“No. I’m good.”
Her best friend wasn’t okay, but Emerson was in no position to lecture her. She’d been consumed by Doug’s death and had exacted vengeance, herself.
“Thank you for telling me,” Danielle said. “Can I tell my parents and Noah?”
“Absolutely.”
“I’m happy something good came out of all of this tragedy,” Danielle said.
“What?”
“You and Stryker fell in love. You two are perfect for each other. You deserve your happily ever after, Em.”
“You deserve yours, too,” Emerson replied.
“I’m not looking for love,” Danielle said. “I’m looking for revenge.”
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Emerson was summoned to Captain Perry’s office. Her palms were clammy as she eased into the guest chair.
Here we go.
“A CI provided me with evidence that your brother’s death was a homicide. He was killed by two members of the drug ring he’d infiltrated,” the captain explained. “The order came from its leader, Carlo Spinetti.”
Emerson paused, as if hearing this news for the first time. With the truth, came a mix of emotions. Relief and anxiety coursed through her, but her heart broke for her brother. A good man who had died trying to make the world a better place. The truth had come out because she had taken the law into her own hands. And now, she had to live with that scar on her soul.
“I know, it’s a lot to take in,” Captain Perry said.
Emerson found her voice. “I never believed he was using, and I’m grateful the truth came out so Doug’s good name can be restored. He was a good cop.”
“One of the best,” the captain replied.
“Is this something I’m able to share with my mom and dad?”
“Yes, of course,” Captain Perry replied. “On behalf of the department, our condolences, again, for your loss.”
“Thank you.”
The captain offered a warm smile “Congratulations on your excellent work regarding the Wedding Gown Killer.”
“Thank you. It was a total team effort.” Her phone buzzed, but she ignored it.
“It always is,” Captain Perry said. “I hope you take a few days off. You deserve it.”
“Once I get my paperwork in order, I will.” Emerson stood.
On the way back to her desk, Emerson read the text from Stryker. “Can you interview this afternoon, 4pm? Company is in Tysons.”
“Wow, that was fast!” she replied. “Yes, that’s awesome. Thank you and love you.”
“Love you.” He included the address in the text.
“What’s the company name?”
“ALPHA Meat Packing,” he replied.
“LOL!” she texted. “Seriously, what is it?”
“That’s it.”
