Page 127 of The Last Close Call

She shot a look at Bryan, probably wondering if he shared Jack’s certainty. She turned to Jack with a raised eyebrow. “Has it occurred to you that maybe the reason for the holdup is that something is wrong, and the sample’s not a match?”

Jack’s expression darkened, but he didn’t answer.

“I’ll help you with the warrant,” Bryan said. He didn’t mind writing them and he needed something to do. “Can we use your workstation?” he asked Heidi.

“Have at it. I hate paperwork.” She gestured to the bullpen. “I’m the corner cube by the break room. My computer passcode is C-O-R-A.”

They started out the door, and Heidi’s phone chimed.

“Hold up,” she said, yanking the phone from her pocket. “Rollins.”

Bryan looked at Jack. He had gone rigid as his attention was fixed on Heidi’s face.

“Yeah. Okay.” She turned to look directly at Jack. “Got it. Thanks.” She clicked off. “That was Hood. The DNA from the candy wrapper came back.”

“And?”

“It’s a match with the rape kit. We got him.”

***

Rowan plucked her earbuds out and listened. Was someone at her door? She checked her watch. It was just past noon, and she wasn’t expecting anyone today.

She heard the sound again and hurried across the house, stepping over the pair of laundry baskets parked in the middle of her living room. She smoothed her hair, then checked the peephole and felt a jab of disappointment when she saw that it wasn’t Jack.

She opened the door. “Hi,” she said, ushering Lila inside. “What’s all this?”

Lila held up a grocery bag. “Soup for the sickies.”

“That’s so nice,” Rowan said, feeling guilty now. “You didn’t need to do that.”

“I just dropped some off at Skyler’s.” Lila glanced around the living room. “Are you actually cleaning today? You must be feeling better.”

“I am. Come on in.”

Rowan took the bag, and Lila followed her into the kitchen, sidestepping the vacuum parked by the sofa.

“Sky said you were a day behind her, so I figured you’d be curled up in bed still,” Lila said.

“How’s she doing?”

“A little better.”

“Good. She sounded wiped out when I talked to her this morning.” Rowan set the bag on the counter and peeked inside. “Oh my gosh. Is this homemade?” She pulled out the plastic Tupperware container.

“My grandma’s recipe. Good for the soul.”

Tears sprang into Rowan’s eyes. “Lila, that’s so thoughtful. You didn’t need to go to all this trouble.”

“It’s no trouble. Geez. Don’t get all weepy on me.”

“Sorry.” Rowan grabbed a dish towel and blotted her face. “I’m emotional today. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“It’s the flu. It knocks everything out of whack.” Lila leaned back against the counter. She wore an oversize sweatshirt and jeans, and Rowan remembered it was her day off.

Lila crossed her arms and looked her over. “So. How’s Jack?”

“I slept with him.”

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