AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Not even Mama. Or Dad. If they did, they didn’t say it. Like it’s taboo.
“Thanks.” I peck his cheek before rushing out the door.
Fifteen minutes later and Jameson beats me to the scene. I swear he sleeps in his uniform.
Medic’s already here. The victim is loaded into the back of the ambulance. Jameson’s interviewing the man who found her. He’s a local out for his morning run and not a suspect.
“She has no ID.” Jameson steps to the side, debriefing me. “No phone. Nothing.”
And I don’t miss his terse voice, his eyes wanting to ask about Redix.
But we have a job to do.
“I’m going with her,” is all I say.
“I’ll meet you there.”
The ride to the hospital lets me study the victim. Early twenties. Brunette. Yellow sundress. A red stain spilled down the front of it. White sandals. Blue toenails with a sand dollar painted on her big toes. It’s a fresh pedicure—no sunscreen or sand damage.
I want to vomit.
Another victim in yellow.
Another victim who looks like me ten years ago.
The guilt is vicious.
After an hour in the emergency room, she wakes up. I want to hold her hand, but we haven’t collected evidence yet.
“Hey there.” I give her my softest smile. “I’m Cade. I’m a detective. You’re in the hospital, and you’re safe. Can you tell me your name?”
The way the victim searches around, her eyes terrified while reality comes back to her—it breaks my heart.
“Kayla,” she whispers.
“Hey, Kayla. I’m not leaving your side, okay? We’re going to take care of you.”
It takes three hours. In that time, Kayla consents to the rape kit. I pray for more evidence this time. It doesn’t get answered. It’s the same M.O. Proof of assault. No trace of who did it.
Kayla uses my phone to call her friends. She’s renting a condo with them—a bridesmaids party here from Georgia for the week.
“When are you scheduled to check out?” I gently ask.
“Today.”
“Do you know the company you rented through?”
“No, but Amber, the bride, does.”
“Okay.” I jot notes on my steno pad. “I like your pedicure. Did you get it yesterday?”
“Yeah.” Kayla’s smile is weak. “We all got mani/pedis before we went out last night.” She gives me the place’s location but can’t remember the name. I recognize it. It’s close to that same liquor store.
“I remember the bad storm last night,” Kayla stares at the ceiling. “The Pelican was packed because everyone came in from the patio. I couldn’t move. It was so hot. I was drinking to cool off. I’m not a big drinker. I get migraines from it. You have to believe me. I’m not that kind of woman.”
“Kayla, I believe you.” I stand beside her bed. “I believe you and every kind of woman, ones who never drink, ones who do, ones who get high or are just having fun. You have no reason to lie and every right to get justice.”
“Will you help me? Will you find him? I don’t want another woman hurt.”
