“Yes. He’s accusing me of having manipulated Alex so that I got the position.”
“Oh, fuck me running. That’s not like him. He knows you’d never do that.”
No choice but to tell her. “He saw evidence of Alex’s SUV at my place when it shouldn’t have been, and now I’m out.” Sylvie looked at the subway tiles on the floor.
Carla tipped Sylvie’s chin back up. “Saw evidence of Alex’s SUV… What else is there, Cookie? Because I know you, too, and I can’t understand why you aren’t fighting this.”
“Well, he’s got me dead to rights. Alex and Iaresleeping together.”
“I know, but it’s not because you’re manipulating him. Jesus, tell Alex—”
“I’ll be damned if I tell himanythingbecause he’ll take responsibility. He’ll fall on his sword, when honestly, we just…” Did they fall in love? She was damn sure she had, or close enough to it that there was no difference.
“You fell for each other all naturally.” Carla read her mind. “So, if that’s the truth, let him help you.”
Sylvie thought back to their conversation that morning concerning the HOA president. If he was willing to do God-knows-what about a situation that she was already handling, who knew what he’d do about this?
“I can’t. Seriously, he’ll take the blame where there is none just to protect me. That’s who he is.”
That’s who I love. And I’ll be damned if I don’t protect him right back.
Carla smirked, but her eyes were kind. “If that’s true, hang onto him with both hands.” She dropped her arms. “And let him in to help you.”
Sylvie shrugged. “I have my reasons not to loop him in. Now, tell me about Tom.”
“No,youtell me about Tom. Is he on your radar? I mean, he’s been on mine forever, except I only thought he was a grade-A asshole for not leaving me alone.” Carla narrowed her eyes. “Wait a minute, Cookie. You tryin’ to protect me, too? What are you, a human shield all of a sudden?”
“No. I mean, yes?”
“Well, that’s dumb. I’m a hell of a lot tougher than you, no offense. We’re partners, Cookie. Work with me.”
Sylvie covered her face. “I just don’t know what to think anymore.”
“Then don’tthink. I’m talking about gut feelings here. What’s your tummy say?”
Sylvie dropped her hands, shifted her weight, and blew her breath out through her nose. “I don’t like Tom. And now I think I like him even less.”
Carla grinned. “He did do something, didn’t he?”
Sylvie looked at the bathroom door. She didn’t hear anyone in the hall outside but she put her hand on Carla’s shoulder and walked her backward to the back of the restroom. She reached into her purse and pulled out the evidence baggie.
Carla took it and studied the photo through the clear plastic. Her face registered disgust. “Son of a bitch. This was on your desk, I take it?” She handed the evidence bag back to Sylvie who stuffed it back into her purse.
“It was. I found it when I got out of the meeting with Stan. It wasn’t there before I went in, obviously.” She lowered her voice. “Did you seeanyoneelse walk by my desk? Anyone at all?”Please don’t say Frank.
Carla looked into the distance. “Not that I can remember.” She raised her index finger. “But it’s not like I had a stakeout on your desk. I know other people were walking around; the place is packed today. I just noticed Tom because he had to go out of his way to walk past your desk to get to his. And I keep one eye on him at all times anyway because yucko.”
“He doesn’t have a motive.” Sylvie grimaced. “At least, I didn’t think he did.”Until I started digging.
“So who does?” Carla grinned. “Let’s play cops for a minute.”
Sylvie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I know, I’m being stupid. But it’s different when it’s happening to you.”
“Damn straight it is. That’s why doctors don’t practice surgery on family members. Okay, so who would want you off the team? Frank Morris, you think?”
“Frank wants to be on the Unit too, of course. So, he’d have the most to gain by ratting me out.”
Carla tapped the tip of her nose. “Ding, ding, ding. There’s your big motive. And, he has the means because he’s right there in class with you. He knows your movements, your strengths and weaknesses. He was in Lyons that day and could have staked himself out, waiting to catch you screwing—”
