Page 14 of Dirty Looks

“I’m surprised the funeral home is still standing,” Jack said. “You know how Jaye gets when she’s hangry.”

“And she still hasn’t had any coffee,” Lily added, giving me a wink.

“Good Lord,” Emmy Lu said, scurrying around the kitchen to make coffee. “It’s a miracle we’re all still alive.”

Emmy Lu was a short, plump woman with a cheerful disposition, a biting sarcasm she saved for those closest to her, and rosy cheeks. She mothered everyone, including her own five boys, and grieving families loved her.

Everyone chuckled and then Martinez lifted up the napkin that had been covering his plate and revealed two glazed donuts.

“I saved them for you before whistleblower Durkus could eat them all,” Martinez said, rolling his eyes. “You gotta take care of your partner.”

“Especially when she’s supposed to buy lunch,” I said, winking at Martinez and grabbing my donut before it disappeared. Cops were wily about things like donuts. I took a bite and then covered my mouth with a napkin and asked, “Why are you guys here? How’s court?”

“A dog and pony show,” Jack said. “We’re on lunch recess. But I should be finished after today. Cole is the lucky one. He gets to wear a tie all week.”

“I only have one, so I hope they’re not expecting a fashion show,” Cole said, scowling. “Guy murders a bunch of people and the law-abiding citizens have to wear a jacket and tie as punishment. Talk about injustice.”

“Will you be taking over as supervisor on this case once they cut you loose?” Martinez asked.

Jack arched a brow and nodded. “I already talked to Lieutenant Colburn. You can report directly to me, and I’ll help with the legwork. It beats the hell out of court.”

There was an undercurrent to the conversation that was confusing, and I wondered what was going on between Colburn and Martinez. Lieutenant Colburn had certainly had his ups and downs on the job, but as far as I knew he was well liked by most of the guys.

“Sounds like a plan,” Martinez said. “It’s good to be on the winning team. Besides, Doc’s going to buy us lunch all week.”

“Now you’re just rubbing it in,” Cole said.

“All week?” I asked. “I don’t think so. I’m not made of money. How am I supposed to pay Emmy Lu and Lily and Sheldon if I’m buying you lunch every day? Your shoes cost more than my whole wardrobe.”

Martinez looked me up and down with pity. “You do look like a hobo today. I’m going to have to insist you change before we go out in public together. I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”

I shoved the rest of the donut in my mouth and growled.

“But I’ll concede to you buying every other day,” Martinez said. “You’re married to Daddy Warbucks over there. That should count for something. Besides, all my funds are tied up at the moment while we’re going through an acquisition. I’m living paycheck to paycheck.”

Cole whistled and shook his head. “How are you even functioning, living like a commoner?”

“Seventy-eight percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck,” Sheldon said.

“I believe it,” Cole said. “Ahh, the American dream.”

I caught Jack’s gaze and froze, confused by the quick wink he gave me and wishing I was pulled close to him like Cole was holding Lily. I missed his touch. And I missed the conversation.Jack was my best friend. The last few days had felt like I was missing part of myself, and in reality, I was.

The spell was broken when Emmy Lu handed me a cup of coffee. I nodded thanks and then quickly looked down into the cup, trying to gather my thoughts.

I’d needed this break after the last two hours. I’d needed to have stupid conversation and eat donuts and pretend like things were normal. But the few minutes of mindless peace had to come to an end.

“If anyone is interested,” I said. “We got an identity and cause of death for the victim.”

“I figured you’d get around to it,” Martinez said, tapping his finger on the manila envelope.

“Victim is twelve-year-old Evelyn Lidle,” I said. “Evie to family and friends. Her prints weren’t on file, but we were able to get a match with dental records. She is the daughter of Councilman Everett Lidle.”

“Cause of death?” Martinez asked.

“Blunt force trauma to the head,” I said. “I believe the strangulation was just a way to incapacitate. It’s what happened between the strangulation and the killing blow to the skull that’s hazy. The lack of fibers and the bruising pattern makes me think you’re looking for something like an electrical cord.”

“Sexual assault?” Jack asked.

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