Nick and Joe stood near the hood of the SUV as the women approached. Kelsey didn’t look at them as she took her seat.
“You made the call?” Gina asked.
Nick nodded. “They’re sending a team up to Bearwater this afternoon. I gave them our names. They’ll want to interview all of us, probably starting tomorrow.”
“What did you tell them about George?” Brooke asked.
“That he threatened us, that there was a physical altercation, and that he was killed when a tree fell during the storm. They’ll want details, but that’s the basic truth.”
The truth. Gina wondered how quickly the full truth would come out during the investigation. Kelsey’s blackmail, the stolen files, the criminal conspiracy—all of it would become public record eventually. The media attention alone would be overwhelming.
They reached the outskirts of Irma an hour later, and the familiar sights of their small town felt surreal after everything they’d been through. The gas station on the edge of town. The grocery store where Gina shopped every week. Everything looked exactly the same, but Gina felt fundamentally changed.
“Where to, everyone?” Nick asked. “Should we get a proper meal?”
Brooke shook her head. “Can you drop me at the coffee shop? I need to check on things, make sure everything’s okay.”
“It’s Sunday,” Gina pointed out. “You’re closed.”
“I know, but I just...I need to see it, make sure it’s still there.” Brooke’s voice was quiet. “After everything with my training,with almost dying, I just want to touch base with something normal.”
Gina understood. Brooke’s coffee shop was more than just a business. Combined with running, it was her identity, her anchor. After the George situation and her declaration that she wouldn’t be attempting the hundred-mile race this year, she needed to reconnect with something solid.
“Take me to the sheriff’s department,” Kelsey said, her voice stronger than it had been since George’s arrival.
“You’re sure?” Brooke asked.
“I’m sure. I don’t want to put it off. I need to tell them everything and face the consequences. The life I’ve built may be over, but maybe I’ll be okay. Maybe I’ll get leniency.”
The law enforcement center that housed not only the county sheriff but also the city police and highway patrol was just ahead. Nick pulled into the parking lot. “Would you like me to go in with you?”
Kelsey squared her shoulders. “Nope. I’ve got this.” She took Brooke’s hand with her left and reached across her to grasp Gina’s. “I’m sorry about all of this.”
She squeezed their hands quickly before opening the door. Without looking back, she climbed out and closed it with a soft click.
“We should go with her,” Brooke said, though her voice lacked conviction.
“She’s fine,” Joe said, watching as she reached the door. “She’ll do the right thing.”
They continued on to Brooke’s coffee shop. “I’ll come back and pick you up,” Nick offered. “Just give me a call when you’re ready.”
“No thanks. The walk home will do me good.”
“Speaking of walking,” Joe said as he opened his door. “My place is only a couple of blocks. I could use a leg stretch. Besides,I want to get my notes sorted out. This story’s not going to write itself.” He paused at the door. “For what it’s worth, I’m going to try to be fair to Kelsey. Focus on the blackmail angle and the fact that she was being coerced.”
“That’s generous of you,” Gina said.
“Maybe. Or maybe I just understand what it’s like to make bad choices when you’re desperate.” Joe shouldered his bag. “Either way, the story needs to be told. Better that it comes from someone who was there than some stranger who’ll get it wrong.”
As Joe got out, Nick looked in the mirror at Gina. “Want to hop up here or prefer me to act as the chauffeur?”
She shrugged. “I’m fine here, but I’m wiped out. Can you take me home?”
“Of course.”
“I need a shower,” Gina said. “And about twelve hours of sleep.” She was exhausted, the kind of deep tired that followed long hours and high-stakes work. She’d never been in a life-or-death situation as she had with George, but ER rotation could be almost as stressful. Her muscles were stiff, her mind restless, and yet she knew she would get through it.
Gina gave him directions to her place. As he pulled up to the curb, he said, “I’ll walk you to your door.”
