Page 21 of Found By Him

I rub my forehead as I explain, “I have a problem that I would like us to help with.” I pause. “And I’m going to cover the costs for it.”

A low whistle sounds through the speaker. “I’m intrigued.”

I give him the shortened version of what Gisella told me, ending with, “I’m not accepting a dime from her, but I also can’t walk away.”

Nate is silent for a beat before he says, “I agree. Let’s do it. Whatever she needs. And you aren’t paying for it. We always said we would start taking on cases probono once we were financially able. We have been for a while, and this seems like a great first one.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief that Nate doesn’t give me any pushback about helping Gisella. I still would have done it, but it makes it a hell of a lot easier to have him on my side.

“So she went to cops before, and they didn’t do anything?” Nate asks.

“Sounds like it. I’m guessing that’s why she didn’t want to try again.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Call Carlos and see what he has to say. Maybe he can help.”

I smile, glad my best friend and I are on the same page. “That was my next call after you.”

“Once you talk to him, we can regroup. It sounds like we might need to adjust some schedules, but that’s the easy part.”

I disconnect after confirming that I’ll contact him later, then scroll to find my next call.

After a couple of rings, he answers distractedly. “Detective Martinez.”

“Carlos, it’s Jack.”

“Jack, haven’t heard from you in a while. What do I owe the pleasure?”

“Sorry, I’ve been M.I.A. Things have been insane with work. You still owe me a few beers, which I’ll be cashing in at some point soon.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. What’s up?”

Carlos is a good friend and an even better cop. He’s become close with Nate and me over the years, and we have a lot of professional and personal respect for each other. He also sucks at fantasy baseball, which is why he owes me beers.

“I need you to look up a report for me.”

“Okay, what was the report for?”

“Stalking. Maybe harassment.”

“Hm, okay. Who was the person making the report?”

“Gisella Easton. It was maybe eight months or so ago.”

After a few beats, he says, “Found it. Looks like the report was taken, but it was never made an active case, based on lack of evidence.”

My jaw tightens as I grind my teeth in frustration. “I figured as much.”

“Let me guess, things have progressed and gotten worse?”

“Yes, you would be correct.”

“Client of yours?”

“Kind of.”

“Kind of… Got it. What can I do to help?”

I scratch my jaw in thought. “Can you come over tonight to her place and talk to her? I would like to make another official report and get the police involved this time. And I trust you to actually do something.”

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