Nick read the top paper on the file for the third time, but it didn't make any more sense than it had the other two times. Not when his mind kept wandering.
Genevieve had gone to sleep before he could talk to her about their misunderstanding the night before, and then he’d been called in early to deal with a case that needed his immediate attention.
He set down the file and yawned. Maybe another coffee would help. A jolt of caffeine could be just what he needed to get through his paperwork. The never-ending pile.
Mary smiled at Nick as she stepped away from the coffee maker. “Morning, Captain.”
He tried to return the gesture. “Good morning, Mary.”
She gave him a sympathetic glance. “Need anything, sir?”
“That obvious?” He poured himself a cup and added milk.
“I know the look. My late husband was a captain, as well. It’s a tough job. Takes a lot out of you.”
Nick stopped stirring the drink and arched a brow. “I never knew that about your husband.”
She nodded. “I always enjoyed visiting his precinct. After he passed and I grew lonely, I knew exactly the environment I wanted for work.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your husband, but I’m glad you decided to join us.” He finally managed a genuine smile. “And not just because we no longer have to drink stale-tasting coffee.”
Mary beamed. “I appreciate it, sir. Let me know if I can help in any way.”
“Will do.” He nodded and went back into his office, sipping the hot beverage.
Nick sat down, shoved aside all thoughts and worries, then hit the paperwork. His mind tried to get in the way, but he wouldn’t let it. The coffee helped. Just as he was getting into the swing of it, there was a knock on his door.
Of course there was.
He glanced up to see Alex on the other side. His friend would take one look at him and know something was wrong.
Nick waved him in, anyway.
Alex flung open the door. “Did you hear?”
“What?”
He raced over and pressed his palms on the desk. “The lady in red!”
“Was she captured?”
Alex shook his head, breathing hard. “An attempted abduction. The kid described her as a woman with a red dress!”
Nick leaped up from his chair, sending it crashing into the wall. “Let’s go! Where?”
“Wu and Anderson are already on it. They were only a few minutes away, finishing up at a home invasion.”
“Where is it?” Nick’s mind raced.
“Over by the hotel that caught fire a few months back.”
“What’s the connection? None of her attempted abductions are close together. The only thing they have in common is they’re within the city limits.”
Alex sat in the chair across from him. “That and each girl has been safely returned.”
“She isn’t very good.” Nick pulled his chair from the wall and slunk down, lost in thought. “Only managed to nab one of three kids.”
“Maybe the actual kidnapping isn’t the point.”
Nick tilted his head. “Then what would it be?”
“Sending a message.”
“About what?”
“That’s the question.” Alex frowned. “I went to visit Cal last night, and he didn’t appear to know anything. With as arrogant as he was being, I’d think he’d be rubbing it in my face if he did know something.”
“And you think it’s his ring sending you a message?”
Alex shrugged. “I don’t know why. I took down my blog like they wanted. Are they taunting me? Trying to say something else?”
“Have you spoken to one of the agents on the case?”
“Not yet, but it’s clear I should.”
Nick tapped his desk and tried to piece everything together. “They might not even be aware of any of this. Two abductions, and one that was found shortly after the missing report.”
Alex nodded. “Maybe they don’t want the feds to know.”
“Could be. Is the artist going to talk with the kid?”
“I’d imagine so. I want to see if it’s the same woman.”
Nick clenched his fists. “Believe me, so do I.”
“I know. How’s Tinsley? Talking more now?”
“Yeah. She’s back to full sentences.” Nick frowned, recalling Genevieve storming off the night before.
“Isn’t that good?” Alex looked confused.
“It is.” Nick shoved his thoughts aside.
“Something else bothering you?”
Nick started to say no, but stopped himself. It was one thing to put off one of his officers, but another thing to keep something from his best friend. He took a deep breath. “Yes, but now isn’t the time to discuss it. We need to find that psychopath in the red dress.”
Alex rose. “I’ll call Wu and make sure the forensic artist is going to talk with the kid. Want to grab lunch in an hour?”
Nick glanced at his fitness watch. “It’s already almost lunch time?”
“Yeah. I can make reservations at—”
“Let’s just grab sandwiches. I have a feeling we have a busy afternoon in store.”
Alex nodded. “Sure. We can stop by the new wrap place over by the bowling alley. Rumor has it their food is really good.”
“Sounds great.” Nick picked up the file and found where he’d left off.
Alex left without another word.
As soon as the door closed, Nick’s thoughts immediately went back to Genevieve. He just couldn’t get his thoughts off the situation. The moment he had, Tinsley’s disappearance was brought back to the forefront of his mind.
He dropped the file on his desk and took a deep breath. Maybe he should just call her. They usually spoke on breaks. But she hadn't so much as texted him all morning.
What if she wanted space? He’d be better off giving it to her. They could work things out when he got home. They always managed to get on the same page, even when things looked dire. It couldn’t have gotten worse than the time she showed up at his ex-wife’s house at the exact moment he stepped out of the bathroom in a towel.
Nick shuddered just thinking about that mess. It hadn’t been what it’d looked like—not even close—but Genevieve had closed him out then. They’d made it through that, so they could certainly get through this little misunderstanding. It was so small in comparison.
Knock, knock!
Nick glanced over. Alex again. Already?
He waved him in.
“Ready for lunch?”
Nick checked the time. Somehow more than an hour had passed.
“You sure you’re okay?” Alex stepped in.
“Starving.” Nick grabbed his jacket and closed the open file. “Let’s grab those wraps.”
Alex gave him a look that told him he knew something was up.
Nick made small talk as he and Alex made their way to the parking lot. He remote-unlocked his Mustang then fired up the ignition.
“Anything you want to get off your mind?” Alex asked. “Something’s obviously eating you up.”
Nick drew in a deep breath and held it, squeezing the steering wheel. “Nothing that won’t work itself out.”
“Okay.”
Nick relaxed, grateful for a friend who didn’t push it. He turned up the music and pulled out of the parking spot, tapping his thumbs to Bon Jovi.
When he pulled into the parking spot, Alex snickered.
“What’s so funny?” Nick cut the engine.
Alex glanced up at the deli’s sign. “The name of the place is Royal Pita.”
“So?” Nick looked at the sign, not finding anything humorous.
“You know what PITA stands for, right?” The corners of Alex’s mouth twitched.
Nick rubbed his temples. “Something about keeping animals safe.”
“Sometimes you’re a lost cause, old man.” Alex rolled his eyes.
“Hey, now. I’m not that much older than you. What’s PITA?”
“Never mind.” Alex got out of the car, shaking his head.
Nick locked the car. “I’m sure I’d know what you’re talking about if I hadn’t been distracted all day.”
Alex frowned. “You want to share the burden? Maybe I can help.”
“Doubt you can do anything about this, little boy.”
“Good one.” Alex chuckled and opened the door.
Nick stepped inside and was greeted with the aromas of curry and shrimp. He debated whether to tell his friend about the misunderstanding with Genevieve. Surely, they’d work it out that evening. But then, why did his stomach knot at the mere thought of talking with her?
He checked his cell to see if she’d responded to his texts.
She hadn’t, but the phone rang. A call from the station. It would surely pull them away from their lunch before they could even take a bite.