Page 57 of Sachie's Hero

“Not too often,” Roland said. “We occasionally played basketball with the kids.”

Sachie glanced around, her gaze landing on the teen leader working with the smaller kids.

“During my sessions with Luke, he talked about another teen he worked with here—a kid named Mark. Is he here today?”

“He was. I think he left a few minutes ago. You probably just missed him. What did you want with Mark?”

“Does he have a last name?” Teller asked.

The officer nodded. “Bradford.”

“I understand they were good friends,” Sachie said. “I wanted to talk to him about Luke’s behavior leading up to his death. I hope to gain some insight into why he felt compelled to end his life.” Sachie’s gaze went to the teens still playing basketball behindRoland. “I want to know what made him so desperate that he felt he didn’t have another option.”

“Did he mention any troubles he might have had at school?” Roland asked.

“No. Did he have any issues with anyone here at the Boys’ Club?” Sachie asked.

“I didn’t notice any, but then I wasn’t here all the time.”

Sachie sighed. “I guess I’ll have to come back when Mark’s here. Maybe Luke opened up with him.”

“Mark’s usually here every weekday.” Roland glanced across the gym. “You might catch him tomorrow. I’d better get back to the boys. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“Thank you.”

“Can you find your way out?” Roland asked.

“Yes, sir.”

Roland hurried back to the game.

Sachie’s gaze swept through the gym. “Who else can we ask about Luke?”

“Not the kids,” Teller said.

“Definitely not the kids,” Sachie said. “Should we try to track down Mark at his home?”

“Now that we have a last name, I can get Swede to work his magic. He should be able to find his address.” Teller texted the name to Swede. “Are you ready to go?”

Sachie looked one last time, trying to imagine Luke on the gym floor working with the little kids, teaching them how to shoot hoops that were so far above them it was comical to watch their attempts.

She sighed. “I’m ready.”

As they walked to the exit, Sachie saw a tall, lanky young man with thick black hair exiting the building. Something about him made her look twice. At that exact moment, he glanced over his shoulder.

Sachie’s heart stopped for a full second and then slammed into her ribs. “Luke?” she whispered. Turning to Teller, she asked, “Did you see that young man?”

Teller had glanced over his shoulder back toward the gym. When he focused ahead of where they stood, he frowned. “See what?”

“The teen who just stepped out of the complex. I swear... I mean the resemblance…” She scrubbed a hand down her face and rubbed her eyes. “I must be hallucinating again. He looked just like Luke.”

Teller hurried with her out the front entrance. Sachie stopped, looked in both directions and saw...nothing.

Teller cupped her elbow and walked toward their parked sedan. They were halfway across the parking lot when a flurry of movement whipped past Sachie.Her purse was ripped off her shoulder before she could wrap her fingers around the strap.

“Hey!” she yelled automatically.

“Son of a bitch,” Teller muttered and took off after the thief. “Sachie, get into the car and lock the doors,” he called out over his shoulder.

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