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“If his partners are in jail, what was his plan?” Beau asked. “Move Kasie? Or is there another player we aren’t even aware of?”
Kasie shivered. “He said he had one more shot to make things right. To get off the shit list, whatever that means.”
Brooke fisted her hands at her sides. “Sounds like he has more contacts in this sick world. We just need to find them.”
“No matter where he is, he won’t get you again,” Izzy said, wishing she could make the scared girl beside her believe that was the truth. A confidence she hadn’t felt since her life was derailed steeled her spine. Maybe it had to do with finally being active—helping in whatever way she could. Or maybe it was the man beside her, quietly giving her strength. Either way, she didn’t want to go back to always being scared. Always looking over her shoulder and waiting for something horrible to happen.
A knock on the open door stole all their attention. A middle-aged officer poked his head inside. “The parents are here.”
“Send them in,” Cruz said.
A man with salt and pepper hair and a woman with bloodshot eyes and a stylish blond bob swept into the office, ignoring everyone else and flocking to Kasie.
“Mom! Dad!” Kasie yelled, fresh tears springing to her eyes.
“Oh, honey,” the woman said. “We’re so glad you’re safe. We were so worried.”
Izzy watched, happy Kasie had a loving family to be there for her in her darkest hour. The thought was a punch in the gut.Shehad a loving family who’d do anything for her, and she’d spent the last five months pushing them away.
Just like she’d pushed away Beau.
“We’ve taken your daughter’s statement, but we’d like to speak with you as well,” Cruz said. “Beau, can you make sure Izzy gets home safely?”
Nodding, Beau rose to his feet. “Absolutely.”
“Can I steal a piece of paper from your notepad?” Izzy asked, staring up at him.
He snatched the pad from his back pocket and handed her the paper along with a pen. His fingertips brushed against hers and red smashed against his cheeks.
A blush crept up her neck as she wrote down her name and number before handing the paper to Kasie. “You can call me any time. Day or night. I’m sure you’ll find some amazing resources to help you through this, but sometimes, you just need someone who understands. I can be that person.”
Kasie threw her arms around Izzy. “Thank you.”
Pulling away, Izzy gave her hand one more squeeze then stood. Beau was right. She wasn’t the same person she’d been before, and today had shown her a glimpse into the person she still wanted to become. A person who used her past trauma to help others, to show them that the future was still bright with possibilities.
As she walked out of the room, Beau beside her, she took a chance and linked her fingers with his. Words of apology and explanation would have to wait, but she could start showing him how she felt. Take the first step toward that bright, new future. Where hopefully her troubles were behind her and a new life she’d never imagined waited.
She just needed to make sure it was a future Beau wanted as well. Because sometimes, once a bridge was burned, it could never be rebuilt.
* * *
Flippingon the lights in his apartment, Beau said a silent prayer of thanks to the universe that he’d cleaned up before heading into work that morning. “Thanks for agreeing to stop by here before heading to your house so I can change out of my uniform.”
Izzy didn’t hide her interest as she glanced around the open-concept room—the front entrance led right into the living room, an island jutting from the wall separated it from the kitchen. “Nice place,” she said, strolling further inside.
“It’s not fancy, but it’s home.” He tossed his keys and wallet in a shallow dish on the narrow table pressed against the wall.
“I miss having my own space. Living back home has been an adjustment.”
“I bet. As much as I love my parents, I can’t image living with them again. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be quick.”
She flashed him a smile. “Take your time. I’m in no rush. Besides, I need to see what fun things Beau Davis keeps around his apartment.”
Chuckling, he shook his head and hurried down the short hall to the lone bedroom. That grin was the same one she’d used when she was about to get into trouble—one he hadn’t seen in longer than he could remember.
One he’d do anything to see again.
He shucked off his clothes as fast as he could, the feel of her hand imprinted in his mind. She’d taken him by surprise when she’d nestled her palm in his. He’d held on tight, unsure if she was upset by the encounter with Kasie and needed support or the gesture was something more.
