Page 85 of Black Bird

“Why don’t you just try talking to—”

“I said leave it.”

Rhaena huffed and went back to sit at her desk. “Fine.” She stacked a file of paperwork on her desk loudly and pretended not to look at him.

“How’s it going, detectives?” Foley asked as he approached them, changed and suited as if Rhaena hadn’t just seen him sweating like a mule in the training center. Athan turned toward him in his chair. “Jesus, Kane. What the hell happened to you?”

“I’m—I’m just …” Athan fumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“He hasn’t been feeling well,” Rhaena offered.

“That’s a first.” Foley pocketed a hand. “You look like shit, son.” His eyes met Rhaena’s and she side-eyed the picture of Sarah. Understanding flooded the captain’s face. “Go home, detective. Take a few days. Get some rest. Let Northwood drive for a while.”

“Sir, I—”

“I’m not asking,” Foley cut him off, dipping his chin and lowering his brows. “You both promised me your best on this case. Don’t forget that. If something comes up, we’ll call you … go home.”

Athan clenched his jaw, turning off his monitor and closing a drawer. “Yes, sir,” he grumbled, glancing at Rhaena and reaching under his desk for his helmet.

“Oh … that reminds me,” Foley added, digging a tagged key out of his pocket and tossing it toward him. Athan caught it in his hand. “Why don’t you try this out for a few days. Something with doors. And don’t lemme catch you lighting up in it, either.” Rhaena smirked, watching Athan’s surprised reaction as he raised up from his chair. “Have fun, Kane.” Foley nudged her shoulder as he walked back to his office. Athan only stared at her.

“What’s this about?” he asked, dangling the key from his finger.

“I put in for this weeks ago. Just good timing is all.” She smiled.

“I don’t need a car.”

“Youdoneed a car. I’m sick of sharing mine when you’re in need of one. Trust me. I’m nothing, if not tasteful when it comes to vehicles. Just go. You can thank me later.” Rhaena winked.

“If you put me in something flashy, it’s your ass, Northwood.” He rolled his eyes and shoved past her, making his way to the elevator.

“You’re welcome, bastard!” she called, earning herself an obscene gesture as he walked off. She hoped it would ease something, at least. Foley glanced through the blinds in his office window at her and she smirked. He nodded in response.

Brent was just finishing up with a client and walking down the steps to the courthouse when his phone started buzzing in his jacket pocket. Seeing that name pop up on his phone nearly gave him a heart attack. He stopped on the stairs and stared down at it, a nervous feeling twisting in his gut until he started cursing himself for missing the call. She had to have called him by accident. He had just about convinced himself of it before it started ringing again. She wouldn’t have made a back-to-back call by accident … right? He slid the call open and put the phone to his ear.

“Sarah?” His voice was strained. Brent cleared his throat.

“Hey.”

He paused for a moment. “Are you alright?”

“Never better.”He could hear the sarcasm in her tone.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing I would tell you. I think it’s fair to say you owe me a favor.”

Brent looked out over the city and clenched his jaw. “I’m sorry…we never talked about—”

“And we won’t. Not right now. I need a favor.”

He nodded and looked back down at his feet. “What can I do?”

“Dear old dad is having a benefit this weekend, correct?”

“Yeah.”

“You going?”

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