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.” His laugh rolled out with sarcasm.They had both blamed their dad all those years.Then by the grace of God, the old man died.It wasn’t six months until Brit’s mom had a replacement.Just as mean.Maybe meaner.Susan leaned in close.“She wasn’t perfect, but—”“No buts.What is it, husband four now? Was it number three who put her in the hospital? Do you know I almost got fired for breaking that fucker’s nose?”“It’s a sickness.And she’s seeing a therapist right now.And I actually like her new husband.”“Maybe it’s a sickness.And by God, I hope she gets help.I pray this man treats her well, because I don’t enjoy beating up old men.” He clutched his fist.“I know she’s my mom, that’s why I’ll still beat the crap out of anyone who lays a hand on her.And barring disasters, I’ll be there tomorrow night.But don’t ask me to pretend like we’re this big happy family.Because you know who my family is? You.You’re my family.”“I just wish—”“Wishing doesn’t fix things.I gave up trying to fix Mom.”Susan leaned in.“What about fixing yourself, Brit?”“Don’t start.” Brit pushed his plate back.“It’s just.” Her fork hit the plate, and she sent him one of those, I-love-you looks.That look always got to him.“Eat.” He pushed his plate over to her.“And finish my burger.You’re too skinny.”“I’m down forty pounds.I didn’t think you noticed.”“I didn’t.Not until that man over there noticed, and kept noticing your ass when we walked in.Men aren’t supposed to notice my sister’s ass.And my partner isn’t supposed to be hitting on you either.”His sister’s eyes lit up and she leaned in.“That man really looked at my ass?”Brit laughed.The waitress brought over the check and he dropped a twenty on the table.Susan crossed her arms over her chest.“I’m not the only one who has changed.Our waitress has been eyeing you like a piece of candy she wants to unwrap.”“Which one?” Brit pretended to scan the room.“Brunette, big tits, tiny waist.Normally, you’d have had her phone number and bra size by now.”Now, he glanced around in earnest.“Big tits?”“And you didn’t even notice.Which makes me wonder if this too nice, too sweet Cali hasn’t worked some spell on you.”“There’s no spell,” he said.“You like her.And don’t deny it.You don’t go around sniffing some woman’s sweater you’re not attracted to.”He chuckled and then nodded.“Okay, I’ll admit it.I like her.But more than I like her, I want to protect her.And even considering how much I like her, I’m not sure letting it go anywhere is a good idea.”“Why not?”“Because she’s part of a case.And because with all this other crap going on, I’m not sure I’m thinking straight,” Brit said.Since Keith had died, he hadn’t given women or sex much more than a passing thought.Until Cali.He remembered getting hard just staring at her in bed this morning.His cell phone rang.He answered it.“Lowell.”“De.tective?” The winded voice didn’t sound familiar.“It’s.Garcia at the school.We got.trouble.”Chapter NineteenBrit clutched the phone in his hand.“Is Cali okay?”“I think I spotted him,” Garcia said, his words jarring as if he were running as he talked.“I was making my rounds.When I got around front, I saw a white pickup leaving.I’m.not sure, but I think it was following a van full of teachers.I ran to my car, but by the time I got there, both vehicles had gotten away.I’m running.inside now to see if Miss McKay went with them.”“I’m on my way.Call me as soon as you know if she’s there.If she’s not, find someone who knows where the hell they went, and you get me that information.”The line went dead.“God damn it,” Brit seethed.He looked at his sister.“Let’s go.It’s Cali.”He drove like hell was on fire and chasing him.He called the station and got an APB put out on a white pickup around the school.He kept his phone clutched in his palm, waiting for Garcia to tell him if Cali was at the school or out to lunch.Why the hell hadn’t he told her not to leave the school?Susan tried to ask him questions.“Not now,” he snapped and concentrated on running red lights.Ten minutes later, he came to a rubber-burning halt in front of the school, still clutching his phone.Why hadn’t Garcia called back? Brit jumped out of his car and sprinted to the front door.It was locked.He banged his hand on the glass.Behind him, he heard Susan get out of his SUV.His phone rang and he snapped it open.“Where is she?”“She’s fine,” Garcia answered.“I found her in the teacher’s lounge.”Brit let out a breath he felt as if he’d held for ten minutes.“Get someone to let me in.I’m standing out front.”“I’m right there,” Garcia said.When he looked up, Garcia and Cali made the corner.Brit stared at Cali’s face.She looked shaken, pale, reminding him of the first night he’d seen her at her apartment.He dropped his phone into his shirt pocket, itching to hold her instead.Garcia opened the door.Brit pushed past him to Cali
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