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“Sophia, I know this isn’t what you want to hear but we’ve been unable to trace the numbers from the texts and the flowers aren’t traceable.”
“I understand. You can’t track a ghost.”
My dad stands, his hands running through his short graying hair as he moves to look out the window. “We’ll stay until commencement and then we’re taking you home with us.”
“But—”
“This isn’t up for discussion, Sophia. Someone has been stalking you and last night... well, last night could have ended a lot worse. We agree it’s best that you come home. At least for a while. Give you a little space from this guy and time to let things settle.”
I hate that he’s right. That all of them are right. There’s nothing that can be done and putting a thousand miles between me and the stalker makes sense. “Morgan...”
Waiving her hand dismissively she says, “Nope. You will not use me as an excuse. I wondered if this was where things would turn so I messaged the landlord this morning. He has a lengthy list of people waiting for a place so he’s fine with us not taking the apartment. I’ll be fine, and when you’re ready to come back, we’ll find something better.”
Closing my eyes, I let my mom pull me to her side.
• • •
Gage
The room quiets. Mr. Brooks and Randel step aside and speak quietly. Mrs. Brooks keeps her arm wrapped around her daughter while whispering in her ear. I step into the hallway and wait for Bruce. Being in that room and listening to the whispers and sniffles is a little uncomfortable.
“Do you really believe it isn’t Rowdy?” The voice behind me is quiet, barely above a whisper.
Turning to face Sophia I exhale and hope it helps soften my tone. “I don’t.”
“You’re a man of few words aren’t you, Officer Castillo?”
Chuckling, I say, “Yes.”
She laughs and so do I. “Thank you again for all you’ve done. Both of you. I know it is a little like stabbing in the dark but still, I appreciate it.”
“Just doing our job.”
“Sophia?”
Turning to the sound of her name I watch as her shoulders tense. I can’t imagine the thought of moving back home with her parents is something she is excited about.
“Take care, Officer Castillo.”
“Stay safe, Miss Brooks.”
With a nod, she moves back to the rest of the group as Randel passes her. They exchange a few words and she hugs the burly man. After saying our goodbyes, we return to the car and drive in silence back to the department.
“Don’t you worry about getting close to the victims?” I ask, curious how he can so freely accept hugs.
“No. It isn’t about being close to them. I don’t spend time with them or visit them outside of the job. But sometimes you need to offer them a little humanity, Gage. It isn’t always about doing everything in a black and white fashion. Sometimes you have to accept the gray areas and listen when the rules tell you otherwise. That girl is scared for her life. She has been since I first met her. If I can offer a little small talk and a friendly hug goodbye to make her feel safe, I’ll do it.”
I don’t say anything, his words not requiring a response. As we move to the door, he turns back to me. “It’s hard not to take this job home with you. We see things that will haunt us for a lifetime. But there are days you bring good news. You help someone in need. Those are the days you hold on to. Those are the ones that keep the dark days to a minimum.”
His words bounce around in my mind as he drives us back to the station. I’m not a complete asshole, but I do believe in boundaries and keeping things professional. I have always looked at my job one dimensionally, I suppose. Seeing Randel with the Brooks family has me reconsidering that outlook.
Chapter 11
Gage
Rotating my neck from left to right, exhaustion settles in my muscles. Normally I would hit the gym after my shift, pushing my body to the limit. I don’t need that tonight. Chasing down a carjacker for three blocks before scaling an eight-foot fence feels as if the gym was part of my day.
Slinging my duffel onto my shoulder, I lift my chin in greeting to the guys entering the locker room. I bring my phone to life and tap out a quick text to my mom, letting her know I’m safe and headed home. Although I come from a family of men and women who wear the badge, my mom hated the idea of her son following the same career path. It’s also why I’ve not told her my goal of making it to narcotics and detective.
