Page 31 of Jobe

The other three watched him walk away, then Gabe and Vinny turned back to their friend. Jobe nodded, “I get it. Loud and clear.”

Their conversation was interrupted when an SUV pulled to the front of the building. Matt, Shane, and a female police officer got out and started walking toward the group on the stoop. The looks on their faces indicated that the news wasn’t good.

“Jesus,” Jobe swore, knowing whatever was coming was going to upset Mackenna, as he and the others met the detectives on the front walk. “This just keeps getting more fucked up by the minute.”

Mackenna was walking toward the front door to see what Jobe and the others were talking about when she saw Matt and Shane coming toward them. Steeling herself for whatever was next, she stepped out onto the stoop and looked down at them all.

“Detectives,” she greeted, noticing the others looking at each other. “Can I help you?”

“Ms. Dunn,” they both said at the same time. “This is Officer Petit.” The young, female officer nodded her head in acknowledgment as Mackenna greeted her also.

“Do you all want to come inside?” she invited.

“Is Selena in there?” Matt asked, referring to one of the women staying at the center.

Blinking in surprise at the question, she said, “Yes. She’s getting ready for the computer class to start. Why?”

“We’d better talk out here first,” was the only response given.

She shut the door behind her and walked down the steps into the group, stopping when she reached Jobe.

He looked down at her, realizing she chose to stand next to him. Whether or not it was a conscious choice, he was glad. He slid his arm around her shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

Matt said, “Selena’s been identified as a witness to a gang crime that the River Street Kings committed.” Seeing Mackenna about to protest, he quickly continued, “She’s not involved—not a suspect. But it appears that she may have information.”

“What do you need to do?” she asked, hoping her voice was not quivering as much as she felt inside. She felt another squeeze on her shoulder and could not help but lean in slightly toward Jobe.

“Mackenna,” Shane said. “We need to take her with us—”

“But why?” she cried out. “She’s doing so well here. She knows us. She—”

Jobe leaned in and whispered, “Doll, she’s not safe here. You can’t keep her safe and if it gets out that she’s a witness, then no one’s safe here with her.”

Shane nodded, “That’s right. Officer Petit will be escorting her to a secure location.”

For a moment, the others stood around, uncomfortably shuffling their feet, knowing that the realization was cutting into her.

She blinked rapidly several times, then lifted her chin and said, “Will you allow me to speak to her first?”

Matt agreed but added that Officer Petit would have to accompany her. She gazed over at the officer and said, “If you’ll come with me, I’ll introduce you to Selena.”

The two women silently went up the steps and through the front door, closing it behind them. The men let out a collective sigh.

“Goddamnit!” Jobe exploded.

His friends looked at him sympathetically, knowing that Jobe was going to be picking up the pieces when it was all over.

Twenty tense minutes later, the door opened again and this time Mackenna and Officer Petit were with a pretty, young woman who had obviously been crying. Jobe’s eyes were not on her though…he was staring at the woman in his heart. And her tear-streaked face. He started toward her, but she caught his gaze and gave a slight shake of her head.

Mackenna needed to complete her task without falling apart any more than she had already. She had allowed the policewoman to explain the situation to Selena, but the girl’s tears and pleading to stay in the center had gutted Mackenna.

The trio walked past the men and over to the vehicle that Matt and Shane drove up in. The two detectives got into the front seat as Selena turned to hug Mackenna goodbye.

“Thank you,” she choked out, “for saving me.”

The tears ran unchecked down her face as she hugged Selena. Finally letting go, she watched as the officer and Selena settled in the back seat before they drove away. She stood on the sidewalk, her body quivering as she pressed her fingers tightly against her lips in an attempt to stem the sob that wanted to escape.

Gabe, Vinny, and BJ left, having to walk by her on their way to their vehicles. Each touched her shoulder quickly, in a show of support while understanding her need for privacy. Only Jobe remained.

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