Page 28 of White Raven
“It was a beautiful service, Brent.” Sarah gripped his shoulder. “Did you see all the patients from her charity? All the doctors came, too.”
“Yeah, one of them isn’t from the charity, though.” Sarah followed Brent’s eyes to the pretty surgeon that was talking with some of her colleagues a few feet away. Dr. Ambrose. “I think she’s mostly here to make sure I haven’t offed myself yet.”
“Jesus, Stratford.” Rhaena scoffed, shaking her head.
“Or it was just a good reason to see you…period,” Sarah smirked. Brent turned his head back to where Wren had been watching the service, the empty spot now heavily shaded as the sun disappeared behind cloud cover.
“Yeah, well…that’ll never happen.”
It sounded very much like he’d made his choice. That only made Sarah wonder more about how Wren felt. She didn’twant to pry, and honestly…it wasn’t any of her business, but part of her felt warm as hell at the thought.
“She must not hate your guts that much if she came out of that apartment, Brent.” Rhaena spoke up, getting his attention. “She hasn’t come out in days. I’ve barely heard the shower running on the other side of the wall.”
“She needs time. She showed up for me today. That must have taken a lot for her. Don’t let her sink too deep. I know what boundaries she’s set as far as I’m concerned.” Brent sighed through his nose. They all got quiet. Athan decided to break the silence.
“Red is a tough little shit. We should be more concerned about who stands in her way when she decides she’s ready to come out. Don’t worry about her.”
“I second that,” Sarah smiled.
“What about you, Stratford?” Foley asked. “Should somebody be checking in on you?”
Brent shrugged. “I’ve accepted a case. I’m going back to work next week. As long as I stay busy, I should be fine. I appreciate it.”
“Already?” Rhaena asked, crossing her arms. “You don’t think it’s too soon?”
“Coming from somebody who throws themselves into their work…especiallywhen they’re under a lot of stress?” Jenkins snorted.
“Shut up, fool.”
“I’ll be fine. Thanks for coming out. I’ll see ya.” Brent smiled and nodded once at Sarah and Athan before striding off to thank the remaining guests. Sarah glanced over to where Detective Sykes had been standing, finding her gone.
“Rhaena, do you and Brandon have plans for the evening?” she asked, taking Athan’s hand. “I was hoping we could have you over.”
“Is Athan cooking? Cause if that’s a yes, then I’ll be fucking busy.”
Foley chuckled and Athan made a face at his partner.
“No, I can’t afford to lose another good pan…or spatula. I’ve got this. Come by around six.” Sarah made sure to let her stare linger on Rhaena’s…enough to let her know they didn’t just mean dinner. Message received. Rhaena winked the eye farthest from Foley’s line of sight and they all said their goodbyes before heading for their vehicles.
Athan’s car started, and he pulled out into the street, stopping at a red light and looking over at her. “Something’s up. I can smell it.”
“Whatever it is, it seems like that tension is directed at your captain,” Sarah agreed, meeting his eyes.
“Well, we already know what he is…and why. What else could it be?”
Sarah huffed a laugh. “You’re the detective.” They pulled forward and he watched the road ahead. “So, have you met that girl before? Your replacement?”
“We met the day I gave her my desk for the month. Rhaena’s pissed.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little strange that she was out there watching us at a funeral?”
Athan gripped the wheel. “She seemed really eager to make nice with Rhaena. Or anybody that’ll give her the time of day. Maybe she’s just making herself known. Who knows. I’ve about had my fucking fill of overachievers lately. And she’s also from Seattle.”
Sarah shot her attention to him. “She’s from Seattle?”
“That’s what she said.”
Maybe that’s why she looked so familiar. She’d seen her before…somewhere. Maybe all these pieces would fit together somehow. Sarah only hoped it wouldn’t be another RachelFoster incident. She wasn’t sure how much more bullshit she’d be able to take right now.
