Page 1 of Nocere

Chapter One

"It isn't just the sleeper cell that was the issue, Chief Walsh," I said as I sat across from him at his desk. "I truly feel we've escalated toward a more global threat."

"What are you angling at, Bryant?" Walsh lifted a silver vape pen from his desk and puffed on it. It made the whole office smell of carnival cotton candy.

"It's my opinion, Sir, that the Westside Takers gang had some sort of connection to them. The patterns of violence point to such, and one of their members was arrested during the siege." I set my report on his desk, including the map where I circled the various areas of increased violence. "I'm predicting that the next assault will happen around here." I pointed to the purple circle west of our location. "They're after weapons."

"Well, Bryant. What can I say?" He cleared his throat and knocked on the desk. "You're one of my best analysts."

"Thanks…" I lifted my bag and nodded toward the documents on his desk. "You can keep all of that."

"Have you reported it all to Sadie?"

"She's aware," I said, draping my bag over my shoulder. "Have a good day, Sir."

"You, too, Bryant."

I left Chief Walsh's office at the Seattle P.D. headquarters to return to my office. Detectives and patrol officers bustled about around me on a busy Friday, until I heard someone call my name.

"Rosie," chirped a sweet sing-song voice. I swung around to see Ainsley Monson scuttling down the hall. The sight of her brought a smile to my face as I paused my exit to greet her.

"Hi," I said when she pulled me into a cautious hug. My tense return didn't offset her happiness, however.

"Hi. Free for lunch today?" Ainsley's bright smile warmed my insides.

"Sure. What are you doing out here today?"

"Dropping off a report to Angelina. Can you head out now?" She jabbed her thumb over her shoulder. "It's almost one."

"I can. Yes." I nodded to the door.

Ainsley cocked a brow at me and folded her arms over her chest. "Do you mean yes or are you flexing to my will?"

I chuckled at her question and shook my head. "I mean it. I swear."

"All right. C'mon." She spun on her heel and led me out the front door. "How about Florrie's Cafe across the street there?"

"Works for me. And before you ask, I mean it." I laughed softly and Ainsley linked her arm with mine.

Once we settled in our booth and placed our orders, Ainsley and I relaxed into casual conversation. We'd been friends for a few years at this point, after meeting at the annual forensics conference here in Seattle.

"How's Jordan?"

"She's great. You know she's going to attack your hair the minute she sees you, so be prepared." Ainsley grinned and wagged her brows. "It's her thing."

"I know. She doesn't have to… I can manage." I ran my fingers through my hair and let it fall against my shoulders.

"I know you can, Rosie." Ainsley reached across the table and gave my hand a soft pat. "How've you been?"

"Pretty good. Work is good."

"Any dating prospects lately?" She jumped right to it, as she always did.

"Not really. I had a date a few weeks ago, but I didn't like her much." I toyed with the wrapper of the straw on the table. Tension tightened my stomach and I worried about Ainsley's reaction. The pressure to be coupled off wasn't unwarranted in my group of peers.

"How come?" Ainsley's unassuming smile, as gentle as always, eased some of my concerns.

"I don't know. She didn't make me feel comfortable. I think that's it."

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