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“Pretty much, yeah.”
“But you did it to save Kane’s life. I told them so.”
“Thanks, kiddo. They believed you and what you told them fit in with everything else the others said too. But the IAD have to monitor these cop shootings. It’s their job.”
When she looked perplexed, he added, “That’s the Internal Affairs Division with the Justice Department.”
“Oh. It sounds confusing. I’m just glad they let you go.”
“Only because Kane has enough pull with his chief that he made some calls.” Without thinking, Lance added, “We’re on a particularly vital case right now that has the potential of… well, tragic results.” Just in time, he veered off the topic before revealing too much. Last thing the poor girl needed was more danger in her life to worry about. “So you know, everything’s under control, and we’re back on course.”
Eyes lit with worry, Mellie ventured, “My dad came home a lot bragging about how much danger policemen were involved in. And how he’d be fighting off the bad guys. Are you saying your job is the same?”
Seeing her horror, understanding he’d just stepped into a pile of poo, Lance backed off quickly. “No. Nothing like that. Just a lot of governmental regulation stuff. Sadly, it’s time consuming, so you might not see a lot of me for the next few days.”
Suddenly, Mellie’s expression changed, brightening from her earlier worried look to one filled with happiness and welcome.
Lance turned in time to see Lisa and Jennie approaching them. He stood quickly, his gaze instantly zooming in on Lisa’s face. While Jennie approached the bed with magazines and chocolates in her hands, he walked up to Lisa. “Hi.”
“How are you?” Her expression revealed worry for him, and it lit his insides like nothing else could.
“Better for seeing you. Did your mom tell you what happened?” He didn’t want to divulge too much of the night before and yet he sensed she knew a bit of what went down.
“Just that you saved Kane from taking a bullet for her. It must have been a close call.” Her face looked stricken just talking about the event.
He turned his gaze away so she wouldn’t see the truth… of how sick he’d been once he’d realized he’d shot a man. Unable to put into words the absolute fear that had seized him when he knew only he could stop Brunner from killing another, he lowered his face.
It might have been the impetus he’d needed to pull the trigger, but if his training hadn’t of kicked in, he didn’t know if he’d have had the courage. If anyone would have asked him up till then how it felt to take another’s life, he’d have had to truthfully answer… he had no idea.
Now he did.
And it felt horrible… sickening. He’d spent the night facing the facts and dealing with all the images seared into his brain.
Could he live with his choice?
Yeah… since it beat the alternative.
After time passed and he’d had a chance to finally deal with all the issues,
he prayed he’d never have to take that option again.
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his arm, soothingly caressing the skin, and the tingles began the moment her fingers touched him. “I’m sorry, Lance. It must have been awful to be in that position. If you ever feel the need to talk about it, I promise I can listen without interrupting.”
Before he had a chance to do more than cover her hand with his, Jennie called out, “Lisa, come and meet Melena.”
Lance watched as Lisa moved forward, a smile lighting up her beautiful features. She reached out her hand forcing the young girl to extend hers and then Lisa, wrapping her fingers around Mellie’s, pulled the girl forward so she could kiss her cheek. “I’m happy to meet you, Melena. My mom told me a bit about your circumstances, and I want you to know that if you need a friend, I’d be happy to fill the slot.”
Mellie blushed, her head instantly lowering but her face wore a warm smile. “I’d like that. It gets lonely. Ahh… you know?”
“I do know. We can plan some outings as soon as you can escape from this joint and feel up to it.” Lisa turned to Jennie. “Can Mellie come to the house and stay with us at times?”
“We’ll see what the authorities have planned. I promised Melena earlier that we wouldn’t let them stick her somewhere if she didn’t like their arrangements.”
Without hesitation, Lisa said, “Baba would be happy to help a young girl who needs a place.”
Jennie laughed. “You know your Baba so well. Let’s see what the department for child welfare decides. Now that Melena is an orphan, they have the authority in this matter.”
Lisa stated, her voice becoming dronelike, “I did some research on this before we came. I’m thinking the city’s officials are moving tons of homeless folks into the DC shelters and have no idea where they can send them next. They’re trying to set up apartments for these people, but that’s mainly for families. For underage kids, they’re still depending on foster homes.”
Lance watched Mellie’s face fall and knew she was taking in every word Lisa said. By the obvious look of distress, she wasn’t much liking what she was learning, and he didn’t blame her. Inside, a battle raged, and he knew he couldn’t let her go to strangers. For some reason, he felt a huge responsibility for the girl who’d searched him out in her time of need.
“Not gonna happen.” Once he’d spoken the words, he knew he meant them.
“I agree,” Jennie added and then smiled his way. But we’ll need to play along until we can actually talk to the person who’ll be in charge of her case.
“I believe that would be me.” A tall woman, her face like a stone statue, stood in the doorway. A briefcase clutched in her hand hung by her side and her suit of dark gray looked worn and frayed.
It was her demeanor Lance took offense to. Rigid and controlling were the two words that popped into his mind.
Jesus. Poor Mellie.
