Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 by Karen Whiddon (interesting books to read for teens TXT) 📕

in the building overnight, and the toolbox, too. Someone broke into the locked building and planted the drugs. And his fingerprints could have been planted, according to our lawyer.”

Stanton knew about Charlie’s wife leaving, as it was in the file Dominique had on him and had allowed him to read.

“Did Daniel ever say if he and Charlie thought there were more people in the county jail who were wrongfully imprisoned?”

“No. He only told me about Charlie after we found out about his death. Daniel doesn’t like to talk about any of it. Says it’s for the best, that as long as we’re safe—” she cast a glance at Trina “—that’s all that matters.”

Dominique nodded, then stood, her gaze seeking Stanton’s. Was it his imagination, or was she looking at him as though he was not only on her team, but a full-fledged partner?

* * *

Back at the station, Dominique shared a small table in the break room with Stanton and was grateful for his ear.

“Now do you get my reasons for being so upset with how slowly things are going with the internal investigation?”

The muscle on the side of his jaw jumped and he took a swig of his coffee. She noted that he had his own mug with the Colton Protection logo on it. In fact, there was an entire shelf of the mugs in the cabinet above the counter. “I do. And do you ‘get’ how concerned I am about my family, especially my sister? She’s got the weight of all of this on her shoulders. Besides, it’s not your place to delve into an internal GGPD investigation. I don’t have to tell you this.”

“I know. But I’m not letting up.”

“Hey, you two. Want to follow me?” Troy nodded toward his tiny office just off the break area. Once in his office, she and Stanton sank onto a cracked faux leather sofa and faced Troy across his desk. Stacks of files, two computers and a printer crowded the room. Yet Troy seemed in charge, confident, if a bit tired.

With a start she realized that every single officer appeared to need at least a nap if not a long rest. Like her, they’d been fighting against time. The longer the corrupt cop and/or employee went unidentified, the greater chance of misfortune falling upon Daniel and any other wrongfully imprisoned people.

“I won’t take any more of your time than I need to, but Melissa told us, told me, to report back after every interview.”

“Shoot.” Troy leaned back as she began to share. She relayed what they’d learned, with emphasis on the description of the man “dressed in fancy clothes” and the possibility of wrongful evidence. As professional a setting as it was, as rapt as Troy’s attention was, it was impossible for her to shake how Stanton’s nearness affected her. He radiated complete confidence in her abilities, which she was certain helped with Troy’s attentiveness.

“What do you think, Troy?” She waited for him to answer instead of prodding him with her opinion and requests for Daniel Lubinski’s case evidence file.

“Thank you for telling me all of this. Even though Chief asked you to come back after each interview, you didn’t have to provide all of the details. I, and the entire department, appreciate it. We’ll add all the facts you collected to our data board in the ops room. Have you by any chance been able to get in touch with the witness in Charlie’s case? The one you were going to meet yesterday, Johnny Blanchard?”

She shook her head. “No. I’ve tried to text and call, with no luck. He’s not answering. I’m actually surprised he hasn’t blocked me yet.”

“You didn’t mention that to me,” Stanton cut in, and she heard his irritation.

“I can’t weigh you down with every tiny aspect of my work. It’s difficult enough that you’ve been roped into this case as deeply as you have.” She spoke before she thought about Troy sitting there, watching their interaction. And was that light in Stanton’s eyes not disapproval for her work, but...pride?

“You can work that out between the two of you later, but Dominique, I’m with Stanton as far as safety goes. The more you tell him, the more he can anticipate Jimenez’s next moves. We all have to be hypervigilant.”

“I know.” Now to see if Troy would be as stubborn as Melissa. “Do you have anything new on Randall Bowe? I’m not looking for confidential information, Troy, but I need you to throw me a bone here.”

He shook his head and she felt Stanton stiffen beside her.

“I can’t talk about internal ops, Dominique.”

“Come on, Troy,” Stanton wheedled. “What would it hurt you to at least confirm that Randall committed wrongdoing or that you suspect he did? At least let Dominique look at Charlie’s evidence file.” Stanton’s support made her insides warm. If she wasn’t careful, she’d believe they were more than just a professional team.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t comment on an active investigation. Both of you know the rules.” Troy’s expression was as grim as his reply. Her heart sank but she held on to her purpose—to clear Charlie. There were other avenues she hadn’t been down yet, such as talking to Charlie’s lawyer. The attorney had refused to see her when she’d reached out last week, but perhaps when she explained what had happened to her, how they’d identified the man responsible for Charlie’s incarceration and in all probability his death, he’d do the right thing.

“You know she’s right, Troy.” Stanton stood up, but not before Dominique grasped his forearm.

“It’s okay, Stanton. I get it. We have to play by the rules.”

Troy’s phone buzzed and his face turned to stone as he read a text. He looked up at first Dominique, then Stanton. “I’ve got to go, folks. Do you mind going to the ops room and giving the officer on duty the information you’ve told me?”

“Not at all.” But Troy was already out the door, leaving her alone with Stanton. The door shut behind