Page 58 of Raven's Curse
“Not even close.” She tiptoed up. “But I’ve got you, so I will be.”
“Hell, yeah, because I’ll be watching. No more skating by on half a bagel and a gallon of shitty coffee.” He pulled her close. “I’ve got your back.”
He ushered her out, darting up the path to Foster’s place — avoiding the worst of the puddles lining the trail. Fog wove through the trees, the warm lighting from the main house casting long shadows across the ground. Greer stopped beneath the overhang outside the kitchen door, biting at her bottom lip, looking more than a bit apprehensive.
Chase turned to face her, shaking off some of the rain. “If you’re not ready…”
She shook her head. A bit too fast to be convincing, but he got the message. “I just need a minute.”
“Whatever it takes, sweetheart.”
Her mouth quirked as she drew in a few deep breaths, rubbing her free hand on her thigh before nodding — following him into the house.
Foster looked up from his coffee. “Sorry to get you both up so early.”
Chase waved it off. “We were already awake.”
Kash met them at the counter, handing them both a cup. “Figured you could use the hit.”
Greer clasped the mug in her hands. “I always need the hit.”
Chase thanked Kash and took a sip, damn near groaned. “Any issues?”
“Nothing since…” Kash trailed off, coughing as if something was stuck in his throat. “State’s securing the scene until it’s been cleared. They’re fast-tracking forensics, but they already sent Bodie copies of their photos. He’s just in the other room. He’ll be in shortly.”
Greer nodded, leaning against Chase when he shouldered up beside her — pressed his chest into her back. He dropped one hand to her hip. A small show of support. She wasn’t alone.
Kash grinned, the bastard, turning when Bodie strode into the kitchen, hair slightly messy. Mud and grass staining his uniform. Fatigue lining his brow.
Bodie spotted Greer and slowed, looking as if he wanted to drag out whatever he had to say. “You look like shit.”
Greer snorted. “You look worse. What couldn’t wait?”
Bodie sighed, glancing at Chase, and Chase knew the situation had only gotten worse. “I’ve got preliminary forensics from the cruiser. Our perp’s not leaving much up to deliberation, anymore. But first…”
Bodie glanced at Zain as the man walked in, tablet in hand. “Someone’s been a royal pain in my ass since he heard about the incident. Said you weren’t answering your cell.”
Greer frowned. “Everything got soaked in the river. I was letting it all dry out before charging it. And honestly, I wasn’t in the headspace last night to really care.”
“Which is why he’s been ringing me since four.”
Zain stopped at the counter, leaning the tablet against a couple mugs before turning it.
Greer groaned, looking at Chase before shaking her head at the man glaring at them from the screen, arms crossed, a scowl curving his mouth. “Nick? What the hell?”
Nick Colter merely stared at her, eyes darting to the side when someone yelled in the background. “Why the fuck didn’t you call me last night?”
Greer braced more of her weight against Chase, as if needing the strength. “You know why.”
“I thought it was you.” Nick scrubbed a hand down his face. “I got a call from a buddy in Portland PD saying there’d been a fatality in the Raven’s Cliff sheriff’s department. That local SAR had rushed the officer to Providence, then you don’t pick up my calls!” He swallowed, looked as if he wanted to punch his fist through the screen. “I thought you were dead. That I’d missed something or just all ‘round screwed up and you’d…”
Greer bowed her head. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’d be livid if you’d done the same. I just… I couldn’t…”
Nick grunted, shifting his gaze to Chase. “I assume you’re Remington.”
Chase squared his shoulders. “It’s Chase.”
“I know. How is she? Really?”
