“I actually met Mathias O’Halleran when he and Beatrice were working a serial killer case out there.” Someone had been targeting decorated military veterans, and the two of them had shown up at the site where one of the bodies was found. “A short time later, on Mathias and Beatrice’s recommendation, Beck and Jonathan reached out to me about coming to work for them. I jumped at the chance to work with such incredibly loyal and honorable people who also happen to run a very well-respected organization.”
“What you all do is so incredible—saving all of those unfortunate people and taking down the bad guys,” she said. “I could never do anything that brave.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I think exposing an illicit trafficking operation at the risk of your own life is pretty damn brave.” He gave her a quick glance, then turned back to the road. “So how did you decide to become a therapist and victim advocate?”
“I love kids and thought it would be a great way to help them.” She turned and stared out the side window.
He sensed there was more to it than a simple love for children, because her insight and level of understanding of the plight of victims was not something a person learned in a classroom.
“Tell me about your mom.” He wanted to know everything about Charlotte, and her mother was a big part of her life. “You guys seem close.”
“Mom is the best.” A sweet yet sympathetic smile appeared on her face. “It’s always been just her and me.” Her smile waned. “Her childhood was a nightmare that made her very protective and extremely careful about who she let into our lives when I was a kid.” She gave a light chuckle. “And, as you can probably tell, that didn’t change just because I’m an adult.”
Her mom’s protectiveness seemed more intense than a typical mother’s concern for her daughter’s safety. There was definitely more there, and he hoped she’d open up to him about whatever it was.
“What kind of work does she do?” Hawk checked the rearview mirror, then flipped on his blinker to change lanes.
“She works for a large architectural firm.” Her sweet smile returned with the shift to a more neutral topic. “She started as a receptionist right after I was born and has worked her way up to office manager. The place would collapse without her.” Pride suffused every word. “And I’m pretty sure her boss, the owner of the company, has a thing for her, but Mom doesn’t believe me.” She shook her head. “She poo-poos the idea that he could possibly be interested in her.”
“Sounds like someone I know,” he muttered under his breath.
“I’m sorry?” Her brows lifted in question.
“It’s too bad she feels that way.” Hawk had a hopeful suspicion Charlotte might be interested in him. Not because he was cocky or arrogant, but it was there in the way she looked at him. He was pretty sure it was the same way he looked at her. Only difference was, he made no effort to hide it. “I’d like to ask about your dad, but I’m afraid it might be too personal.”
Her head swiveled to look out the side window again, and when she didn’t answer right away, he was sure he’d overstepped.
“I’m sorry, Charlotte.”Shit. “Don’t answer that—it’s none of my business.”
Her shoulders lifted and fell on a deep sigh before she adjusted the seat belt so she could shift to face him.
“No, it’s okay.” With uncharacteristic directness, she looked him straight in the eyes and proclaimed, “I don’t know who my dad is. My mom isn’t even sure who he is.”
Hawk opened his mouth to say … something. Fortunately, she saved him by speaking first.
“I know it’s not fair of me to throw a comment like that out there and then not explain. I reallydowant to share it with you, but I’d prefer to have this particular conversation when we’re not speeding down the highway.”
Hawk’s imagination went wild wondering what had happened to put the pained look in Charlotte’s eyes.
“There’s just … well, there’sa lot,and it may require a glass of wine.” She muttered, “Or two.”
“In one mile, take exit twenty-five.” The voice of his GPS came through the speakers.
He moved into the right lane and took the exit.
“Of course, whatever you’re most comfortable with.” Hawk was thrilled she was willing to open up to him and share something so obviously personal.
The GPS system called out the last of the directions. “In four hundred feet, turn right on Persimmon Way. Your destination will be on the left.”
Hawk rolled to a stop at the corner, and theclick click clickof his blinker seemed loud in the silence now looming within the truck. He checked the intersection was clear and turned onto her street.
“My townhouse is the fifth one down on the left.” She pointed. “You can park in my driveway.”
He was a few houses away from hers when he spotted an SUV parked at the curb close to the other end of the street. The reason it stood out was becauseNo Parkingsigns lined both sides of the street.
“Whoever parked that car there better move it before the city comes and tows it away. The city manager lives in that townhouse right over there.” She pointed to one across from hers. “And he has a camera mounted right above his door just so he can catch people parking illegally.”
Smoke streamed out of the partially open driver’s-side window. Hawk noticed movement inside the SUV and a man’s hand settled on the steering wheel. He was holding a cigarette, and sunlight glinted off what Hawk assumed was a ring on his finger.
