BY THE TIME we got back to SLCPD, SWAT had several members of the Bloods brought in, so we met up with Eric and Marisol to view the lineup. I identified the two I’d crossed paths with before, and we picked out the other three involved in the mass killing from the remaining eight in the lineup. The five were sent to booking and then put in interrogation rooms.

I was in the room with Terrance Johnston, whom they called T-bone. “So, Terrance, what was this about?”

He tried to play it cool by shrugging my question off. “Bitch, I don’t know what yo’ talking about.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Terrance, we have you on video surveillance. You and your buddies are going away for this for a long time—life probably. But I’m willing to tell the court you cooperated if you give me some answers.”

He waved me off. “Bitch, yo’ sure be tripping. I ain’t saying shit,” he spat.

I grabbed my things and stood up. “That’s okay, Mr. Johnston. I’m sure you’ll enjoy prison, but I hear the Aryan Brotherhood is strong where you’ll be going. Do write me and tell me all about it.” I walked to the door.

“Wait! I’ll talk,” he said and stopped me.

I smiled to myself before turning around. “All right. I’m listening.”

He confessed to being there and to killing one of the victims. He said they were there because the new leader in Carlos Garcia’s place, Darnell Robins, sent them. He wouldn’t say why, but I knew it had to do with me.

After all the interviews were completed, we had five confessions. One of the men, Quintrell Harvey, gave us the reason. He said Darnell had sent them and told them to hide inside or behind cars until I showed up to investigate and then take me out.

I told Quintrell, “Well, if you hear from him while you’re in custody, you can tell him I said nice try.”

It was finally time to go home, and I was beat.

I fixed chili for dinner and turned on the news while I ate. I hoped the killer was watching the evening edition to see my interview, which I made sure ran on several stations.

Duke begged for some of my supper, but I denied him. If I wanted someone next to me who was farting all night, I’d get married.

Just as I was starting the dishes, my interview came on. Yikes! The camera does add ten pounds. My phone rang about half-way through it, and it was my mother.

“I’m fine,” I answered and then listened to her ramble on for ten minutes about how I probably wasn’t fine at all. “Mom, you can’t worry about every case I have. I’ve been a cop for seven years now,” I reminded her.

“I know, and your father and I have worried about you every second since you started,” Karen Delossa scolded me.

I rolled my eyes. I loved that they cared, but it wasn’t ever going to change my mind about my career. Not even this case was going to do that. I promised her I was keeping an eye on Denise and that I was being careful. Then we said goodbye. A minute later, Justin called.

With a groan, I took the call. “Hello, Justin.”

“Hey. I heard you brought in the perps responsible for the mass shooting in the parking garage this morning. I guess my calendar is going to be full for a while.”

“You’re welcome,” I teased. “I know how you like to stay busy.”

He laughed and asked, “Is your sister staying with you tonight again?”

“No, I think she’s working tonight.”

“Oh, that’s right. You said she works at that gas station on Grand,” he uttered.

“Yep. She’s one of the shift managers,” I affirmed. “It’s just to help put her through college. I did tell you she wants to be a prosecutor, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, I think you mentioned it once. I’ll help her if she has any questions.” I heard his microwave beep in the background.

“I’ll let her know. Enjoy your supper,” I told him.

“How did you know I was heating up something to eat?” he wondered.

I chuckled, “Because I’m a detective. It’s what I do.”

“All right, Super Sleuth. I’ll let you go, but if you get lonely, I’m a phone call away,” he flirted.

“Good night, Justin,” I said firmly and hung up.

Before the sun went down, I took Duke for a walk. This time, though, I was sure to take my Glock, Mace, and taser. Aside from the highway noise, the muggy evening was nice and quiet. There was a rain breeze kicking up, so I didn’t go too far before turning back. I knew how Duke felt about the thunder, and it looked like there was going to be a violent storm.

Just as soon as we started back, the rain began to fall with thunder rumbling in the distance. I picked up my pace to a light jog to get there sooner, but Duke pulled hard on the leash, forcing me to run.

I dried him off when we got back and then took a hot shower before bed. For the first time since I became a homicide detective, I had nice dreams.