Page 76 of Before You Go

When I get back into bed, I think about doing a little more work but decide that it can wait until tomorrow. Shutting down my computer, I turn off the lamp on the bedside table and pull her into my arms, not realizing that I have had zero trouble falling asleep since she started sleeping wrapped around me.

CHAPTER 19

Dayton

“You should go before you’re late for work,” Franny whispers against my lips, and I smile against her mouth.

“You need to let me go in order for me to do that, baby.”

“Oh yeah.” She breathes, loosening the hold she has on my suit jacket.

After brushing my mouth across hers one last time I step back and slide my hands from her thighs. She looks thoroughly kissed and absolutely adorable with her hair wet from our shower this morning and wearing nothing but a tiny tank and underwear.

“I’ll see you this afternoon.” I straighten my tie.

“You will.” She wraps her hands around the edge of the counter she’s sitting on.

“Fuck me.” With a shake of my head, I step back between her legs and wrap my hand around the back of her neck to kiss her once more because I can’t get enough; I can never get enough. When I pull back again, her hands are once more wrapped around the lapels of my suit jacket, and the heel of her foot pressing into the back of my thigh. “Alright.” I leave her with one last kiss. “That should hold me over.” I let her go, and she laughs. “Be good today.”

“I’m always good.” She smiles as she reaches over for her coffee cup on the counter next to her.

Bending down, I give the top of PJ’s head a rub then grab my briefcase and cell from the counter. With one last look at Franny, I leave my apartment and go to the elevator.

It takes forever to get to work, and when I arrive, Jamie is already at her desk.

“Morning.” I acknowledge her with a dip of my chin and walk into my office, flipping on the light.

“Hey.” She knocks on the open door as I start to unpack my bag. “Mary stopped by a few minutes ago, she told me to let you know she wants to talk to you about the Groden case before Greg arrives for your meeting.”

“Thanks, Jamie.”

“You’re welcome.” She shifts on her heels but stays in the doorway. She rarely comes into my office anymore, and if she does, she leaves the door open. I think it’s her way of showing people that there is nothing going on between us. “Do you need anything, want a coffee?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

“Alright, I’ll be out here if you need me.” She turns around and walks out, closing the door behind herself.

After getting myself sorted I grab what I need and head to Mary’s office. Since her secretary isn’t at her desk, I knock and wait.

“Come in.” She calls from inside and I push the door open. “Oh, hey Dayton.” She smiles.

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yes, I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to sit in on your meeting with Mr. Groden today, so I wanted you to catch me up.”

“Sure.” I take a seat across from her and dive into what I know. After listening to Janelle’s entire podcast, I feel better informed about the case than I did after reading the case file from Detectives Shaw and Burros. Her investigation was thorough and well thought out. She didn’t leave a single stone unturned or miss the opportunity to interview Alice’s friends and family or anyone else who knew her.

Over the next hour, I tell Mary about the case and my suspicions of Charles being a police informant during the time of Alice’s murder.

Prior to Alice’s death, Charles had gotten away with rape, armed robbery, theft, and dozens of other petty crimes. Every single time he was brought in for something, he was released with a slap on his wrist. It could have been luck, but I don’t think anyone is that lucky. I believe that he used his knowledge of the system and his role as an informant to his advantage. He knew that the detective who had vouched for him would be held accountable for his crimes if he was ever prosecuted, and the detective knowing the same thing, saved his own ass each and every time. That only fed into Charles’ belief that he was untouchable.

It was a sad, vicious cycle, especially when you can look back and see that there are multiple women who would not have been harmed by him if he had been locked up for any of his previous crimes.

“Where is the detective who you suspect of bringing Charles on as an informant?” Mary asks.

“He’s living in a nursing home in Lewisburg.” I pass her a copy of his medical information. “He has Alzheimer’s, so he’s not going to be much help.”

“Darn.” She whispers, looking over the papers I handed her. “What about his partner?”

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