“Do you think that’s something exclusive to your precious bloodline? Elias, we all have that choice. Every single day. I wouldn’t have a paycheck without it.”
“You’re right, but what is exclusive to my bloodline is the power to operate in secret. Keep your brother accountable. Work together. Don’t let him end up like me.”
“Anything else?”
“Someone knows the power of my blood. With nightwalkers in the area, I fear it is the God of Nightmares. My attacker stabbed me with a weapon from Imera.”
“From where?”
“The spirit land across the Boundary. Whoever it was could see my detached spirit, and they’ll be able to see my heir once I’m gone.”
That worried me for Ransom.
“You must be vigilant. And you must find the plant before anyone else dies.”
“Well, if it grows where your blood was spilled, where were you when you were stabbed?” I merged onto the freeway, checking my blind spot before changing lanes.
Elias didn’t answer.
“Well?”
“Well . . .” Teek Fleming shoved his face through the window.
The car swerved as I flinched at the sudden change in voice behind me. Teek was back in control of his mouth, and my father was gone.
An hour later, Elias still hadn’t returned. I booked Teek into jail, specifically asking they call his brother or grandma to come get him.
Essex was waiting for me when I walked out of booking. It was still jarring to see him so often at work. He hadn’t asked to be put on nights, but when our sergeant, Sharon Gregg, was moved to narcotics, Essex was next in line to make rank.
“All done?” he asked, looking up from the paperwork in his hand.
“All done.”
“Good. Take the rest of the night off, so you’re fresh for tomorrow.”
“That’s really unnecessary.” I started toward our wall of mailboxes.
“Consider it an order.”
“Thanks.” With a grateful smile, I reached into my box.
He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, and the short sleeves of his black uniform strained over his shredded biceps. “Did you take my advice?”
I forced my eyes away. “Yes, but it feels arrogant.”
“It’s not arrogance if it’s true. You’re a badass, and the committee needs to know that.”
“I’ve been with this department for over two years. Shouldn’t they already know that?” I sorted through memos and mail.
“Most of us do.” He looked around the hallway and lowered his voice. “But the brass only see what comes through on paper. Your arrest record speaks for itself, but they probably haven’t seen the history in your file since you were hired. It definitely wouldn’t hurt to remind them you’re one of the most highly trained officers on the force.”
I stopped sorting and looked up at him. “Why are you so invested in this?”
“Because I know your value. And, as your boss, it’s my job to help you succeed professionally.”
I narrowed my eyes.
He chuckled. “And I may have put fifty dollars on you beating Morris.”
I laughed and rolled my eyes. “I appreciate the confidence.” I glanced over the department newsletter before tossing it in the trash.
He looked over at my mail. “Ooo. Department of Corrections. What’s that?”
Shit.
He leaned closer. “Is it from your father?”
“Excuse me, but is that your business?”
“No.” He grinned. “But is it?”
“He’s been writing a lot lately.”
“Because he’s dying?”
“Beats me. They’ve all gone into the trash.” I moved the letter behind another stapled intraoffice memo.
“You’re not even curious as to what he has to say?”
“Obviously not as curious as you. I could give you his address. Maybe you two could be pen pals.” I walked past him toward the exit.
“Touchy?” he teased as he caught up to me.
“Not even a little bit.” The tension in my jaw and shoulders probably told him otherwise.
“Will you see him before he passes?”
“Not if I can help it.”
“Sure you won’t regret that?”
I stopped walking and turned toward him. “Not everyone’s father is on the Wall of Heroes.”
Essex came from a long line of cops. His father had been chief of police in Sapphire Lake when he was killed on duty. Even the man who would become his stepfather had been appointed acting chief when James Essex died.
In stark contrast, Elias went to prison later that very same year for fraud, grand larceny, possession and distribution of a schedule-one narcotic, and first-degree murder of a law-enforcement officer. Having a felon for a father was something my boss would never understand.
We started toward the door, and when we reached it, he held it open for me. Outside, his SUV was in its reserved space. My car was still parked at the booking entrance.
It was drizzling, chilly drops that in a few short months would turn to snow. I held out my hand to catch a few raindrops on my palm. “Be safe out there tonight.”
“I’d better be, since you won’t be watching my back.”
I laughed.
“I’ll probably see you in the morning,” he said, unlocking his car.
“Why? You’re off this weekend.”
“Word has gotten out that a semi-celebrity died in Sapphire Lake, so we’re all prepping for blowback. My life is about to be nothing but one meeting after another.”
I smiled, walking backward away from him. “And you wonder why I don’t want to make sergeant.”
He laughed and opened his door. “If you want overtime, I’m sure they’ll approve all we want once the national media rolls in.”
“Cool. I’ll probably do that.”
Before I could turn around, he pointed at me. “Have at least five copies of your qualifications in hand when you go into that interview tomorrow.”
I gave a snarky salute.
He laughed. “Goodnight, Nyx.”
“Bye, Sarge.” It was still weird calling him that.
I got in my car, locked the doors, and waited for him to leave the lot. When he was gone, I pulled out the letter stamped “Nevada State Penitentiary” in bright red ink.
With a shaky breath, I opened it—something I’d sworn I’d never do.
Dear Saphera,
I’ve written to your home address a few times without an answer. Perhaps this letter will find you at work. At your request, I’ve left you alone for as long as possible, but it is now essential that I speak with you. I don’t have much time left, and there are things you should know.
Things you must know.
Please visit as soon as you are able. We should talk in person.
* * *
Elias
I sat back in my seat. What the hell was suddenly so important? I pulled out my phone and tapped my brother’s name in my call history. It went straight to voicemail. “You’ve reached Ransom. You know what to do.”
“Hey, it’s me. Had a weird night after I left the fire. Call me when you get this.” I ended the call and pulled out of the lot.