“So I’m an obligation?”
Before Amanda landed on the right words, Trent replied.
“Ms. Sharp, if you are killed, that will cost taxpayers of Prince William County a lot of money in resources and manpower.”
Dominique nodded. “Now, that I can understand. It’s a business decision.” She shut the lid on her laptop and tucked it along with some files into a leather case.
Amanda was impressed Trent had put it in a way Dominique could relate to. Even if to most people it would come across as cold and clinical.
The three of them left the office, only stopping for Dominique to tell Casey she was going to be working out of the office for the next while and would be out of reach.
Once they were outside, Dominique turned to Amanda. “She could have people call my cell phone or email me.”
“Here’s the thing. You can’t be on your phone or connected to the internet.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Nope. This person could have a means of tracking you through either. We can’t take any chances with your life. If you would kindly hand your phone over…” Amanda held out her hand.
Dominique shoved the device into Amanda’s palm.
Amanda shut it off and waved for Officer Traci Cochran to come over. She was still assigned babysitting duties and had been set up in the parking lot. When Traci came over, Amanda told her, “We’ll be taking Ms. Sharp to a safehouse. She’ll need her things collected from her hotel room and brought there.”
“No problem.”
“First though, it would be great if you would accompany us, just as additional backup en route.”
“Absolutely.” Traci returned to her cruiser, and Amanda headed back to Trent and Dominique.
“All right, this is us.” Trent gestured toward the department car.
“You must be joking. I’m not going with you in that,” she spat with disgust.
Amanda opened the rear passenger door. “It’s not any Cadillac, but it will work to get you from A to B. Hop in.”
Dominique did so with a huff.
Amanda shut the door behind her and got in up front.
Amanda was surprised by the silence on the drive to the safehouse. She periodically looked in the side mirror despite not being able to see Dominique in the back given the sun’s reflection on the window. Her grief could be felt though. It was a dense entity and one Amanda was all too familiar with.
It wasn’t long before Trent was parking in the driveway of the safehouse. Officer Cochran pulled in next to them but remained in her car.
Dominique groaned at the sight of the rural property northwest of Woodbridge. “I’d ask about high-speed internet, but it wouldn’t matter.”
Amanda let it go, but couldn’t Dominique see that what might seem like inconveniences were only for her protection?
An officer in his mid-thirties answered the door, and he wasn’t someone Amanda had met before. He introduced himself as Officer McRoy, saying that he was new to the PWCPD. He let them inside.
The humidity from outside seeped through the windows and walls of the house, winning the battle against the rumbling air conditioner blowing through the vents. Amanda expected more complaints. To the lawyer’s credit, none came. In fact,once she crossed the threshold, Dominique became subdued, sparking more of Amanda’s empathy.
Officer McRoy gave them a quick tour. A dated living room, kitchen, and bathroom. He stopped outside a cramped space with a double-size bed and gestured inside. “That will be your bedroom.”
Dominique poked her head through the door. Amanda imagined she must be cringing at the cheap pine dresser and nightstand. And the department store comforter on the bed.
The four of them landed back in the living room, where Officer McRoy excused himself.
“I’m going to make a coffee. Anyone else want one?”
