Chapter 2

~Monday September 01, 2025~

I stepped out of the car, adjusting my jacket as I took in the building across the street. Ashwood Auto was nothing special; just one of many shops in town. Half the letters on the faded sign were burnt out, and two of the bays were open. I noticed one car up on a lift with an employee working on it, his tattooed arm moving with slow, deliberate precision.

“Ready?” Adam commented.

“Let’s go,” I nodded.

We crossed the street together, our boots crunching against gravel as we approached the open bay. The smell of oil hit first, then the sound of metal tools clinking. The guy working on the car wasn’t Cole, so my eyes scanned the room until I saw him standing over to the side, wiping his hands on a rag.

“Office is on the side,” Cole grunted as we approached.

“Cole Mercer?” I called.

A small frown crossed his face as he tossed his dark blonde ponytail over his shoulder. “Depends who’s asking.”

“Detective McLorn,” I said, flashing my badge. “This is my partner, Detective Nielsen.”

Adam gave a short nod.

“Didn’t do anything,” Cole said.

“No one said you did,” Adam replied smoothly.

Cole shrugged. “Usually how it goes.”

I stepped closer, keeping my voice even. “You were at a party at the Kensington Manor Saturday night.”

“Open party,” Cole responded. “People go.”

“You weren’t there to party,” Adam added.

He tilted his head slightly. “You gonna tell me why I was there?”

“You stayed out of the crowd,” I held his gaze. “Didn’t drink, didn’t dance, didn’t hit on any coeds.”

“Didn’t look surprised when things went bad,” Adam added quietly.

“I fix cars,” Cole said, his jaw tightening. “I don’t care about drunk coeds or their fights.”

“Then why were you watching one of them?” I asked.

“Not alone,” Adam crossed his arms.

“You’re reaching,” he said with a small frown.

“Am I?” I asked.

Silence. I stepped a fraction closer. Cole didn’t move, didn’t flinch. Something in me recognized it. The stillness and control, the build and stance. I’d felt it before. Gunfire. Concrete. The impact against my vest, sending me to the ground. I pushed it down.

“You knew something was going to happen,” I said plainly.

“No,” Cole replied calmly. “I knew it was a party to celebrate CSUA winning.”

“Funny thing about footage,” Adam smiled. “It doesn’t lie.”

Cole’s eyes flicked to my partner, then back to me. “Then you don’t need me.”

“No. We don’t,” I agreed with a small nod. “But you might need us.”

“What does that mean?” Cole asked, his gaze sharp.

“It means,” I began, “we’re still figuring out who was supposed to be there. And who wasn’t.”

“You think I was supposed to be there?” he frowned.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to.

Adam straightened slightly “You’ve got a job, Mister Mercer. People can vouch for you?”

“Yeah,” Cole nodded. “I work.”

“Good,” Adam responded. “Stay easy to find.”

Cole let out a short, barking laugh. “Not going anywhere.”

“We didn’t think you were,” I smiled. “Have a good day.”

Cole didn’t respond, instead just watching as we turned and walked away. We didn’t speak until we were back at the car. Sitting inside, Adam took a sip of coffee while keeping his eyes on the shop.

“He’s controlled,” I said.

“Is he?” Adam countered. “He confirmed he was at the party.”

“He knew we had enough to put him there. He gave us what we already had,” I shook my head. “No, Cole is no Tyler. Cole is smart.”

“Smart enough to sell out if we get enough on him?” Adam suggested.

“Maybe,” I pursed my lips. “Did you feel it?”

“Feel what?” Adam glanced at me.

“Nothing,” I shook my head, not wanting to voice my suspicion.

“Well,” my partner let out a breath, “we don’t have anything to pressure him with. All we have is him standing near Kelsey.”

“Right,” I sighed, wincing as I adjusted in my seat.

Adam studied me for a moment longer than I liked, obviously noticing me still feeling the pain from being shot. “Look, ah, about what happened a couple weeks ago-”

I cut him off immediately. “That didn’t happen. This isn’t a ‘we’re not going to talk about it’ thing, Adam. It. Never. Happened.”

Adam held my gaze and nodded once. “Got it.”

We drove back to the station and split up for the morning. Adam was going to take another look at the guys on trial and at Ashwood Auto. I had five brief interviews scheduled. It was time to talk to the young party crashers. They were minors, so they’re parents would be joining in on our short chats.

