Ones who might act out in a drastic way.
“I’ll coordinate with the police department if you’re sure this is incendiary.”
“I’m fairly certain at this point. I’ve gathered most of the evidence already. The presence of a lot of kerosene was fairly obvious. Whoever did this wasn’t trying to hide it very well.”
I exhaled slowly through my nose. “Understood. We’ll get in contact with a detective and see how they want to proceed.”
I glanced at Shawn. “Is there anything else?”
Shawn winced. “Nothing as pressing, no.” He shifted on the chair behind my desk. “But we’re stretched pretty thin right now with the weather.”
“The streets were getting better on my way here. Hopefully, the sheriff will downgrade the emergency level soon and things will start to calm down.”
Nolan crossed the room toward me, stretching his arms above his head as he did so. “Well, if you don’t need anything else from me,” he stifled a yawn, “I’ll get going.”
I tip my chin toward him in acknowledgment. “Have your reports ready for the police.”
He nodded. “Will do.”
When he stood next to me, he clapped me on the shoulder. A dark lock of hair fell over his forehead. “My niece’s birthday is coming up quick,” he said. “Mom’s been wondering if you’re throwing a party for her this year?”
My entire body deflated at the mention of her birthday. It was a day I’d never forget, but also one I dreaded. Every year my girl grew older, and every year was another reminder that her mother was no longer with me.
My mom always threw Hailey a party so I wouldn’t have to worry about it, but she wasn’t here to help.
I cleared my throat. “I haven’t solidified plans yet,” I mumbled.
“Well, when you do, let us know.”
Nolan gave me a warm grin before opening the door and leaving Shawn and me alone.
I let out a breath and rolled my shoulders, the familiar weight of responsibility settling back into place. It was heavy but also…right.
Shawn leaned back in his chair. “Sorry to drop all that shit on you.”
“It’s part of the job.” I shrugged.
Shawn pushed himself up from the chair, seeming relieved. “Gotta admit, I’m glad to have you back.”
I let out a genuine smile. “Me too.”
The desk was more cluttered than I liked—stacks of reports, half-sorted folders, a coffee mug that definitely wasn’t mine. I’d spend the rest of the day fixing it.
Shawn followed my line of sight and grimaced. “Sorry.” He scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “I was planning on cleaning things up before you officially got back…”
“It’s fine,” I said quickly. “I’ll take care of it.”
We traded places without another word, Shawn stepping aside as I moved behind the desk. The moment I sat down in the familiar chair, I started to organize automatically—straightening papers, stacking folders—muscle memory taking over.
I paused when the weight of Shawn’s gaze settled on me. I glanced up and raised a brow. “What?”
He hesitated, then asked, “Howdidyou manage to come back from leave early? With Hailey and everything?”
Shawn was one of the few people who knew enough to ask that question. I hadn’t told him everything, but he knew my parents were gone for a while—and that childcare had been an issue.
“I found a nanny,” I said tightly, before dropping my attention back to the desk.
“Nanny?” Shawn perked up immediately, a little too interested for my liking. “What’s she like?”
