Page 23 of Flynn

Flynn was about to step away to give his boss privacy, but Rhy gestured for him to stay. “Yes, Detective Klem. I would love an update on your case.”

Flynn wished the call was on speaker but managed to hold back from pushing the button himself. Rhy’s expression turned somber. “I see. Yes, that’s very unfortunate. Thank you for the update.”

“What’s unfortunate?” He stared at Rhy as he replaced the receiver. “Something bad happened.”

“Yes. It appears Roman Paulson was murdered. Shot at close range with two bullets to the center of his chest.” Rhy held his gaze, then sighed. “Just like the Millers.”

That wasn’t good. The gunman was eliminating any potential loose ends related to the double homicide.

And Taylor was likely the biggest loose end of all.

ChapterSix

Cassidy gestured to a chair at one of the cubicle stations. “Have a seat. Would you like water or coffee? Fair warning on the latter, it may taste like scorched earth.”

Taylor managed a weak smile. “Water would be good, thanks.”

Cassidy headed for a doorway off to the side, likely some sort of break room. Back when she’d been teaching at the day care, they’d had a similar space.

She wondered where Flynn was. He had veered away from her and Cassidy the moment they’d gotten inside the building. She knew he felt guilty for the way they’d been found at Zeke’s house, but it wasn’t his fault.

After all, she was the sole reason Flynn was in danger. She’d called him after hearing the shots and catching a glimpse of the gunman. If Flynn hadn’t taken her under his wing, she’d probably be already dead.

“Here you go.” Cassidy returned with a bottle of water. Taylor took a long, grateful sip. Her nerves weren’t cut out for this kind of thing. Her hands were still trembling, despite being safe in the precinct.

Maybe she should ask Flynn if they could simply live in the police station. She couldn’t think of a better place to stay.

“It’s going to be okay,” Cassidy said, echoing the words Flynn had been telling her from the beginning of this nightmare. “Flynn is a good cop and determined to protect you. He’ll do whatever it takes.”

“I know.” She didn’t doubt Flynn’s dedication to his job and to keeping her safe. She eyed the pretty redhead curiously. “How do you like being a cop?”

“I love it.” Cassidy smiled, but then her expression sobered. “It’s not for everyone. I see the worst side of human nature more times than I care to. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the faith. To continuously strive for justice.”

The profile of the gunman with his prominent nose flashed in her mind. Only a truly evil man could shoot people in cold blood while they slept. She hadn’t realized how often the police encountered bad guys with no moral compass.

“I can’t imagine how you and Flynn and everyone else stays strong,” she admitted. “Caring for young kids can be a challenge, but they are mostly sweet, honest, and kind.” She had noticed that kids absorbed their personalities from their parents, though. She’d had one job where the kids treated her terribly because that was how the parents acted toward her.

“Speaking of Flynn, there he is now.” Cassidy nodded toward her fellow cop. “I’ll check in on Gabe, see if he’s found any rental properties close by.”

Taylor nodded, but her gaze was riveted on Flynn’s somber features. Feeling shaky, she rose to her feet. “What is it? You look like you’ve gotten bad news.”

He came closer and reached for her hand. “I’m sorry, Taylor. But your cousin Roman Paulson was found dead in his home by the local police.”

What? Roman was dead? She frowned. “I don’t understand. He’s only a few years older than I am.” Then she understood. “He was murdered? You’re telling me my cousin has been murdered?”

“Yes, shot twice in the chest at close range.” Flynn held her gaze. “There was no forced entry to his home, so the working theory is that Roman knew the man who’d killed him.”

Again, the prominent nose profile flashed in her mind. “Roman was involved in this somehow.”

“Yes, we believe so.” Flynn gently squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you.”

Clinging to Flynn’s hand, she tried to digest the information. She felt bad about Roman. Even if he had been involved in something illegal, he didn’t deserve to be murdered.

First Steve and Robin Miller, now Roman. How many more people would lose their lives over—whatever this was?

Not Flynn, Lord. Please not Flynn!

It was horrible to be the one targeted by a gunman, but she wasn’t sure she could handle other innocent people losing their lives in an effort to protect her.

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