
Since I’d returned to Atlanta, we’d exchanged the occasional text, but he hadn’t called. Something told me his reason for calling after midnight my time had to be important.
“Cousin,” I answered.
“Howzit? I caught bits and pieces of your game tonight. Congrats on another win.”
“Thanks, man. I felt good. Could have stayed in to finish the game.”
“That’s what the closers are for,” he reminded me, just as all my coaches often had to.
“I know. I know,” I replied with a slight chuckle. Then there was a pause. “Is everything okay, Nikko? I doubt you just called to congratulate me on another win.”
He expelled a long breath. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about but didn’t want it to distract you from everything. But since you’re away, presumably without any distractions, I figured this was probably the best time.”
I sat up, turning off the recovery device so I could focus all my attention on him. “What is it?”
“I’m going to talk to my lieutenant and disclose everything we’ve learned. I was waiting to see if Agent Curran had uncovered anything new to help boost my argument about reopening the investigation into Piper’s assault. From the sounds of it, he’s hit a few dead ends, at least in his ability to convince local law enforcement to reopen their investigations. Maybe if we reopen ours, it might encourage others to do the same. Granted, Piper’s death was a bit different from the other cases, which was why I wanted to speak with you first. Once the ball starts rolling, there’s no stopping it. This will make headlines.”
“I understand all of that. I just want the truth. Whoever broke into my home, attacked me, stabbed Claire, and brutally assaulted Piper is still out there. If Ethan’s theory is correct, this bastard’s harmed more women. Took more lives. I don’t care about my name being connected to this. I want justice. For Claire. For Piper. And for Julia.”
“Duly noted. Speaking of Julia…” His tone lightened. “How are things going?”
The anxiety that filled me mere seconds ago instantly vanished.
“Good.” I smiled. “Really good. It’s still kind of new, but we’re figuring it out. Taking it one day at a time.”
“That’s all you can do in any relationship.”
“Says the guy who hasn’t been in one in years.”
“What can I say? I’m married to my job. But in all seriousness… I’m happy for you, Lachlan. You deserve this. I’m just glad you finally realized that.”
