Page 70 of Rules of Engagement

"Understood," said Garrett. "I have to get back in there before Mikey starts to eat the paper. You can stay if you want but I think the best part is over."

"I need to get back to the hospital anyway," I said.

"I'll take you," said Maddox.

"Damien?" I asked.

"If you don't mind, Lieutenant. I'd like to observe the rest of the interview," said Damien, addressing my brother directly. "Lexi, I'll come to the hospital directly afterwards, if you don't mind?"

"Not at all," I said.

"Damien, I can give you a ride back," said Garrett.

"Do you mind if I take a look at the investigation, too?" Damien asked. "One cop to another?"

"Sure," said Garrett. "Why don't you come with me and I'll introduce you to the squad? Another set of eyes could be helpful."

"Are you okay?" Maddox asked as we walked out of the police station. I blinked for a moment in the sudden bright light and sucked in a lungful of fresh air.

"Yes. Fine."

"Fine, fine? Or girl, fine?"

"'I don't know' fine. I'm glad they caught Mikey and I hope his dumb ass is thrown in jail for a very long time but I wish I knew more about what was going on. I have a bad feeling about this. I thought it was a grudge, or some kind of payback, and Solomon has an arsenal just waiting for it, but a warning? What kind of warning and to whom?"

"Are you sure no one's contacted you? Maybe an odd text message, or a strange phone call? A letter stuck on your windshield?"

"No texts, no calls, and my car is still parked at home. I don't recall seeing anything on it when we went there either."

"You should check with your colleagues and see if any of them got any warnings. Look out for anyone who approaches you too, even if its under the guise of friendliness. I'm starting to think it would be smart for you to stay at the hospital under twenty-four-hour guard too."

"You think this is about me too?"

"I don't know yet; but if Solomon was shot to warn someone, it has to be someone who’s very close to him. You're the most likely candidate."

We got in Maddox's SUV and when he started off, I grabbed my phone and fired off messages. One went to Delgado to tell him we were on our way to the hospital, another went to Garrett with the wedding planner information. I sent a message to Lucas asking for an update on the outstanding suspects, even though it seemed unlikely this could be anything from Solomon's long-distant past. I sent a group message to Lucas, Delgado, Fletcher and Flaherty too, asking for their thoughts on providing Garrett with a list of our cases. The last message was to Lily and I told her the shooter had been caught but I couldn't find an appropriate emoji.

"I wish I could be more help," said Maddox. "The moment something turns up that I can act on, I'll bring the FBI in. If this Mooch guys has been trafficking in drugs, or maybe even guns across state lines, the Feds can jump in."

"You've already done so much," I said. "I can't thank you enough."

"I want to do more."

"I know."

I didn't expect the hospital to be quite as lively when we arrived. The elevator doors drew open and the sound of excited chatter reached us instantly. Maddox and I turned to each other, frowning. Some of the voices sounded very familiar.

At the end of the corridor, near Solomon's room, a long table had been set up and people were unpacking dozens of dishes to spread along the middle. Nurses and doctors had plates and were lifting covers, sending wafts of delicious smelling food to us.

In the middle of all the commotion was my mother, a ladle in her hand as she spooned food onto the waiting plates. Next to her was Anastasia, smiling as she assisted. I counted all my nieces and nephews. My sisters-in-law, Traci and Alice, were there and Alice was still wearing her scrubs. I couldn't see her husband, Daniel, but I could see my other brother, Jord. Fletcher and Flaherty both had plates piled high with food and Serena handed a plate to Delgado, who stood in the doorway to Solomon's room. The uniformed guard looked perplexed.

"What is this?" asked Maddox as we paused to watch the party.

I could only think of one thing; Solomon must have woken up. I took off at a run, sliding around the small children and barely noticing the police officer when he told me to stop. I skidded to a stop in the doorway and pushed past Delgado.

Solomon lay on the bed, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

"He's not awake," I said to the still room amid the chaos outside.

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