After a long pause, Doug exhaled a breath and said, “I’m putting this drive in the evidence room. Roger, you and I will look at it first thing in the morning. Right now, I need to go home and be with my wife.”
Roger nodded. “Of course, Doug.”
Next Wesley stood and reached out to shake Doug’s hand. “I’m so sorry, Doug. I know we were all holding out hope she would come back to us.”
His voice shook and I imagined it had to be hard on him, too. After all, Sydney said they’d all been good friends.
Doug nodded, unable to speak. He walked around his desk and out the door.
Roger looked at me. “Will you be in tomorrow in case we have any questions?”
“Yes, I’m working tomorrow.”
“Sydney, if I have any questions—”
“You can direct them through me,” Wesley stated.
Roger frowned but nodded. “Fine, then I guess we’re done here. You’re free to go, Sydney.”
She turned and wrapped her arms around me. I held her as Wesley stood by, waiting for the moment to end.
“Sydney, I can drive you home.”
“Thank you, Wesley, but I think I’m going to catch a ride with Mike.”
He smiled. “Of course. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will, thank you.”
When Wesley walked out the door, I squeezed Sydney’s hand. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Mike, can I stay at your place tonight? I don’t think I can be alone.”
I kissed the top of her head and drew back to look into her eyes. “Of course you can. Mags will be happy to see you.”
As we walked out of the police station, I caught a glimpse of Wesley getting into his black BMW, his phone to his ear.
“I pulled him away from dinner plans with Leslie. I feel terrible. I hope she’s not too upset.”
I opened the door for her and held her hand as she slipped in. “I’m sure she understands. Let’s get you back to my place and settled in.
With a sweet smile, she nodded and then leaned her head against the seat. She had to be exhausted.
I would do whatever it took to make this woman feel safe.
Whatever. It. Took.
Mike