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Nox turned, raising a brow. “She was probably a volunteer, too, then.”
“I’ll check and see if any of the other missing girls are volunteers and if there are any offices or meeting locations that they may have in common.”
“Good thinking,” Nox said and Nelson nodded.
“Thanks. It looks like the sun’s coming out,” he noted.
“So it is,” Nox said as he turned and smiled. “I’m taking this as a good omen,” he decided. They had tea with Sharon until it was time for her to leave for an appointment. Nelson was pensive and the weight of his silence was heavier as they headed back to Georgetown. “Did you find anything else?”
“Mila used the same dating site as some of the other abducted women.”
“And that concerns you,” Nox said.
“That’s a really big pool of suspects and profiles to search that we’ll need court orders to get into. There’s a good chance he’s using multiple sites if that’s how he’s hunting for them.”
Nox hummed deeply as he considered. “I’d use three or four,” he said, earning a sharp look from Nelson. “I wouldn’t because I think all life is sacred. But if I didn’t, I’d cast my net across a few dating sites and use different IP addresses, bank accounts, photos…”
“It’s a good thing you wouldn’t,” Nelson said pointedly, then went back to wringing the steering wheel and grimacing at the road.
“Remember: that’s what the task force is for and we can learn a lot from what Sharon and Heidi are willing to share with us,” Nox said encouragingly, earning a faint nod from Nelson.
“I want you to know that…I appreciate that, Nox.” His teeth scraped over his lower lip and Nox thought that was it until Nelson sniffed hard, as if to gather his courage. “This case is my chance to prove I’m not worthless and I…have to. But I won’t be able to live with myself if I can’t bring those girls home alive and get justice for Elsa and Heidi.”
“I know, Nelson,” Nox insisted as he reached for Nelson’s hand on the wheel. There was a pulse of warmth and Nox sighed as he savored it.
Nelson stared at their hands for a moment before shaking his head. “You don’t understand. You impressed Bixby and none of those people would have talked to me if you hadn’t been there to make me look like less of a…robot. Felton would have given this to someone better if you hadn’t stepped in and stood up for me.”
“You aren’t a robot, Nelson.” Nox shook his head defiantly and wanted to fight Felton and every other spineless government tool who had made Nelson think there was something wrong with him. “Your brain is faster than a computer, but that isn’t a weakness because it’s attached to a pure, noble, loyal heart. You’re too selfless to play their games and that’s cost you. That doesn’t make you weak, though. You keep showing up and doing the right thing no matter how many times they kick you. That’s pretty hardcore to me.”
“I don’t know about that.” Nelson’s frown was still heavy.
Nox gave his hand a squeeze, then released it. “You were impressive too.”
He was brilliant and Nox wouldn’t have dazzled Dr. Bixby for long with his academic babble without Nelson to back him up and tee him up. Nelson had a way of getting to the root of the riddle in front of him and could sense when something was significant. Most agents would be too distracted and intimidated by what they didn’t understand and would be too proud to admit it. Not Nelson. His hunger to learn and serve was so vibrantly human and drew Nox like a moth to a flame. Nox had entered a field of battle with the perfect partner at his side, he was certain.
“Does it bother you that people call you a robot?” He asked and Nelson shook his head.
“I understand why. I’m quiet and I think too much. I can’t stop thinking.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that, but you have to give yourself a chance to rest or that beautiful brain will crash,” Nox said as he opened the file Bixby had sent.
He had been afraid to look earlier. He didn’t want to take those pictures and the ME’s findings into Mila’s condo or for Sharon to see them in his eyes. But Nox wanted a little time to get over the worst before they reached his place. She had been heavily drugged and the insides of her elbows and the tops of her hands were bruised. He scanned for any details that might have been part of the ritual and slapped the file shut.
“I’m too wiped out to cook. I was thinking we could order something and drink until we’re on the better side of hammered while we share notes,” he suggested, taking out his phone. “What are you in the mood for?”
“You pick. I’m not that hungry and I don’t get hammered,” Nelson said, tossing a quick glance at Nox. “I think it would be best if we had an early night and I went home later.”
“Oh. Sure,” Nox said as he nodded jerkily. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable. By being in your dreams,” he added with an awkward wince. “I’m still really sorry about that.”
“It’s not your fault.” Nelson held up a hand, attempting to hide the pink stains spreading across his cheeks. “But I have to get some rest and I think a little distance will help.”
Nox wished he could hug Nelson. “I’m so sorry. Let me prepare some tea for you to take with you while I drink until I’m on the better side of hammered. We can eat and compare notes and then you can go home, put on some comfy pajamas, and drink a soothing cup of tea. Do you enjoy your beers on the bitter and floral side, like IPAs?” He asked.
“I don’t wear pajamas or drink a lot of beer. But those are fine,” Nelson said.
“Good. I’ll add some hops, lavender, and valerian to my favorite chamomile blend. It’s loaded with verbena, lemongrass, and lemon peel. It’ll be lovely with a spoonful of honey and should do the trick. Maybe treat yourself to a long, hot bath.” Nox raised his brows hopefully, then discreetly pumped a fist when Nelson bowed his head.
“I’ll try the tea. I don’t like baths. Showers are more hygienic.”
