Page 66 of Operation: Sharp Angel

“Uh-huh,” the officer said. “Who else is here? You said the minor children.”

“Yes, and a friend of Simone’s is in with them. She wasn’t here during the assault but came after to be with the children.”

***

Becca woke up tucked in tightly against Carter. They’d waited up to hear from Briana for the resolution of things over at the Hochhouse. She’d notified them both when she’d gotten word from Flores that Jacob Hoch had snapped and beaten Simone.

Briana had finally gotten back to them at midnight. Simone Hoch was transported to the hospital via ambulance for x-rays for suspected broken ribs. Bravo Team member, medic Eddie Winston had accompanied her to the hospital while Briana stayed with her children. Winston brought Simone home around zero three hundred. The x-rays confirmed two broken ribs. Several cuts required stitches, and photographs were taken by the police as proof of her beating. She originally didn’t want to go to the hospital, but the team convinced her it would look worse for her husband if she did, so she agreed.

Becca wasn’t surprised to find Carter awake. “What time is it?” she asked, when she realized that even though he lay motionless beside her, his eyes were wide open.

“Just past six,” he answered. “How’d you sleep?” He kissed her temple, where his lips easily reached without moving.

“I had a hard time falling asleep. All I could think of was that poor woman,” she said.

“Briana texted last night while you were asleep, after Winston brought Simone home from the hospital. Two broken ribs, they’ll heal. It could have been worse.”

“At least we got it all on tape. That bastard won’t ever hit her again.”

“We’ll make sure of it,” Tessman said.

“She’s also my client now. I’ll stay in touch with her and make sure of it too,” Becca said. “Carter, will you think I’m nuts if I tell you I think I want to help more women like her who are in a bad situation?”

“No, it wouldn’t surprise me at all. You said at the beginning you were going to sign your sister’s house over to a battered woman’s shelter, so I know this is a cause you are passionate about.”

“I’d like to help Briana with more of her cases,” Becca said. “Do you think Shepherd would extend my limited contract and hire me on for more of a regular gig?”

Tessman’s lips pulled into a grin. “I’d like that.” He rolled into her and wrapped his body around hers. “You’ll never know until you ask.”

“I guess not. But I don’t think I’d want to start right away. When this is over, I need a few weeks away.”

“Away where?” Tessman asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe a few days in Vail, a few in Disney, and a few days in the Dells to revisit the memories.”

“St. Thomas. Add St. Thomas to your vacation plans and I’ll meet you there and teach you to scuba dive.”

Becca laughed. “That would be nice. I wish.”

“I’m serious,” Tessman said.

“Will you be able to get off work?”

“I have several weeks leave on the books. I’ll get off, don’t worry.”

“Then we will definitely talk more about this when it’s over and those responsible for killing my sister’s family are behind bars where they belong.”

Tessman hoped that would be the case.

***

Becca gazed out of the window as Jackson pulled the SUV from the parking garage. The sun shone brightly. She wanted to lower the window and feel the sun on her skin, the breeze on her face. But Carter had told her to leave it up. The windows were tinted for a reason and although it was unlikely someone watched the parking garage, hoping to get a glimpse of her, it was just safer this way.

As they drove, heading for the court house, a feeling of freedom settled over Becca. This was the first time in several days that she’d left the Shepherd Security building. She remembered that she’d never had that conversation with Carter, that she needed to go home. Her home still needed to be righted since it was ransacked. The thought of all of her belongings lying scattered all over the floor bothered her.

When they arrived at the courthouse, Jackson dropped them off at the entrance on the side of the building for law enforcement. Tessman walked her inside while Jackson parked the car. Becca watched Carter show his badge and declare his gun. They both proceeded through the metal detector, Carter retrieving the items on the other side. It amazed her how comfortable he was with all of it. For some reason, she saw him as a Marine, not an FBI agent, which seeing him interact with the county law enforcement officers who guarded the entrances into the building, reminded her that he was.

Tessman then guided her to a conference room that was near the courtrooms. Briana had messaged that she and Simone Hoch waited there. Tessman opened the door without knocking. Two other women were inside with Briana and Simone.

---