“I need to take this,” Smith said, putting the lid back on the box.
“Not a problem. I don’t want the damn thing in the house.”
Nate showed the detective out and followed him to his car. He shook his hand. Now that something was being done, he felt a bit more magnanimous and offered his gratitude for dragging the guy out of bed. “Thanks for coming out tonight.”
“Just doing my job, Mr. Reed.”
“Nate.” At the detective’s nod he went on, “You could’ve waited until morning to come, but you didn’t. Just wanted you to know it’s appreciated.”
“I’ll be in touch when I know something. In the meantime, call me if anything else happens.”
Nate watched the detective drive off then went back inside and locked up. He turned off lights and checked all downstairs windows, keeping the living room for last, after which, he scooped Victoria up and carried her to bed, where he held her close all night.