Free Abducted by Janice Cantore Page B

Carly realized an argument would get her nowhere, so she simply thanked him and waited outside while he paid. She could admit that the meal had been pleasant; Trejo was good company. But she wanted Nick to be the man in her life, the one she thought of as good company. What’s he doing now? Does he think about me as much as I think about him?
    Thankfully, she wasn’t able to dwell on the thought. Trejo bounced out of the restaurant and put a hand on her shoulder, pointing to his car with the other.
    “Your chariot awaits.”
    They chatted companionably about a lot of different things on the way back to the hospital. Alex suggested they exchange numbers and repeated his request that they hang out now and again “as friends.” Carly jotted down her number and accepted his business card. In spite of herself, Carly realized she wouldn’t mind hanging out with him from time to time but had no clue how Nick would feel about that. When Trejo dropped her off, she found herself thinking about his request and wondering why she left a door open. Why didn’t she just say no?

9
    BACK IN THE HOSPITAL, things seemed to have quieted down. Joe was resting with Christy, and Andrea was nowhere to be found. Carly was deciding whether or not to go home when her phone buzzed. It was Pete Harris.
    “Carly, where are you now?”
    “Just got back to the hospital.”
    “How quick can you be at community relations? We’re setting up a volunteer tip center here. Are you ready for a meeting?”
    “Meeting? About what?”
    “About being loaned to homicide. Jacobs and Garrison are here now.”
    “All right. Are you sure we have to meet with Garrison? Can’t Sergeant Barrett approve this?” Carly ran her fingers through her hair as she headed out of the hospital, apprehension rumbling in her gut and making her wish she’d eaten something other than a chili dog. She and Captain Garrison got along like rival gang members. He’ll say no just for spite.
    “Nope, it’s up to Garrison to sign the temporary release.”
    “I’m on my way, but I hope this isn’t a waste of time. He’s just as likely to say no as look at me.”
    “Don’t worry; Jacobs and Nelson are both pitching for you. I really need some experienced help going through these tips. We’re spread thin.”
    The fact that Harris called her experienced help gave her a jolt of confidence as Carly hurried to her car.
    • • •
    Jacobs opened the meeting by explaining how the investigation was going, what information the press had been given, and his hopes for the tip line. Norman Garrison, the captain in charge of detectives, patrol, and training, listened intently, shooting off questions to Harris now and again. Carly felt tension in the room and wondered if it was solely due to the kidnapping. She’d heard department gossip and knew Jacobs was in line for a promotion and wanted Garrison’s job. Jake was ambitious, hardworking, and had a solid reputation, so the captain had good reason to worry that his job was in jeopardy. He’d barely kept his rank after a scathing investigation of the department by the FBI. They’d outlined deficiencies in his supervisory skills but stopped short of recommending demotion. It was under Garrison’s watch that the old homicide sergeant and an investigator were found to be part of a smuggling operation and responsible for the murder of three people, including the previous mayor. The scenario of him being moved to the records division while Jake was promoted to his spot was not far-fetched.
    Since Carly was responsible for uncovering the corrupt cops, Garrison treated her as if she were the cause of all his problems. She knew from personal experience that Garrison could be territorial and petty. She wondered if he’d smack Jake down just because he could or if he’d play it safe, give him everything he wanted—and if something went wrong, be sure to hang all the blame on Jake. She squirmed in her seat and thought about how much she