Page 35 of Chasing Justice

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“No. Connect with him. He’s the person we’re coordinating with for operations in this county. Do you have an issue with him? Something I need to know about?”

“No, sir.”

“Good. Then start working with him. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.” Maya swallowed hard.

Tomorrow was Doug’s funeral.

Chapter Twenty

Maya stepped up to the front door of the church, Juniper by her side. She took a deep breath and smoothed back a couple strands of loose hair that had escaped her bun. Her dress uniform seemed stiff and uncomfortable only adding to the stress of the day. Some dog hair stuck to the front, and Maya brushed it off as well as she could.

Deciding she couldn’t procrastinate any further, she grabbed the large iron door handle, opened it, and stepped inside. The sun shone through the stained glass, reflecting different colors onto the wood floor.

“This isn’t going to be fun, girl,” Maya said to Juniper. “But I think we both need some closure. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. Does that work for you?”

Juniper wagged her tail but didn’t look excited either. Maya knew Juniper needed to get back to work. They all did. Nothing helped grieving like throwing yourself into your job. That was one of the ways Maya made it through her time in Afghanistan. Go out and find the bad guy. Make them pay.

I just have to make it through today. Having Juniper by her side would help.

Maya and Juniper slipped into an area in the back where they could stand and not bother anyone. The pews were too close together for Juniper to lie comfortably. Maya saw Pops sitting near the front. He turned around and scanned the church and, seeing her in the back, gave a nod, which Maya returned.

“Hey there,” Josh said. Maya hadn’t seen him come up, and to her surprise, Juniper gazed up at Josh and began wagging her tail.

“I think she likes me,” Josh said. “Mind if I pet her?”

“No, she’s off duty, so you’re good. And it looks like she likes you.”

“I have that effect on women,” Josh said, with a wink.

Maya gave him her best Marine stare.Can you be any more arrogant?Not to mention she would have to add Juniper to the list of women who flirted with Josh.

“I’m really sorry about Doug,” Josh said as he scratched behind Juniper’s ears. A hind foot started twitching and the sound on the wooden floor sounded like someone knocking at the door. A couple people turned around to see what the fuss was about. “I know you two were friends. I didn’t know him very well, but I know he was a good guy.”

“Thanks,” Maya said. “Maybe you better find a seat because we’re disturbing everyone.”

Josh shrugged and then said to Juniper giving her a final scratch, “I’ll come see you again later.”

Maya nodded, once again having trouble finding words. She’d worked with good-looking guys before—why should Josh be any different? She hated to admit it, but there was a pull with Josh. Something that made her want to be with him, but that scared the crap out of her, so she had to make sure she set some boundaries. She didn’t need to be in a relationship right now. Plus, what made her think that he felt the same way about her? Was she also that arrogant? It was better to just leave things alone.

A couple more deputies came in, and Josh went with them up front and sat by Maya’s grandfather. Everyone had solemn looks on their faces, some people already dabbing at tears. Doug had meant a lot to many, especially Maya.

Her chest constricted as she fought back her own tears. She wouldn’t cry. Not now. Not here. She hadn’t been comfortable showing emotion since she came home. It was easier to be shut off, ignore others and give the impression of a tough Marine.

The preacher arrived and started the service. Maya gazed around the church looking for a blonde she didn’t know. If Doug and his mystery woman were that serious, wouldn’t she be here?

Juniper let out a small whine, and Maya was getting ready to hush her when she followed her dog’s gaze and saw a person back in the hallway that led to the restrooms. The hall was dark, and the person stayed in the shadows. Maya couldn’t make out who it was. She’d have to interrupt the entire service to head that direction. Suspects would often show up at funerals.

Juniper sat back down and continued to gaze at the person standing there. The shadow must’ve felt Juniper and Maya’s eye contact and turned toward them. Maya thought she caught a glimpse of blond hair, but the person spun around and headed toward the bathrooms. There was also a back exit down that hall.

Maya gathered up Juniper’s leash and they snuck out the doors, although there were a few heads that swiveled around, including Todd’s. He gave her awhat the hell are you doinglook and she pointed to Juniper, hoping he would guess that the dog had to go to the bathroom, and mouthedI’ll be right back.

They strode around to the back of the church. Juniper air scented, catching odors coming off the slight breeze. Maya thought about asking her to track, but she didn’t have the tracking harness and she didn’t want Juniper to exert herself that much yet. She did give Juniper slack in the leash and let her follow her nose.

They walked to the corner of the church near the road. Suddenly Juniper stopped and tilted her head, her pointy triangular ears pricked and alert. Then a low growl rumbled from Juniper’s throat.

“What is it, girl?” Maya asked, stepping in front of Juniper to see the road better.