Sitting together at the gazebo for movie night.
“Motherfucker,” I hiss.
My fingers clench into fists, nails digging into my skin as I stare at the words.
He was here.
In her house.
Not just that.
Jessica was here.
With him.
Just the thought makes paralyzing fear spread through my body.
Shesawhim.
Ran into him.
My mind is still trying to process everything when I hear her soft voice.
“Matth—”
Jessica’s sharp intake of breath has me turning around, my hand going to my gun on instinct, but she’s alone.
Cursing softly, I watch as any color that was left drains from her face. Her eyes are wide, lips parted as she stares at the words on her bedroom wall.
Goosebumps prickle her skin as a shudder rocks her body, but her gaze is still locked on the damn wall.
“Wh-what…”
Slowly, so as not to scare her, I step in front of her, but it’s like she’s transfixed.
“Jessica…” I gently place my hands on her shoulders, giving them a firm squeeze until those tear-stained eyes meet mine. “Let’s get you out of here.”
She doesn’t argue as I lead her out of the room. Nico calls it in to dispatch, requesting the forensics team to help process the scene.
Jessica’s bedroom.
A fucking crime scene.
Once we’re on the front porch, I pull Jessica to a stop and turn her to face me. That faraway look is still shining in her eyes, a lone tear slipping down her cheek.
And it kills me.
Seeing her like this.
It fucking kills me.
I cup her face, brushing my thumbs over her cheeks as I press my forehead against hers, forcing her to look at me.
“We’ll get him.”
Jessica’s lip trembles, so she sinks her teeth into it. Cursing under my breath, I pull her to my chest, and she buries her face in my shirt, holding on for dear life.
Nico’s footsteps draw closer. His dark gaze meets mine over Jessica’s head, and I recognize the mask of composure they teach you at the academy.
