Page 54 of Shadow Sabotage
I touched her cheek softly, brushed the lone tear that escaped. “Hey. What is it?”
“I told you it was stupid.” She tried to laugh, but like her voice earlier, it sounded strange. Fragile. Fake.
“It’s not stupid if it’s bothering you. I just don’t understand.”
“I don’t, either.” This time, the embarrassed laugh was real. “It’s just that everything is changing. Cheyenne and I have been best friends practically my whole life. Now, she’ll be my sister, and it’s everything I could have ever hoped for. But…”
“But you feel like you’re losing her in some way.”
She nodded. “Yeah. I don’t know. When she and Rhett got together, I thought nothing would change. That Rhett would just be another addition to the party, know what I mean? But it’s different now. Different than when we were kids and they were dating. They’re building a new life together, one that I’m not part of. And on top of that, she’s changing her SAR work and we won’t even be partners anymore.” Her voice wobbled.
I let out a deep breath. “Cheyenne mentioned her canine training as soon as we sat down to dinner. Is that what you’re talking about?”
“Yeah. Like I said, it’s stupid. I’m literally the worst friend in the world.” She put her hands over her face.
“No, you’re not.”
“I am. My best friend is marrying her soulmate and training on a new skill she’s really excited about. I should be happy for her. We’vealwaysbeen happy for each other. I’m being selfish and stupid and I hate myself for it.”
I put my hands on her arms and turned her so she was facing me. “Youarehappy for her. But you can be happy for her and also honor the fact that you’re losing a partner.”
She looked up at me with something like hope in her eyes. “Really?”
“Really. Look, I’ve been there. I had a partner on the force leave for personal reasons. It was terrible. When you’ve worked with someone day in and day out, literally trusting them with your life, losing that can shake you to the core.”
“You get it,” she whispered.
“Yeah. I do. I was so down when I lost my partner that I drank all weekend and ended up with the worst hangover of my life. And he and I hadn’t worked together for nearly as long as you and Cheyenne have.”
“I haven’t been able to tell anyone else this,” she admitted. “They wouldn’t understand. The family would just think I was being petty. Mom would probably think it’s because I need a man.” She rolled her eyes.
I laughed. “Probably.”
“Even Cheyenne wouldn’t understand because she isn’t going through the same thing. Rhett’s training to join the team. He’s a probationary member now, and I’m sure he’ll train to be herdog’s second handler. She’s not losing a partner. She just traded me for him.” Her voice wobbled again.
“I’m sorry.” It was all I knew to say, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to pull her into my arms and tell her everything would be okay.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself. “You were right. Getting it off my chest helped—especially since you understand.” She gave me a timid smile. “Thanks for listening.”
“Anytime. And I know it’s not the same, butyouhave a new partner, too.”
Her green eyes brightened—for just a moment. “For a little while at least.” She looked at me like she wanted to say more. Instead, she stood and brushed the hay from her jeans. “It’s freezing out here. I’m going to head in. See you in the morning?”
I nodded. “Sure.”
She turned and walked away.
My phone rang earlythe next morning, waking me from a deep sleep. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, grabbing my cell from the table beside my bed.
“Agent Weston,” I said, answering it.
A deep, familiar voice chuckled. “Good morning. Did I wake you?”
I scrubbed my face. “Oh. Hi, Dad. Your name wasn’t on the caller ID.”
Not that it surprised me. He had a multitude of burner phones.
“How’s your case going?” His tone was commanding, as if he were my director instead of my father. I tried to remember the last time he’d called to ask howIwas doing instead of how work was going. I couldn’t think of one. The difference between ourrelationship and the ones I had witnessed last night had never felt so apparent.
