Page 25 of Salvation

What the fuck is that?

Someone is WATCHING me? Watching us? WHY?

Who is watching me?

And what does that last line mean?

“Love can be a weakness…”

Is that a threat?

And for whom?

Me? Luke? Or Gabrial?

My hand flies to my lips and I silently scream. I have to call Luke.

Someone is in danger… but who!?

* * *

I hadto run by the lab at LSU for a file earlier, so I decided to stop at Java and Sweeties to grab Hope’s favorite coffee as a sort of peace offering for my behavior early this morning.

I could tell on the phone that she was upset with me.

After parking out front of the shelter, I stack her coffee on top of my plain black one and tuck the extra into the crook of my elbow as I reach for the door. I hear the click as it unlocks and open it. The coolness of the lobby is a welcome relief from the oppressive and heavy humidity just hanging in the air.

Maia is at the desk. She smiles as the door closes behind me, saying, “I saw you walk up.”

Smiling back, I reach for the coffee tucked against my body with my free hand. “Thank you for that. Buzzing might have been a little difficult without dropping at least one of these.” I nod down at the coffees and manage to grab the one from my elbow while still steadying the two for Hope and me. “I come bearing gifts.” She smiles shyly as she reaches out for my outstretched hand and takes the hot beverage. “It’s a Café Au Lait; I wasn’t certain how you took it.” She grins and takes a deep sip before sighing. “Just like this is perfect. Thank you, Detective Sanchez. I appreciate it.”

Her hand reaches into her drawer, and she pulls out a couple of ones. I shake my head as she says, “Here you go. I can pay for mine…”

My eyes crinkle at the corners as I shake my head and smile at her. I know that she’s a single mom and that she lives at the shelter because her ex often used her as a punching bag. I also know that she doesn’t make much from working here part time and that I’m not taking her money. I smile at her as I walk backwards towards Hope’s office. “No, ma’am. It’s a gift. I was bringing Hope one and wanted to give you one, too. My treat and my pleasure. Keep your money.

“Oh, and call me Luke.” I wink as she blushes.

She says shyly, “Well, thank you, Det— Mr. Luke. I appreciate it and it’s delicious.”

I call out, “Hope in her office?”

She nods. “Yes, Sir, Mr. Luke.”

Frowning, I say, “Just Luke is good. I’m just Luke to my friends, Maia.”

Her eyes widen and she smiles. “Okay, Luke it is. She’s probably sorting mail. I just put it on the table by the door for her.”

I’m thinking Hope will be happy to get this coffee if she’s doing office work. I’m smiling and hoping I’m forgiven for my actions this morning when I walk into the office and immediately stop.

Hope jumps a mile as I walk through the door and I can see her face is stricken, completely white. I immediately race across the room and drop the coffees onto her desk before pulling her from her chair and into my arms.

I can feel her shivering as she huddles into me. Her face rubs into my chest and I know that my badge must be pressing into her harshly, but she only hugs me tighter.

My pulse races as I pull back. My pointer finger tips her chin up to me as I quickly ask, “What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

She just looks at me and then she turns her head and looks at her desktop. She says flatly, “Someone is watching me, Luke. Watching us all. I think this is a threat.”

My blood runs cold as I take stock of the items on Hope’s desktop. I see the photos and they’re disturbing enough. I can’t dwell on the one of Hope and Gabrial… the note is what sends a chill down my spine.

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