Page 140 of Lucas
“I’m sorry.” She reaches over to pat my good hand, sympathy softening her features. “Just give her the time she asked for.”
“If I give her time to think, she might come to the wrong conclusion.” I blink against the sting of tears, the ever-present ache in my chest sharpening.
“Mr. Valeur?” Hugo appears beside me, an apologetic expression on his face.
“Yes, Hugo?” I ask, dragging my attention away from the black hole of misery that is my love life.
“There are two police officers here to see you.”
I sigh and sit up straighter, suppressing a wince as my ribs protest the movement. “Send them out here.”
“What do they want?” Cora asks, pulling a sheer wrap around her bikini-clad body.
“I’m hoping they have a lead on the car that hit me.” But I’m not holding my breath. It’s been a week with no progress.
The officers step out onto the pool deck, their polished shoes incongruous against the colorful tiles. They stand in front of me, their faces grim.
“You’re blocking the sun,” I say, squinting up at them. “Do you have an update for me? Did you find the asshole who tried to turn me into roadkill?”
They shift to the side, allowing me to see them more clearly. “We’re closing the case, Mr. Valeur. We don’t usually deliver this news in person, but given your family’s standing in the community, we thought?—”
“So we’re supposed to be flattered you made the effort to tell us you’re not going to do anything?” Cora explodes, surging to her feet. “What do you mean you’re closing the case? Someone ran my brother down, and you can’t find the person responsible?”
“The incident occurred in a remote area with no cameras and no witnesses. We have no description of the vehicle or driver. We tried canvassing nearby towns for cars that were in accidents, that went to auto shops, but it’s a dead end. Without new evidence, we have no way to track down the driver. If any evidence does surface, we’ll let you know. And of course, Mr. Valeur, if you remember anything at all, we’d be glad to hear it,” the officer says, clearly unruffled by hurricane Cora and her one-hundred-miles-per-hour mouth.
Cora huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. “Useless.”
“Excuse me?” The other officer raises an eyebrow, his mouth thinning.
“She didn’t mean that.” I place my hand on her arm, urging her to stand down. “Thank you for coming.”
They nod and take their leave, Hugo trailing behind toescort them out.
I wait until they’re out of earshot before turning to my sister. “Cora, you can’t go off on them like that.”
“It’s ridiculous that they’re not doing their job. Someone hit you and ran, and they’re out there walking free.” She throws up her hands, frustration radiating off her in waves.
“It’s okay. I’m sure it was an accident, and the driver just panicked. Some kid whose parents don’t even realize he was in a crash.” I try to soothe her, even as the same anger and helplessness churn in my gut.
“You think?” She deflates a little, sinking back into her chair.
“I’m sure of it,” I lie through my teeth, forcing a smile. Then, as casually as I can manage, “So, how’s Ava doing?”
“What makes you think I’m in touch with her?” Cora asks, examining her nails.
“You’re not?” I raise an eyebrow, calling her bluff.
She purses her lips, caught. “I am.”
I grin, triumphant. I knew it.
“She wouldn’t be happy that I’m telling you about our conversations,” Cora warns, leveling me with a stern look.
“I didn’t ask for details, just how she’s doing.” I raise my hand in surrender, the picture of innocence.
“She’s okay. Sad.”
I nod, my heart clenching. “Does she ask about me?”
