“Sin, that isn’t what I’m doing. I can assure you we have people working on this case.”
I nod. “I just don’t want my friend to be another statistic.”
“She won’t.” He holds my gaze. “Shall I walk you out?”
I stand and follow behind him mutely. I hope that coming here wasn’t a mistake. That whoever took Chelsea doesn’t see it as a reason to hurt her.
As if Detective Jameson senses my concern, he turns to me when we’re at the door. “You did the right thing, Sin.”
I bob my head in agreement, but I don’t feel convinced.
Walking to my car, I sense eyes on me. I whip my head around and scan the area. There are many people in the parking lot, but none of them seem remotely interested in me. I wonder if it is all in my head, but then I remind myself that I didn’t send myself Chelsea’s scarf.
* * *
"Babe, is that you?"I hear Cohen call as I shut the door behind me. I walk into the kitchen, where it looks like he's started dinner.
"Hey." I greet, as I walk into his arms.
“I was worried about you.”
"Just had some errands to run. The kids all right?"
“They’re great. Willow is giving Gracie a bath right now.”
“I’m impressed.” I squeeze him tighter around the middle.
He leans back, his gaze searching my face. “Are you okay? You look exhausted.”
"I am. Just stressed about Chels. Frustrated, we haven't heard anything. Have you spoken with Kurt?"
Cohen sighs. “He’s in pretty bad shape, feels responsible.”
"Why would he?" I frown. The last person that should be harboring guilt is Kurt. I was the last person to see or speak to my friend as far as I know.
“He feels that way because he couldn’t protect the woman he loves. I get that.” He holds my face in his hands and kisses my forehead. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you."
My inhale feels shaky. I close my eyes and lean into his comfort, but instead of easing my anxiety, it only makes me feel more disorientated.
"I should take a bath," I tell him, pulling away gently.
It’s odd how uncomfortable comfort can make you feel when your heart is hurting. I contemplate telling Cohen about the scarf and my visit to the police station but decide not to. I pass by Gracie’s room on my way to my bedroom and lean against the door frame. A smile curls my lips when I see my two girls curled up in bed reading.
"Hey, Mom," Willow beams when she sees me.
“Mama.” Gracie bounds out of bed and wraps her arms around my middle. “Hey, unicorn.” I give her a tight squeeze. “How are my girls today?”
"Willow, let me have bubbles, and she's reading me, Bambi."
"Is that right?" I grin at my older daughter, who shrugs it off as nothing. "Thank you, Will."
“It’s nothing. How are you, Mom?”
"Better now that I'm home. Gonna take a bath, and then we can have dinner."
“Gracie and I were just going to watch Frozen,” she tells me. I smile at her appreciatively, thankful for her help with taking care of her sister.
I leave my girls after hearing about their day and make my way into my bathroom. I fill the tub and climb in, allowing the water to envelop me in its warmth. Leaning my head back , I close my eyes, my thoughts a freight train running off the tracks.
