Page 125 of The Darkest Chase

Talia: Just left Xavier’s. He was a total asshole creep. But get this! Eustace Jacobin showed up. She gave him a camera. Does that mean anything to you?

My blood becomes ice water.

The street fades into nothing.

A camera.

A fucking camera.

This is it. The missing link.

I’ll bet my life that’s Brian Newcomb’s camera, and not only does it have incriminating evidence on it, it is incriminating evidence in and of itself.

If Eustace had it, I was right all along.

I just need to nail down proof, and they’re all going to hell.

It means everything, I send back quickly. I’m off work in a few minutes. How soon can you meet me?

There’s a pause as she types.

Talia: I need to wrap up a few things with Grandpa, but I can be at your place in an hour.

Bring your camping gear, I reply.

Talia: We’re going out again?

I’ll explain when you get here.

Looks like we’ll be having dinner on the go tonight.

She just sends back a quick heart emoji and a face making the OK symbol.

I glance up, looking around the street one more time to make sure it’s clear and I’m good to leave my post. The time it takes me to walk back to the station, drop off a quick report, and clock out early—with Grant watching me the entire time—feels like a goddamned year.

Soon, I’m in my patrol car, heading home.

My head spins fucking faster than the tires.

I can smell what’s coming. Something big.

And leave it to Talia to deliver the goods. Getting her involved was the right move, after all.

She’s done plenty, though. It’s high time to let her step back, before she winds up endangered.

Bringing her along with me tonight?

Whatever.

That’s only because—if I have to admit it—I want her company.

I’m home, changed, and almost done packing my own gear for a one-night hike when my doorbell rings.

There’s a little déjà vu when I answer and find her there in a cute flannel shirt and jeans again. This time, it’s faded pink and black plaid. Her backpack looks smaller and sensible. She’s a quick learner, and she smiles so bright it’s blinding.

“Hey.” She leans up to kiss my cheek. “Ready to go?”

I’m not used to people being happy to see me.

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