Page 21 of Trigger

“Theywere criminals.”

“Tangoand Cash, then.”

“Youare seriously disturbed, Thorsen. Do you know that?”

“Myold chief would probably agree, but he’s friends with the mayor, so not thebest judge of character.”

A fewmoments of silence ensued before Carter spoke.

“Boggsis corrupt. Everyone knows that.”

Ilooked at him in disbelief.

“Oh,no!” I gasped, clutching my hand to my chest theatrically. “Did you just takemy side, Carter?”

Herolled his eyes but remained silent.

“Soyou care about me, after all? Aww… that’s so sweet.”

“Dropdead.”

Ilaughed. “Not now when we’re besties. You know what? I’m going to buy us hotdogs to celebrate. My treat.”

“I’mnot hungry.”

“Iinsist. Mustard or ketchup?”

“Mustard.”

“Mykind of guy. Anything else?”

“Silencewhen you get back.”

“It’sa date.”

Myhand was on the door handle when he spoke. “Thorsen.”

“What?”

Heglanced at me before fixing his gaze on the street in front of him.

“Becareful.”

Thejoke was on the tip of my tongue, but I didn’t say it. Why? Because hisstrained expression told me his words had nothing to do with me and everythingto do with the past that still haunted him. That was why I merely nodded andleft the car.

Carter

Thephotos that John Smith had sent were grisly, and they told me that Sophie Maliksuffered before her death. The man who killed her inflicted countless wounds onher body, but it wasn’t a crime of passion. It seemed pre-planned, but also…not. But how could it be both?

Ilooked up and scanned the neighborhood before lowering my gaze to my phone,only to notice a colorful hair tie on the driver’s seat. I picked it up,shaking my head in disbelief. My partner’s fashion style was truly atrocious.He replaced the flip-flops with sneakers, but he still dressed as if he were onhis way to the Maldives.

Whenthe door opened, I shoved the hair tie into my pocket because I would ratherdie than let him see it in my hand.

“Missme?” Thorsen said, handing me the hot dog.

“Likethe plague.”

“Ialso bought us sweets in case you become grumpy,” he said, before answering hisphone. “What’s up, Bazooka? Don’t tell me you’re calling just to hear myvoice.”

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