Five statements. Five versions of the same night. The words were different, but the information was the same. It was nothing we didn’t already know, and a lot of the conversations ended with me assuring their parents that the kids weren’t in trouble. Legal trouble. I was informed that they were all grounded.

The interviews done, I sat at my desk to fill out some paperwork. So many people thought police work was a lot of action. It wasn’t. It was mostly talking to people and filling out paperwork. If there was action, it meant things had gone terribly wrong.

while at my desk, I also exchanged texts with Steven Thomson.

Sarah: How’s Lexi?

Steven: She’s good. Back to her usual self.

Sarah: Seems to be how she operates? Bratty most of the time, and the pain sometimes slips out.

Steven: Yeah, pretty much. It’s the only way she knows to survive.

Sarah: We’ll get them, Steven. All of them.

Sarah: That entire organization should be in jail for just what they did to Lexi.

Steven: Thank you. I think she’ll finally start to heal when this Keith business is over.

Sarah: I hope so. And I hope you aren’t mad me for what I said?

Steven: About the age gap? Believe me, I get it.

Sarah: As long as you know it’s supposed to be half your age plus seven.

Steven: Well, that means you’re in my range.;)

Sarah: Keep it in your pants, big guy:P

Steven: That really what you want?

Sarah: That is none of your business, sir.

Steven: I guess I’ll just keep imagining that body all day at work.

Sarah: Fine. I don’t care if you jack off at your desk.

Steven: You seem the type who would enjoy a mid-day session.

Sarah: Perhaps. Too bad I don’t know any hot guys.

Steven: I’m wounded!:O

Sarah: So sad:( Get back to work and maybe you’ll be rewarded someday.:P

In addition to Steven, I also texted with his daughter Kayla. I was really considering her a friend. It was surprisingly nice to have friends. I’d been alone for so long I had thought I would just find it annoying to maintain a friendship. Instead it was a welcome addition to my life.

I went to a nearby diner for lunch and to cultivate a relationship with another friend. The steady hum of conversation filled the room as I looked around for her. I eventually spotted her strawberry-blonde head in a booth near the window. Renee Callahan’s back was straight, hands wrapped around a glass of water. Her uniform was crisp, and her green eyes swept the room.

“Detective!” Renee smiled when I approached, standing too quickly.

“At ease,” I smiled, sliding into the seat across from her. “We’re not on duty.”

“We’re always on duty,” Officer Callahan countered, sitting again. “You taught me that.”

A waiter came by and placed a glass of water in front of me before asking if we were ready to order. I got a coffee, while Renee requested soda. I also noticed her meal choice wasn’t very healthy, especially not compared with my salad. She must have been one of those people who could eat anything and stay skinny.

“You were at Kensington Manor,” I said when the waiter left.

“I was,” Renee nodded.

“What did you think?” I asked, taking a sip of coffee.

Renee took a moment to think about the question before answering. “It seemed like a normal party gone wrong at first. But Montrose definitely wasn’t drunk. That stood out.”

A small smile tugged at my lips. “Good read.”

Our food arrived, and I saw Renee glance at me when I carefully adjusted myself in the booth.

“How are your ribs?” she asked carefully.

“A little sore, but healing,” I answered. “Part of the job.”

Renee nodded slowly, a considering frown on her face. “You probably could have taken more time off.”

“There’s work to do,” I shrugged.

“Most people would have taken the time,” Renee observed.

“Maybe, but most people aren’t trying to prove they belong every day,” I took a bite of salad.

“You still feel like that? After all this time?” she asked sadly.

“Sometimes, yes,” I admitted. “I’ve told you this before: we have to work ten times harder just to be seen as half as good. That’s why I warned you off flirting.”

“It’s hard to imagine everyone at the office being so sexist,” Renee commented.

“Some of them aren’t,” I replied. “Enough of them are. This isn’t right and it isn’t fair, but it’s necessary. I’m trying to help you. No flirting, no cleavage ever. And never mention dating anyone. As far as your coworkers are concerned; you don’t have a personal life.”

“That seems really cold,” she said slowly.

“I know, and I’m sorry,” I let out a breath. “I just know how female cops often end up being treated. It’s like men are incapable of considering you a serious cop after they start picturing you with a dick in your mouth.”

Renee burst out laughing and needed a couple minutes to calm down. “Sarah! It’s so nice to finally hear you sounding like a person.”

