Alena closed her laptop a little and studied him. “I’ve been thinking the same. And her call bothers me. If she’s really being held, why hasn’t Dexter reached out with demands? He’s not the type to sit quiet.”
His jaw tightened. “No, he isn’t.” The silence stretched, filled with the weight of questions they didn’t yet have answers for.
Cal drummed his fingers against the desk. “Only reasons I can think of for Dexter staying quiet are bad ones. Either he doesn’t have Melissa, or he does and something’s already happened to her.”
Alena shook her head. “Or he’s biding his time. Maybe waiting for the right moment to make his move.”
Before Cal could answer, both their phones buzzed at once. He reached for his and saw Noah’s name. It was barely eight, so it was no doubt important. He opened the text and read aloud.
“The EMTs said Arneson’s injuries could’ve been self-inflicted.Possibly,” he emphasized.
Alena let out a sharp breath. “Figures.”
Cal scanned the rest of the text. “Raines didn’t get anything useful out of Arneson during yesterday’s interview. But he’s talking to Kara today. He’s had one of his deputies tailing her, hoping she leads them straight to Dexter.”
“That might be our best shot right now,” Alena said.
He nodded slowly, though unease lingered in his gut. Nothing about this mess felt straightforward.
Cal’s phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, and Alena caught the flicker in his expression.
“Another update?” she asked.
He hesitated, thumb hovering over the phone. “No. It’s from Mason.”
Alena frowned lightly. “Mason?”
Cal rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s the kid I mentor. Thirteen. It’s through a group called Next Step, kind of like a program for kids who need an extra hand. I thought about adoption once, still haven’t ruled it out. But with my hours, I figured this was a way to test the waters.”
Alena’s features softened. “I didn’t know you were doing that.”
Cal looked down at the message. “He’s just confirming we’re on for Saturday, same as always. We usually hang out then.” He typed a quick reply, confirming it. Five days away. By then, maybe they’d have Dexter in custody and this nightmare behind them.
The thought twisted in his gut. He didn’t want Mason anywhere near the danger that seemed to follow him. He pulled up Noah’s contact and fired off another text, short and to the point:I need you to put a guard on someone.And Cal gave Noah the kid’s surname and address.
Cal had kept his involvement with the boy quiet, but if Dexter ever caught wind of it, Mason could be a target. And Cal wasn’t about to let that happen.
Noah’s reply came quick.I’ll send someone to watch Mason right away. Do you want the guard visible or out of sight?
Cal stared at the screen for a moment, weighing it. If Dexter had even the faintest idea Mason existed, he wouldn’t hesitate touse the boy to get to him. Cal’s jaw clenched. Visible was better. Maybe it would make Dexter think twice.
“Visible,” he typed back.That’ll keep him safer.
Another ping.Got it. I’ll handle it.
Cal blew out a breath, then thumbed over to Mason’s contact. He typed carefully.Hey, bud. Just so you know, someone will be keeping an eye on you for a bit. It’s nothing to worry about, just a precaution. Think of it like an extra coach on the sidelines. You don’t need to change anything you’re doing.
He stared at the words a second longer before hitting send. Then he cursed under his breath. He should’ve thought of this sooner. He should’ve protected Mason the second Dexter’s name hit the news.
Cal set his phone face down on the desk, trying to shove back the knot of guilt that had lodged in his chest. When he glanced at Alena, she was watching him, her expression unreadable.
“I didn’t know you were mentoring,” she said softly. “That’s… really good, Cal.”
He gave a half shrug. “It’s something. But I know what it is for you too. A reminder.” His voice roughened. “Of the kids we don’t and can’t have.”
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Then she nodded. “You’re right. It is. But I’ve thought about adoption, too.”
He straightened a little, surprised. “You have?”
