Page 161 of The Darkest Chase

Those beady black button eyes would stare at me, even when I couldn’t see them clearly. That’s when I could always hear it whispering the loudest.

Look at you! Hiding away while your poor big brother takes the brunt of it. Is that what you wanna grow up to be, Mikey? A stinkin’ coward?

You’re just gonna stand around and listen?

That’s what it feels like I’m doing now as I try to piece together this case against Xavier. Sitting on my ass, listening to the telltale cries, trying to form a complete picture that will let me nail his dick to the fucking wall.

I just need hard evidence and it’s frustrating as hell.

My phone goes off in my breast pocket.

Blinking, I roll my shoulders.

I’ve been staring at these files without really seeing them for so long that the newspaper clippings have turned into an unfocused blur of black and white.

As my vision clears, I glance around the office.

Everyone’s out except Mallory, manning—womaning, whatever—the dispatch desk. Really, she’s playing with the Korean boy toys in her game. I really wish I could un-hear the moaning coming from her phone.

But my phone needs attention, so I flip the file shut and swipe through a barrage of texts.

Talia: 911, 911, 911, 911

Talia: Well, wait, what’s 911 for good things?

Talia: Maybe a good thing. I don’t know yet but it could be. But it could also be big trouble and when can you come see me?

Talia: 411

Talia: That’s it, I have the 411 on a thing!

Huh?

My dark memories implode in her jibber-jabber. Somehow, I’m smiling.

She does that a lot.

Calm down first, I send back. Back up. What do you have?

Talia: I can’t say! Not here where it could be incriminating.

I snort with amusement.

Mallory stops tapping her screen and gives me a discerning look over the rims of her glasses.

I ignore her and type, Stop watching dumb cop shows. I’ve got a lunch break in fifteen. Red Grounds? Or would you prefer somewhere not public?

Talia: Grandpa’s out right now. The Faircrosses need a new desk for their kid and he wanted to talk to them about dimensions. We can talk at the shop.

I’ll be there as soon as I clock out. See you soon, I send back.

I set my phone down and look up.

Mallory’s still watching me, sharp as a hawk.

“What?” I growl.

“You’re smiling a lot lately,” she points out. “Does it have anything to do with that nice young lady I see you out and about with?”

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