Page 95 of Redeeming Melodies

"Doesn't excuse what I did." Had to get this out. "Outing you at prom, making your life hell. I was a fucking monster."

"You were scared." Simple statement that cut straight through my defenses. "Scared of what you saw in yourself when you looked at me and Caleb. Easier to lash out than face it."

Christ. Trust Liam to see right through me, even after all these years. "Still. I'm sorry. More than I can ever say."

"I know." His smile went gentle. "And I forgive you. Have for a while now. Caleb helped me see that holding onto that anger only hurt me."

The weight that lifted from my chest nearly doubled me over. Forgiveness I never thought I'd get, never thought I deserved. "Thank you."

"Just promise me something?"

"Anything."

"Be happy." His eyes flicked to Jimmy's door then back to me. "Life's too short for hiding who you are. Who you love."

"Working on it." My voice came rough. "Elliot makes it easier somehow. Makes me want to be better."

My phone buzzed, cutting through the moment. Smith's name on the screen sent ice through my veins.

"Sheriff." His voice came tight with urgency. "We've got a problem. Ramirez is gone."

"What do you mean gone?" Stood so fast the chair scraped against linoleum.

"Cleaned out his house, emptied his accounts. Davis swung by on routine check and found the place stripped bare."

Fuck fuck fuck.

"Get me everything." Already moving toward the exit, Liam's concerned eyes following. "Bank records, traffic cams, anything that might tell us where he went."

"There's more." Smith's voice dropped lower. "Found files in his trash. Records of payments from New York. Big ones. And boss? They line up exactly with when Jimmy moved here."

The implications hit like a freight train. Ramirez hadn't just attacked Jimmy - he'd been watching him. Waiting. Following orders from whoever in New York wanted Jimmy silenced.

"Lock it all down." My voice came out harder than intended. "No one sees those files but us. And Smith?"

"Yeah boss?"

"Find him. Whatever it takes."

Ended the call, turned to find Liam watching me with knowing eyes. "Go." He nodded toward the door. "Do what you need to do. I'll keep watch here."

"Thanks." Meant it for more than just the moment. For forgiveness, for understanding, for everything. "I'll keep you posted on Jimmy's case."

His hand caught my arm as I passed. "Jake? Be careful. Something about this feels wrong."

Wrong didn't begin to cover it. But I nodded, squeezed his shoulder, and headed out to face whatever storm was brewing.

My phone buzzed again - Elliot this time. Probably about to head to New York. Wanted to stay focused on the case, but hearing his voice felt necessary right now.

"Be safe." His warmth came through even over the phone. "I'll call when I get there.”

"You too." Let myself have this moment of connection before diving back into the darkness of Jimmy's case. "El?"

"Yeah?"

"Whatever happens while you're gone, remember I've got your back. No matter what."

"I know." Simple certainty that steadied me. "That's why I'm not afraid anymore."

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