After a few hours of driving around in silence, I park the police car just outside the bar where Carolina works, and I feel Josh’s eyes on me. He hasn’t said a word to me. Instead, he napped in the passenger seat, and I let him.
I guess he got as little sleep as I did, and he deserves a break.
I unbuckle my seat belt and step out of the car. The sound of his car door slamming makes me jump in surprise.
Okay then, sure, why not? Come along.
I enter the dimly lit bar and spot Carolina’s blonde coworker behind the counter, struggling with the cash register. A guy with a beer belly, whom I’ve seen here before, stands next to her, berating her. I believe he’s the owner, so I approach him.
He looks up, eyes wide, as I stand in front of him across the bar.
“Officer,” he greets. “Is there a problem?”
I smile at him. “Are you the owner of this fine establishment?”
“I am.” He nods.
“I’m here to inform you that Miss Costa has been requested to assist with an investigation. The case is so top secret that she’s not allowed to talk to anyone about it or keep her phone with her. That’s why she hasn’t called in. She can only return to work after New Year’s.”
His eyes go wide. “After New Year’s? What am I supposed to do over the holiday season short a worker?”
“I know, it’s very unfortunate, but the law states that she has to comply. She told us she couldn’t just abandon her responsibilities, but our hands are tied.” His face scrunches up, looking like he’s on the verge of exploding, so I add, “Just as your hands are tied.”
“Tied with what?” He spits.
“Oh, haven’t you ever had an employee be summoned by the police?” I ask, feigning surprise.
“No,” he grumbles.
“You can’t fire her for being away, and you still have to pay her the same amount as if she has been working,” I explain.
“What the fuck?” He nearly yells.
“I know, it’s ridiculous. But the state always checks in a few times after the employee returns. If they aren’t working anymore, or if they’re getting reduced pay, there’s a hefty fine coming your way.”
His eyes widen in shock, and he glances at Josh. Josh gives me a big side eye but then nods to the owner. “What he said.”
“The rich people in power think they can do whatever they want with us small business owners. I’m doing my best, being honest, and this is the thanks I get.”
“It’s a shame.” I nod like I care, but the truth is, she won’t work another day here if I have anything to say about it. “So, can we count on you to pay her and not fire her? I really don’t want to deal with all the paperwork.” I roll my eyes as I look at him.
“Fine, fine,” he mumbles. “Can you leave now? You’re scaring off the customers.”
“Have a good night.” I nod at him, winking at the blonde who giggles before her boss shoots her a glare, and she pulls her shoulders up to her ears as if she’s cowering.
Josh and I head back to the car, and I grin at him over the roof of the police car, but he just climbs in.
FIVE
It’s been five days.
Five days since Carolina fell down the stairs…
… since Carolina looked at me with her golden eyes.
Five days since I lost my best friend…
… since I lost my family.
