Page 4 of Having HIs Back

“Pebbles,” Kerry supplied.

“Yes, Pebbles, back to the boys.” He hated this kind of conversation, but he had to have it. “I need to know… do you intend to take responsibility for the care of the boys?”

The frigidity in those eyes was back in an instant. “Of course I do. They’re my only nephews, and they need their family. Such as it is. Caroline and I spoke about this a few times, and I believe I am named in her will.”

Brian nodded. “Good.” He smiled slightly. “I just have to ask these kinds of questions. I’ll have child services get in touch with you to make sure that you have everything you need.”

“Actually—” Kerry began.

“Look, I know you don’t think you need anything, but you will. You’re better equipped than most to do this, but you will need help and support too. I’ve seen it before. The kids are quiet now because they’re in shock and hurting. But once they start to deal with the hurt and loss, all that will change, and they’re going to need you, and you’re going to need some support as well. They can do that.” Brian held Kerry’s intense gaze until those eyes filled with sadness. Brian guided Kerry to a chair and got him to sit.

“I’ll do anything for the boys. They need me.” Determination filled Kerry’s voice even as grief threatened to overwhelm him.

“Yes, they do. But this is a huge amount of change.” He knew that whatever life Kerry had had up until now, it was going to look very different in the future. Brian had seen this more than once in his career.

“I know. But I will not leave those boys hanging out in the wind.” The strength Kerry displayed was just what they were going to need. “Is there anything else?”

“Just stay out of the garage. We are finished, but we may need additional access to the scene for a few days.” He handed Kerry one of his cards. “If you or one of the kids thinks of anything, call me. Heck, if you need anything, give me a call. I’ll do my best to help.” Brian left and closed the door behind him. He checked that the scene was sealed before heading back to thestation. He had a lot to do, and the best thing was to get to it, so he didn’t think about Kerry and his huge kicked-puppy eyes… or anything else about the handsome man.

“Did youget anything?” Brian asked the veterinarian when he finally called.

“Yes. There was plenty of viable material on Pebbles’ coat, as well as his mouth. We found a few bits between his teeth that may be tissue of the attacker. I’ll have all of it sent to the lab.” He seemed excited. “Usually with dogs, we don’t get much, but it seems Pebbles was most cooperative.”

“Excellent. Are you done with the dog? He belongs to a couple of boys who are grieving the loss of their mother, and I’d like to get him home as soon as I can.” If Brian was honest, he was also a little anxious to speak to their uncle again. There was something about Kerry that intrigued him. Maybe it was the fact that he would do whatever it took for his nephews, including coming up to Brian at full throttle to take him on. Not many people were willing to do that, and it piqued his curiosity to know the kind of person who would act like that, especially with a police officer.

“I’m done with him, so someone can pick up Pebbles any time.”

“Thank you. I’ll be by in an hour to collect him.” Brian ended the call and spent the next hour doing paperwork and reviewing all the evidence reports. This was a crime of passion and of opportunity. She had been strangled and then strung up using an extension cord that was most likely found at the scene. It was a sloppy way to cover up what had really happened. No one seemed to have seen anything, and though the boys were apparently home at the time, he had no idea if they knew anything or not.

“You got anything yet?” the captain asked, standing in his doorway.

“Just a few hunches, but nothing else yet. We might have DNA from the dog. It’s been sent to the lab. We know how she was killed and that it was covered up to look like a suicide, but other than that….” Brian set an evidence bag on his desk. “We have a lot to go through.”

“Check her history. This kind of crime usually starts there. It wasn’t a random passerby.”

“Right. I’m going to speak with the neighbor again. She watched the kids, and according to her, they were best friends. I’ll also speak to her brother. Maybe he can give us some insight into her dating past.” He stood and gathered all the evidence into its box and set it aside. What he needed was some context for all the things they had gathered, and he wasn’t going to get it sitting at his desk.

“Keep me informed,” the captain said as Brian grabbed his jacket, returned the evidence to the lockup, and strode out of the station. He got into his car and pulled out of the lot. He headed to the veterinary office and picked up Pebbles, who seemed happy to see him, wagging his tail, though Brian suspected the dog was happy most of the time. Nonetheless, Pebbles clearly understood when his owner had been in danger and had tried to protect her.

Pebbles was quiet most of the ride home, but as soon as Brian made the turn onto his home street, he grew excited, whining softly in the carrier. Once Brian parked and got out, he went to the back and hefted the carrier off the back seat. He carried it to the front door and knocked softly. It was getting dark, and maybe it was a little late for this kind of thing, but he wanted to get Pebbles back with his family.

Kerry opened the door, and Brian actually got a smile when he saw the carrier. “You brought him back already?” He stepped aside, and Brian opened the carrier. Pebbles raced into the house and trotted through the rooms before hurrying down the hall. “The boys are going to be so happy.

“Pebbles!” Phillip called in delight, and Kerry grinned at him.

“Thank you.” Kerry moved inside, and Brian set the carrier out of the way and entered the house.

“How are the boys doing?”

“Phillip has been crying sometimes and is talkative. Which is good. Henry has closed himself off from everything. He hasn’t said a word to anyone. I’m worried about him, but I’m hoping he just needs some time.”

Brian nodded. “And what if he requires more than that?”

“Then he and I will figure it out together. He needs a chance to process some of his grief, and maybe then he can talk about it. But I want it to be on his own time instead of pushing him into it.”

“I do too. But I may not have the luxury of time. The longer the person who did this stays at large, the better chance they have of either getting away or the trail going cold. I need to speak to each of the boys in the next day or so. You can be there, and so can child services if you’d like, but I can’t wait much longer.”

“I understand. This isn’t my first rodeo, and I’ll speak to the boys in the morning.” He held up a finger and then turned, leaving the room to go down the hall. Kerry was gone for a few moments and then returned with another smile. Damn, Brian could get addicted to that expression. “The boys are both in Henry’s room, with Pebbles between them. It’s the most contented I’ve seen them all day, so thank you for bringing him back as quickly as you did.”

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