Page 25 of Silent Road

"Speaking of which, it's about time you fill me in on what's going on with yours.I'm dying for some actual mental stimulation here."

For a brief moment, Sheila actually wondered whether he was speaking about her mother's death or Bradley Greenwald's.

"It's a strange one," she said."Tommy and I have been going through the victim's social media accounts, looking for any suspects.No dice."

"Just you and Tommy, huh?"

Sheila knew Finn too well to miss the hint of jealousy in his voice."He's just helping me investigate, Finn."

"Right.The eager young rookie with the perfect record from Salt Lake PD.Must be nice having such competent help."

"Finn," she said, "you have no reason to be jealous."

"I'm not jealous."But his tone suggested otherwise."I'm just being practical.Sometimes working closely with someone, spending long hours together..."He trailed off.There was no need for him to elaborate.Sheila knew very well the romantic feelings that could be sparked by close proximity and a shared mission—after all, wasn't that how she and Finn had fallen for one another?

"That's not fair."She felt her earlier guilt turning to irritation."He's not the one I'm living with—you are.I choseyou, Finn, and I still choose you."

The line went silent for a few moments.

When Finn spoke again, his voice was softer than before."You're right—that wasn't fair of me.Chalk it up to me being tired and cranky.Just...maybe stop by later tonight?"

She hesitated, not wanting to make any false promises.Turning, she saw Tommy just a few paces away—she hadn't heard him approaching.He moved past her with a pair of coffees on a tray in one hand, his other hand cradling his phone against his ear.Their eyes met for a fraction of a second.

He hadn't overheard them talking about him, had he?

"Tomorrow morning, then," Finn said."But don't make me wait any longer.I'm withering away without you, babe."There was a smile in his voice now.

She found herself smiling, too."It's a date."She was about to tell him she had to go, but then she thought of something else.

"Have you heard from Star today?"she asked.

"No, why?"

"No reason," she said quickly, not wanting to worry him."Just checking to see whether she'd visited you."

After they said goodbye, Sheila stared at her phone for a moment before dialing Star's number.It went straight to voicemail.She tried not to worry—teenagers often ignored their phones when they were with friends.But something didn't feel right.

She called Mrs.Jacobs.

"Hello, dear," the older woman answered on the second ring."Any word from Star?"

"No, I was hoping she'd gone home."

"Not yet.But I'll keep watching for her.Should I be worried?"

"No, I'm sure she's fine."Sheila tried to sound more confident than she felt."But would you let me know when she comes home?"

"Of course, dear.Try not to worry too much.You know how teenagers are."

Yes, Sheila did.For better or worse.

She ended the call and took a deep breath.Star was smart and capable.She'd be fine.

She needs you,a nagging voice in the back of her head told her.You knew it wouldn't be easy when you signed up for this.

Yes, maybe so.But there wasn't much she could do if she couldn't reach Star, was there?

She stepped back into the office.Tommy was just hanging up his phone.His face was drawn, troubled.

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