Page 3 of Say Nothing
A silence grew between them.She knew her father loved her, but also knew that he couldn't be at peace until Emma's killer was found.She'd learned that from her father as well—Alison couldn't be at peace, either, not fully.The horrible thing about that was that they might never find peace, twenty years and no closer to an answer.
"It’s because of your resilience and dedication," James told her."I’m so proud of who you’ve become, but please stop putting yourself in the firing line."
"I don't plan to."Alison didn't want to put herself in any danger, but she had a habit of doing so in pursuit of justice.
"And you still carry your gun around?"James asked.
"Always," Alison assured him.She carried it in her bag when she went out, but it was not currently on her.There was little danger from the herbs.
"Hey, Dad," Alison stated after hearing the beep."I have someone else trying to call me.Can I call you back?"
"Go do what you need to do," James said.
"I love you, Dad," Alison said.
"I love you, too."
Alison hung up and hit the button in time to answer the other call from Special Agent Sullivan.
"Hey," she said.
"How are you?"Derek asked.
"I’m good.It’s been a while since we spoke."
"Yeah, too long," Derek said."I wish I were calling under better circumstances, but I need your help again."
Alison felt disappointment that the call wasn’t about her sister, but excitement to dive into another case with the CBI and Derek.
"What are we looking at?"Alison asked, accepting immediately.
Derek’s voice was tense."A home invasion—looks to be targeted.One victim was found dead in the home.The only problem is that we don’t know how the killer bypassed the security system, meaning it’s likely someone she knew and let in.I could really use you on this one."
"I’m on my way," Alison told him
CHAPTER TWO
Alison met Derek at the crime scene, a relatively large house hidden behind walls and a security gate.She parked on the street by the gate and got out of her car.Derek smiled at her as she approached.
Derek was a fighter, both physically and mentally.He had a kink in his nose to prove the former, and Alison knew him well enough after working two cases with him to see the latter.He had a grizzled look that played into his physicality and often helped his counterparts and opponents underestimate him.His jaw was usually painted with a thick dose of stubble, and he wore an often-crumpled suit that looked more purposeful than careless.
Beneath the rough exterior lay a handsomeness that was almost held back by his way of dressing and gruff demeanor.For Alison, he was a man she would trust with her life, and since he’d come into that life, he’d proven time and time again that he was fighting on her side.
"Nice house," Alison said as she approached Derek."It reminds me of my own."
"I was just thinking that," Derek said.
The house within the property was not at all similar, but it and hers were both behind security gates.Working as a criminal psychologist who had put multiple criminals behind bars and kept countless others there, she’d gained many enemies.She received threats from time to time, and with Derek in her life, she felt much safer.
"What are we looking at?"Alison asked, feeling like a seasoned detective.She’d consulted on cases before, but it was only since joining forces with Derek that she’d gone out into the field to work.
"Margaret Donovan," Derek replied."A forty-two-year-old high school counselor."
"If she has a security system like this on the front gate, she likely has the same in her home, and that means she wants to keep people out.Who was out to get her?"Alison asked.
"Margaret was a witness in the case against Calvin Reynolds," Derek said.
"Wait, Calvin Reynolds?I know that name," Alison admitted."I was brought on to help in that case.I must have helped to coach Margaret Donovan before the trial.I don't remember her, but I’ve coached hundreds of people over the years.I remember he was a violent offender with a dark history and quite a reputation."
