Page 29 of Madden

"Who knows if there is? There was a fire at city hall in the seventies," she says. "A lot of the city and county records were destroyed. It's like we found a time capsule here."

I'm already taking my cell phone out and texting Chief Harrison, asking if we can get some lighting in here, so we can see what we're working with. "I'll let you know the ETA if we're able to uncover all of this." An assignment has never had me this excited before.

Principal Faulkner smiles at me. "I'm glad you're here, Madden. The old SRO wouldn't have been excited about this. You are, and the kids can tell how much you enjoy being here. We're lucky to have you."

My chest warms. Being an officer is where I truly feel I’m supposed to be. This is the job that I love. "I'm lucky to be here. I enjoy the job, and I'm thankful that you accept what I want to do for these kids."

She tilts her head to the side. "You didn't have a great childhood, did you, Officer? I've worked in the school system long enough to spot it. You hide it well, but sometimes you let your mask slip."

The only thing I say is, "You're good at your job, Principal. I'll leave it at that."

Reaching out, she grips my shoulder with her hand. "If you ever need anything, let me know."

Her offer means more than I can tell her, so I don't. I just answer. "I will. It's almost time for classes to head to the gym. I'm going to go watch over everyone in case anyone needs anything." I'm positive she can tell it's because I don't want her to see how much this affects me, but she doesn't comment on it.

"See you later, Madden. Let me know what the Chief says. I can't wait to sort this out."

Neither can I.

CHAPTER 20

BECCA

I've beennervous since I got the okay to come visit Trey. The last time we spoke, it wasn't great. It was in the middle of the hallway at the courthouse, as he was getting taken out. We were arguing over what was best for Mick. I said some things I shouldn't have, and he definitely said many things he shouldn't.

I pull into the parking lot of the Greater Birmingham penitentiary and select a spot. When I thought about this, I always figured this place would be packed with family members who were coming to see their loved ones. But as I sit in my car and look around, I'm struck by how lonely this place looks. It's pouring out of the barred windows and fences with barbed wire at the top.

Unbuckling, I grab my purse and open the door. My gaze goes down to the pavement. It's cracked and spiraling, much like my emotions right now. There are weeds sprouting up in every available space. It's a piece of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. Squaring my shoulders, I walk with purpose toward the front door.

I've never been here before, but there are people in front of me who seem to know the drill. I follow along until I get up to where I can speak to someone.

"Who are you here to see today?" The woman behind the counter asks.

"Trey White," I answer, his name feeling weird on my lips.

"And you are?"

"His sister, Rebecca."

She clicks a few keys on her computer and then moves her mouse. "I see you've made an appointment, and you've been approved. You'll need to go through the metal detectors." She points to a bank of them.

The only other time I've been through these is when I've done jury duty, or gotten my license renewed. I've never been scared to go through them, but I am right now. It's not as if I'm carrying something that's going to get me in trouble, but I'm still worried. I put my purse on the belt, emptying my pockets into the bins, and wait for everything to go through.

"Okay, step through." The officer, wearing a scowl on his face, tells me.

I'm sure he hates this job. He sees the worst of the worst and gets absolutely no respect for any of it. I hold my arms up as he sweeps a wand across my shoulders and along my waist.

"You're good. Go sit over in one of those chairs." He points to a bank of seats next to the wall. "When your prisoner is ready to be seen, they'll let you know."

I hate that they call Trey my prisoner. He's my brother, but I guess I have to accept that it's what he is. He's chosen to live this life, and there are consequences. I have a seat and pull my purse into my lap, crossing my legs. It's a protective gesture, one I do more often than I should. It's a tell, that if anyone knows me well enough will see. Inhaling deeply, I try to slow my pounding heart, but when another officer down the hallway calls my name, it feels as if it's going to beat through my chest. I walk slowly to where he's holding a door open, and then I enter.

"Hey Becca."

I haven't heard Trey's voice in months, so it's foreign when he greets me. I go over to the table, but before I can take a seat, the officer in the room requests my purse by pointing at it and motioning with his hand. "Oh yeah. Here you go." He takes it, and places it in what I guess he considers a safe space.

Turning back around, I look at Trey and trudge to the table where he's seated. "Hi," I whisper as I pull the chair out and sit down in front of him.

He hitches his jaw up at me, and it pisses me off.

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