“What did I sound like before?” I smirked and tilted my head slightly.

“Uh, an emotionless robot?” she pointed out. “I get it, okay? I really do. I see when they stare at my tits, I know they look at my ass when I walk away. It just sucks that I can’t be myself at work.”

“Detachment is important in what we do,” I reminded her. “Probably why I ended up in this line of work. I’m trying to work on my lack of social life and I’d like to consider you a friend.”

“That’s what I’ve been hoping for since we met,” Renee grinned.

“Just remember we’re friends out of work,” I said seriously. “At the office? We’re both emotionless robots.”

“I’ll try,” the strawberry-blonde promised.

“Things are much better for female cops than they used to be, but there’s still a long way to go,” I said. “You want to be seen as a professional. I wish we could say ‘Yes, I have a pussy. Yes, dicks can go in it. I also have boobs. Just like half the population. Let’s move on and get to work.’”

“I really like this side of you, Sarah,” Renee giggled.

“Thanks,” I inclined my head. “Just remember that we can’t say that.”

It was nice being myself with Renee. I felt more human. The young officer had a point; I often did act like an emotionless robot. I did it for so long, I started to think I really didn’t have emotions. However, I did. Making friends would help me relax and show those emotions.

Partway through lunch, Renee took a bite of her burger, then set it down again. “They’re scared.”

“The Crocs?” I frowned in confusion.

“No,” she shook her head. “The students. They know something is wrong. They just don’t know how close it is.”

I let out a long breath. “I know. Five statements this morning. Different details, but the same story.”

“Which means?” Renee asked.

“It means everyone can see what’s just beneath the surface,” I explained.

“Everyone knows the gang is around, yet we can’t do anything to stop them,” Renee said angrily.

“We don’t have enough evidence,” I pointed out. “Just getting Keith off the streets is a big win. There’s a reason gangs can stay around for years and years. They use people like Tyler. Guys who make noise and draw attention. Idiots who will take the fall.”

“And the ones running things?” Renee’s jaw tightened.

“They stay clean,” I replied.

“You think they’re intimidating Kelsey to not testify. To scare anyone else who might consider coming forward and keep any gang member from talking,” Renee stated. It wasn’t a question.

“Yes,” I reluctantly confirmed.

“We need to stop them. All of them,” she growled.

“I agree,” I nodded. “That’s what we’re working on.”

“We’re not doing enough,” Renee insisted.

“What do you suggest we do?” I questioned lightly.

“Let me help,” she responded quickly.

“How?” I wondered.

“Use me,” Renee offered, leaning forward. “I’m pretty, I have a baby face. Use me as bait. We’ve done it before.”

“Renee,” I hesitated slightly, “it’s not that simple. We’re not talking about some fifty-year-old guy paying for a blowjob his wife won’t give him anymore. These guys plan. They watch. And when things go wrong, people get hurt.”

“I’m a big girl, I can handle myself,” Renee insisted. “I want to do this. It’s me, or other girls will keep getting hurt.”

“Let this go for now, okay?” I asked plainly. “I’ll keep it in mind if an opportunity presents itself where I know you’ll be safe.”

“Okay,” she sighed, clearly reluctant to drop the subject.

Thankfully she did let it go, allowing us to talk about other things. She told me about a domestic dispute where the guy wouldn’t take her seriously because she was a woman. He tried to hit his wife again, resulting in Renee pinning him against the wall. He learned real fast to take her seriously.

I regaled Renee with a few stories of my own. The time I entered the wrong apartment when responding to a call and found a guy eating cereal in his underwear. He wasn’t upset, instead offering me some and asking if I wanted to watch the game. Then I told her about chasing a suspect, tripping on a curb, and taking out a trash can. My mentor caught the guy while he was laughing at me.

Back at the station, I found my partner at his desk. He looked up as I approached. “Judge set bail for Montrose. He’s not going anywhere.”

“That high?” I asked, taking a seat.

“Oh yeah, may as well have remanded him like Jordan requested,” Adam scoffed. “Get anything useful from the girls?”

“Not really, no,” I replied.

“Well, my morning was much more productive,” Adam smirked at me.

“That so?” I gave him my full attention.

“First off, Ashwood Auto,” he said. “Remember the guy working on the car while we talked with Mercer?”

“Yeah, sure,” I answered. “I never saw his face, so I really only remember he had full tattoo sleeves on both arms.”