Page 143 of Black Bird

He knew what the kid meant and stood to go shut the blinds to his office window. “Good enough. Any news?”

“They called last night.”

“They?”

“Sarah and Detective Kane. Called from an unknown number and asked me for my help. I’m gonna assist.”

“Assist with what, exactly?”

“Sarah is planning to turn herself in on Monday morning. I talked Kane into bringing her in as an arrest. She wants me to represent her.”

He had to admit that he didn’t see that coming. It was brilliant, but risky. “So, St. James is offering herself up like a lamb, and Kane is allowing that?”

“I doubt he was very fond of the idea before they called me. But once her mind is made up, you can’t hope to change it. That’s just the way she is. She’s confident that whatever they’re charging her with won’t hold up. I’m gonna do my best to make sure she’s right. I’m hoping that it’ll fall apart and whatever, or whoever you’re dealing with up there will have to find another way to solve this case and leave her alone.”

“What about Northwood?”

“They didn’t mention her. Can you be there when we come into the precinct on Monday morning?”

“You’ve got it. Good work, kid. And thanks for your discretion and your help. We’ll figure this out and I’ll help in whatever way I can.”

“Actually … I thought about that, and I decided that if Sarah is willing, I’d like to try to push a lawsuit against the Feds for tainting her reputation under false accusation. Could be helpful to her and to you. I may need your help with that.”

“I’d enjoy every minute of it, Stratford. Let me know if anything changes.”

“Happy Holidays, Captain.”

“Same to you.”

The phone slowly left his face, and he ended the call, staring back up at the flag. Foley grabbed his scarf and jacket off the back of his chair and started putting them on. He dialed another number.

“KC’s Floral Arrangements, how can I help you?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’d like an arrangement for a headstone. Something bright and happy, with a flag added if possible.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. Would you like it delivered for a service, or is this a personal order?”

“No service. I can come and pick it up. I’m visiting an old friend.”

“Understood, sir. Give me about an hour. I’ll have it ready for you.”

“Thanks very much.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What can I do, Rhae?” Wren asked, cradling Denver in her lap on the couch while Rhaena braced her hands on her sweaty back and panted as she paced the living room. It wasn’t as bad as last month. At least she could say that much. It didn’t stop her from wishing she was here alone, if for no other reason than being stark naked in this house was the only other option as far as getting relief from what little she had on. It was still incredibly hot in here.

“Nothing to do but wait it out, girl.” Sweat dripped down between her shoulder blades and her black sports bra was doing little to absorb it. It was already drenched. Athan came out of the kitchen with a chilled jug of water and handed it to her. “Thanks.” An ice cream headache almost ensued with how fast she gulped it down.

“Are you not worried he’ll fly off and not come back, Athan?” Wren asked, looking out the window.

“If he was with anybody else, I probably would.” They all turned their attention to the window now. Sarah stood in the middle of the yard, wearing a black wool peacoat, feeding scraps to Poe who fluttered on her extended arm.

“Somebody needs to take a picture of that.” Rhaena tossed her burner phone to Wren, who forcefully agreed, and started snapping everything. “Do you think she realizes how stunning she is?”

Athan crossed his arms and stared after her, a proud smirk on his mouth. “The fact that she doesn’t makes me love her more.” Rhaena lowered the jug from her mouth and smiled.

“She loves clothes and makeup as much as the next girl … but she’s never been vain. To tell you the truth, Sarah reminds me a lot of you, Athan.” Wren continued to snap pictures. “When we first met, it was kinda hard getting her to shed that ‘quiet type’ skin. Some of that never left. She’s a crazy little bitch, but she’s got a huge heart. If either of you knew her before all this … you’d wonder how she managed to shoulder it all.”

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