Page 6 of Finding Justice

“Hell, I don’t either,” I admit. “But when I saw her, my world righted itself, then we found out about Cole…” I shrug, not sure how to explain it other than to tell him, “You’ll see when it happens to you.”

He snorts. "Doubt it will, but I am happy for you. Grab on to whatever helps you deal with Cole’s death.” I nod, though I don’t know if Naomi feels as I do. It’s not as if we’ve had a chance to really talk since meeting.

Aside from my behavior with Naomi, it doesn’t take him long to see my frustration. "Man, there are no connections besides the drug." I let him know about the traces of the fruit in five of the victims and the button found on Cole.

"You checked them out?" He asks.

"They’re hiding something, but from what I saw, I doubt they’re making them on the property. So, I can only assume they’re delivering them."

"Who’s the cook?"

"No fucking idea." Skimming the list of raids from the past year, the fact every time we have a lead it goes nowhere won’t leave me. It’s as if they knew we were coming and left nothing behind. "They must have an inside man."

"A cop?" His surprise is obvious.

"It's the only explanation that makes sense."

"But who?"

"Don’t know yet, but I will find out." I shuffle the papers in to some semblance of order, then peek at Caleb to tell him thanks. There’s this expression on his face I can’t quite decipher. "What?"

"I'm envious,” he informs me. “I want to help people like you do. And Cole being gone reminds me how short life can be." I ask if he’s finally ready to quit his job. He nods and lets me know he talked to Casper Jameson in the Prosecutor's Office. “There's an opening and I'm taking it."

Happy for my friend, I manage a genuine smile despite my emotional turmoil. "That's a great news." He needs to do what’s best for him, and I truly think this will be. His parents, though, will not feel the same.

"My advice, before you go hunting, make up with Naomi. Being at odds is eating you up and you need your head clear for what comes next.” Then he grins, adding, “You know what they say, ‘happy wife, happy life.’"

I chuckle, knowing he's right. Screw my earlier notion of trying to be noble. I need her. Jacket in hand, I urge, "Now get out, I have somewhere to be."

"You don't have to ask me twice,” he teases. “This place is a dump."

We share a laugh, though I’m silently praying Naomi will give me a second chance.

Chapter 8

Naomi

Iknew Cole was special even before I read his letter so many times I’ve memorized it. I just didn’t realize how smart he was. He figured everything out in regards to the maker, how it’s being delivered. I know, deep down, Cole didn’t overdose. He was murdered due to what he knew.

What I don’t know is why he didn’t send Clive this information. It’s because of him that Cole wanted to become a cop. I think he wanted to prove he could do it by investigating a lead on his own when he discovered it. And now I’m at the hangar a few minutes outside of town, unable to believe this is where Venom is coming from. Nor that Jimmy Nest, a young CSI that works with Clive, is responsible. I met him once and never got a bad vibe from him, which means he is scary good at hiding it. So much so that Clive didn’t see it either.

Unfortunately, Cole didn't have proof, so that's what I'm here. I refuse to let his death be in vain, to let Jimmy continue to kill people. Of course, all the doors are locked, but there’s a small window I can use if I can reach it. Securing my purse crossbody style, I throw my hair in a ponytail and start climbing. Thankfully, it isn’t that high and the boxes stacked underneath inside help my descent. Once I’m back on my feet on solid ground, I dig out my phone and begin recording, making sure to capture the chemicals, machines, and anything else I can.

In the corner, I notice a box from the blueberry farm, which means the cops can make the connection to it that Cole uncovered. With all the pieces in front of me, the complete picture now makes sense. I just wish I or someone else could’ve put it together before Cole did. Perhaps he’d still be here. I know I broke in, so this evidence wasn’t exactly collected legally, but it’s a start. I hope.

Clive will rain hellfire on Jimmy and whoever is helping him. He can’t do that until I show him the video. Intent on exiting as quietly as I entered, I scream when my arms are grabbed and I’m thrown toward a table. The glass tubes attached to it crash down, shards cutting my exposed skin and drawing blood. Wincing, I look at the mastermind himself and know I’m in serious trouble. I should’ve told Clive. Should’ve made up with him. So many things I wish had happened differently. Hindsight is a bitch.

Chapter 9

Clive

Even though her car isn’t in the driveway, I still bang on her door, yelling at her to open it, unsurprised she doesn’t answer, but I had to try. It’s ten at night, where the hell could she be? I groan, already knowing she’s either searching the streets for information or doing something else just as potentially dangerous. When I dial her cell and get no response, I throw back my head and yell, “Fuck!” She’s a smart woman and wouldn’t act out in anger like this, which makes me wonder what she may have found out.

Getting behind the wheel again, I begin driving around to look for her, ashamed of myself for letting her walk away from me. I can guarantee once I’ve located her, the likelihood of letting her out of my sight a second time is slim. My phone rings from the holder on my dash and I realize it’s the crime lab.

"Woods."

"Detective Woods, this is Charlie." He’s an intern there and frequently attempts to kiss my ass for some reason. “I wanted to see if you received the corrected report earlier today.”

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