Page 100 of The Two Last Moments

Zander. That name echoes in my brain. Z for Zander.

And Richards. That was a last name I used in the past, but according to Cam, it was fake. Figures that Zander would be using the same one.

“I doubt Richards is his real name,” I say.

“Entirely possible. We’ll find out. Looks like he’s been squatting in that house he was sneaking back into. It’s two streets over from here.”

Quinn squeezes my arm.

Jeez, no wonder my stepbrother said he was close. The thought makes painful goosebumps sheet my skin. “You arrested him?” I ask.

“We’re in the process of arresting him for trespassing. Plus he’s our top suspect for assaulting you, but we’ll need you to ID him.”

“I didn’t get a good look at his face.”

“Eh, even so. The damage to his nose suggests we got the right guy.” Cliff grins. “Nice job with that head-butt, by the way.”

Matteo holds up his hand for a high-five, and Aiden gives me a fist bump.

“When does Lark need to make the ID?” Quinn asks, still holding tight to my arm.

“I’m going to head back to the station. The detectives assigned to this case are questioning Zander, and I’ll let you know what I find out.”

I had my issues with cops before, but I’m glad Cliff is a friend. Thank goodness he’s around to tell me what’s going on. Same with Quinn. As a prosecutor, she understands all the ins-and-outs of investigations.

I thank Cliff, and he takes off. Matteo locks the front door behind him.

Quinn rubs my arms. “They caught the guy. How do you feel?”

“I’m relieved. But it’s weird. He was like the bogeyman before, no face and no name except an initial. Now he seems human. I thought it would take more to catch him.”

“It often feels that way when we grab a perp we’ve been hunting,” Quinn says. “They’re just flesh and blood, and they make mistakes.”

“Made a big one messing with you,” Matteo adds.

I smile at him. “What about Nina? How’s she doing? Does she need anything?” I haven’t even had a chance to go see her. It’s been too chaotic.

“Still resting. The other nurse showed up, Starla, so Ryan could head home for a while. But both of them said they can work extra today to help out.”

I exhale. “Good.” If Danny would just get back here, everything would be back on track.

Quinn slings an arm around my shoulder. “I’m afraid you have no choice, Lark. You have nothing better to do than relax and have fun with your friends. Oh, the humanity.”

I laugh, returning her hug. “Relaxing with friends sounds perfect.”

“I say we head to the kitchen.” Matteo nods in that direction. “Something smells promising. I’m intrigued.”

“That’s all me,” Aiden says. “I need to get back in there. Nobody in the kitchen until I’m finished.”

Matteo cocks his head. “I’ve heard these rumors that you can cook. I have doubts. Good cooking runs in families, but I know your brother, and Jake doesn’t strike me as the kind of soldier we’d want on KP duty.”

Aiden purses his lips and says nothing.

“Oh, Aiden can cook,” Quinn assures Matteo.

“So can I, as everyone at Station Two will attest.” Matteo claps his hands and rubs them together, his crooked grin turning devious. “Perhaps a little friendly competition is in order.”

“No.” Aiden folds his arms over his chest. “This isn’t a reality show.”

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