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I hadn’t been a good friend to Austin in college. I hadn’t paid close attention. I hadn’t realized his drinking was out of control and waved it off as normal college partying until it was too late. In the Marines, I had a quiet post guarding the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar until some kid decided he wanted to make a statement in the form of a handmade bomb.
I hadn’t been vigilant and let my guard down both times. I couldn’t let my relationship with Remi influence my ability to do my job.
When I arrived at the station, I pushed out thoughts of Remi and focused on what I had to do. I didn’t think about what would happen if Hailey wasn’t able to identify him or if Corey wasn’t the one.
I’d focus on the case, not leaving any stone unturned. I had to. I couldn’t afford to make another mistake.
Later that afternoon, Dexter stopped by my desk. “You satisfied with the photo array?”
We’d included Corey and any kid we’d booked recently with the similar build and coloring. “Yeah. Good job.”
“You want to sit this one out?”
“What? Why?” He’d caught on to what I was already worried about. I probably should take a step back.
Dexter’s expression was serious. “It’s personal. You don’t usually let this affect you.”
“I’ll be fine.” I hoped I would be, anyway.
“If it’s not one of these kids, we’ll find who it is. He’ll make a mistake eventually.”
“I hope you’re right.” For Remi’s sake.
Dexter walked away.
A text popped up on the screen of my phone. It was Remi.
Remi: Want to get together tonight?
Was that a good idea when I needed to focus on the job?
Colton: Not sure yet. There’s been a development in a case.
I didn’t want to get her hopes up if Corey wasn’t the guy. There wasn’t a follow-up text, so I put the phone away, focusing on what I needed to do.
Chapter Nineteen
REMI
Anticipating an evening alone, I made a salad, went through a series of yoga poses, and then sat on my mat to meditate. Thinking about Colton made me feel good, but I knew I shouldn’t get away from the practice. It had become a habit over the years.
When my intercom buzzed, I startled.
Checking my messages, I saw that Colton had tried to get in touch with me, then said he’d stop by the apartment.
“Colton?” I asked, speaking into the speaker.
“Hope it’s okay I dropped by.”
“Of course.” I wanted to see him.
I opened the door before he made it up the stairs.
His expression was tight as if he were here in his official capacity as a police officer.
“We need to talk.”
Closing the door behind him, I said, “Is this about the graffiti?”
