Page 79 of Nocere

"Um…" I looked to Stiles then to Eve.

"I'll sit with you, Rosie. If you like," she said, gesturing to the table.

"It's okay. I would rather sit out." I waved to them, awkwardly at best, as I took my leave.

I headed down the hall with limited gusto as to appear calmer than I felt on the inside. A few deep breaths left me, and when I swung toward the main entrance, someone called for me.

"Rosie?"

I turned around to see Caroline walk into the precinct. She clasped a cup of coffee in her palms, and beside her, Billie carried up the rear. In typical fashion, Billie smiled at me and my nerves settled a little.

"Hi, Rose." Billie wiggled her index finger at me and a small smile curved my lips.

"Hi."

"You know each other?" Caroline glanced between us, her brows narrowed.

"Duh, Donovan. I worked here for like fifteen years. So has she. And we were all at the same party this weekend. Have you lost it?" Billie scoffed and it made me laugh.

"Shut up, probie." Donovan gave her a shove. "Go save me a seat."

"Yeah, yeah." Billie waved her off then, tossed me a grin. "Later, girl."

I laughed at the two of them and shook my head. "Bye."

Caroline waited until Billie headed toward the conference room before she approached me. "Where's your office?" she asked.

"Um…" I jabbed my thumb over my shoulder. "All the way in the back. Why?"

"I'll come see you after the presentation," she said, glancing toward the conference room. "A savvy analyst discovered a serial rapist pillaging the community."

"I know." I folded my arms over my middle and let my gaze flicker toward the door. "It was me."

Caroline gave pause, her brow furrowed. "Impressive. Why aren't you in there?"

"It's crowded and I-I...Stiles is doing the presentation." I stammered and dropped my gaze to the grip of her gun perched on her hip.

"Nah. Come with me." She nudged my elbow, turned on her heel, and led me a few paces down the hall.

"Wait. No. I—"

Her gaze, heavy and serious, fell on me in a similar fashion to Samirah's. In that moment, the feelings of exposure faded, for a moment. "I got you. Let Stiles do his thing, but it's important for you to be present for your own work."

I took a deep breath and found myself returning the grip on her hand. "Okay…"

"Okay." Caroline's expression softened into a smile. We stood there for a moment though she never released my hand. "Ready?"

When I nodded, taking a deep breath, she led me into the crowded room and released me when we took our seats. My heart pounded in my chest and my thoughts raced. Why had I let Caroline urge me into this? I’d already made my decision, hadn't I?

Stiles stood up in front of the full room and began to present my data in a manner similar to my delivery ages ago it seemed. Folks asked questions, pointed out consistencies in the pattern, and low-key raged about the number of alleged victims.

"This is your work?" Caroline leaned over to ask. I nodded, meeting her dark gaze. "Hmm."

"What?"

"Ever consider working for the FBI?"

"Didn't you just recruit Billie?" I gestured to the woman beside her. "No. I never did."

---