“I’m sure he’s got it.” Joe calculated quickly. “It’s ten o’clock there. He should be awake.”
Sure enough, Drew’s phone pinged no more than a minute later, and Drew chuckled as he read Finn’s response. “He says we’re hot together, and it’s not fair we can set off his heart monitor from thousands of miles away.”
Joe shook his head. Finn had to be teasing, since Joe highly doubted Finn had any interest in Joe and Drew actually hooking up, despite what Drew had claimed. “That’s Finn. Never serious.”
“At least he’s in good spirits,” Drew said, tucking his phone away again. “He must be doing well postsurgery.”
“That’s what he told me yesterday.” Joe had been quite anxious about Finn’s leg, but the break had been completely repaired, and while Finn was in for a long bout of physical therapy, the prognosis was for him to make a full recovery. “Thank God he’s not expected to be left with a limp. It doesn’t make me feel less guilty about what happened, but at least he won’t have to live with a reminder for the rest of his life.”
“He really doesn’t blame you,” Drew said, keeping his voice low and gentle. “You shouldn’t blame yourself.”
Something inside Joe twisted painfully. “Easier said than done. I may have saved that little girl, but it almost cost me Finn.”
“But it didn’t. We got him out, and he’s going to be fine. All’s well that ends well, right?”
He got the feeling Drew was trying to be comforting, but Joe only shook his head. “I can’t look at it that way. At least not yet. Maybe someday, if I’m lucky.”
“Finn and I will help if we can.” Drew clapped Joe’s shoulder and offered a reassuring smile. “Meanwhile, how about dinner? I’ll treat, since I’m supposed to be the high-rolling executive.”
“Sure.” Joe was happy enough to leave the subject of guilt behind. He had stared down that particular dark hole far too much in the last few days, and he needed to keep focus. “How about something Kashmiri? They go in for a lot of meat.”
Drew’s face lit up with interest, and he nodded. “You’re talking my language. Do you know a good place?”
“I do.” Joe nodded and then beckoned Drew to follow him. They’d have a good meal, and hopefully Joe would be able to actually sleep. Today’s investigation had been a disappointment, but he was hopeful for tomorrow. Ismail Abassi’s days were numbered. Joe was going to make sure of it.
