Page 44 of A Little Bit Whiskey
She turned the corner into Fred’s office. The heavy beat of her heart thumped against her chest.
“Tamsyn,” Fred said. “I’m sorry, but Noir needs to step into the lobby.”
“Is this official business? Or personal?” Tamsyn asked.
“It’s a gray area.” Fred stood, looping his fingers through his belt loop.
Power move.
Fuck.
That said it all.
“Gray area or not, unless this is about my job specifically—a case I’m working, an issue in this department—he’s staying, because if this is about what I think it is, I have a right to have my boyfriend with me for moral support.”
Fred pressed his hands on the desk and leaned forward. “I know I don’t have to tell you why he shouldn’t be here.” He narrowed his stare and furrowed his brow. “And you have me for support.”
Shit. She’d gone and hurt Fred’s feelings. That, she hadn’t wanted to do. Even though Fred wasn’t her father, she did care. He’d been a good role model. He’d supported her and did his best to be there. He wasn’t a bad man. But right now, she needed Noir more and Fred to understand that. “I’m sorry, Fred. I want Noir here with me while you actually say the words. Besides, when we’re done, you’ll have to get in a car and drive to his parents’ house and tell them anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.”
“Have it your way, but Noir, you need to give me your cell.” Fred held out his hand.
“Why do I need to do that, sir?” Noir asked.
“Because I can’t have you calling your parents or anyone else in your family until I’ve had the chance to chat with your folks.” Fred wiggled his fingers.
Noir pulled his phone from his pocket and placed it in Fred’s palm.
“Thank you, son. Now, one of you please close the door and take a seat.” Fred gripped the armrests of his big leather chair. He rolled it around to the side of the desk, closer to her, and eased himself into it. Taking her by the hands, he let out an audible sigh.
Noir tenderly, lovingly rubbed the back of her neck.
She swallowed as memories pummeled her brain. They were rapid-fire, coming at her from all directions. She could barely catch glimpses of each one. Her mind searched her past like a computer going through massive amounts of code, searching for the missing link.
It landed on the day she came home from school and waited—as she always did—for her mom to come home from work. Her mother had been working in housekeeping for a small hotel in the next town. It had been the longest she’d ever held a job. Later, Tamsyn had learned that Carter had helped her get that job.
But that night, her mother never came home. Tamsyn waited until midnight to call the police.
Fred had been the officer to show up. There was nothing he could do until her mom had been missing for twenty-four hours. However, he did make inquiries before that time had elapsed. He also brought a young and scared Tamsyn back to his place for the night.
And that’s where she stayed ever since.
Fred had been kind. Gentle. He respected Tamsyn’s feelings. He never treated her like a child. He’d been upfront and honest, something she respected.
“I’m sorry, Tamsyn. The remains were indeed your mother’s.” Fred squeezed her hands.
Noir didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. His presence and sweet touch were enough.
“Foul play?” She couldn’t think past being a cop. The crushing pain that grew from the center of her chest and radiated through her body couldn’t seep into the real world. She couldn’t let it out. It was as if it ignited and then froze.
“That’s going to take a couple more days,” Fred said.
“Who’s heading up the investigation?” Her eyes burned, but no tears appeared. Deep down, she’d known her mother had been dead for years. She didn’t need instincts to tell her that. There had been no reason for her mother to disappear. If had been a few years before, she might have believed it. Only, she still would have concluded her mother had died. But perhaps of different causes.
“State is taking over the forensics and we’ve put together a task force. I’ve named Eddy as lead from our department and put together a team with two detectives from State and two from us. You will not be part of it.” Fred ran his hand up and down her arm. It should feel comforting. Loving. But all she felt was a vast emptiness the size of the Grand Canyon. His gesture voided out years of hoping but knowing the truth at her core.
A quiet anger crawled across her skin.
“You’ll be allowed to be present. We will inform you directly as will State regarding the forensics. But you will not interfere, insert yourself, or be part of anything we do.” He inched closer. “Can I get you some water?” He tilted his head. “I’m a little worried about you.”
