Page 72 of Another Girl Lost

“They never get easy for me. And the more I asked around about Sandra Taylor, the angrier I got. No one cared she’d vanished.”

“What did you learn about her?”

“I knocked on doors near her foster home this afternoon. A few had vague memories of her. I’m trying to track down a couple of the kids she fostered with, but so far dead ends.”

“Anybody mention Tanner Reed?”

“No.”

He ran his hand down her leg, liking the muscled curves. And then, as much to convince himself: “Someone will remember her.”

“Ever the optimist.” Her gaze skimmed his hotel room. “Why are you still here? Don’t you think it’s time to get a big-boy apartment?”

“Wasn’t ready to jump into the next life until the door closed on the last.” His fingers rubbed over the rough edges of a burn scar on her leg. “How did you get this?”

Rather than explain, she rolled on her side, facing him so that he had a clear view of her breasts. “Long story.”

He traced the scar, mentally cataloging its dimensions. “I’m in no rush.”

“You were frowning when I entered the bar tonight. Upset that I’m on the case with you?”

“Call that shock. The frown is linked to the visit to the medical examiner. Never a fun time.”

“It’s not. Only my second autopsy.”

“Tell me about the first one.”

Not a request but an order. And she didn’t hesitate to comply. “A young girl was killed by her trafficker. He beat her to death.”

He followed the rise and fall of her chest. “Did you get a conviction?”

“Involuntary manslaughter.” The words dripped with bitterness. “Hoping the system is tougher on guys like that here.”

“Even if we identify Sandra Taylor’s killer, getting justice now is going to be tough.”

“It would be nice to prove it.”

Dawson’s mind drifted back to the high school picture of the young, smiling girl. Sandra Taylor deserved justice. “You have a reputation as a ballbuster.”

She laughed. “I know. By the way, what’s the deal with the scrapbook on the table? Secret hobby?”

“Belongs to Tiffany Patterson. Her roommate gave it to me.”

“Tiffany Patterson. The girl Tanner tried and failed to kidnap.”

“That’s a good memory.”

“Been reading up on the case.” She sat up and pressed her back to the headboard. “I learned you’re the cop that shot and killed Tanner.”

Dawson tightened his jaw. The scene still could play back in his head when he least expected it. If he’d been a second slower ... “He drew on me, didn’t get off a shot before I fired and killed him.”

“He wanted to die.”

“Tanner knew he’d spend the rest of his life in prison. I’m sorry I’m the one that gave him the easy way out.”

“There’s nothing easy about firing a weapon at someone.”

“Yeah.”

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