The Negotiation

“Does Lonnie live with his grandparents?” Dane asked. “I wasn’t there when he was picked up and can’t remember if I ever knew what his relation was to his guardian other than that his parents are gone.”

“I don’t know much about their family life, but I know he lives with his uncle, Tucker. His parents passed away when he was a toddler.” Rachel’s voice held a whopping dose of concern as she continued. “If you believe the gossip at school, his uncle views him more as an obligation than family.”

He could tell Rachel didn’t like what she was saying.

Dane didn’t, either.

He kept quiet, though, and turned onto Amber Street. Henry’s car was parked curbside in front of the house. Dane pulled up behind it and cut the engine. He didn’t get out right away.

“I probably should have mentioned this before, but Henry’s wife, Cassie, the one with the flu?” he started. “She’s the one who took you back to the school yesterday.”

Rachel sighed.

“That’s just what I need on top of everything else,” she muttered. “The flu.”

Dane tried on another apologetic look and went out to talk to Henry. Deputy Ward was one of the newest additions to the department but, Dane had to admit, one of his favorite people to work with. Not only did he make Cassie, a friend and coworker happy, but he was a nice guy with a good sense of humor. Especially when it came to being a husband and a father.

“Sorry again, Dane,” he said through his rolled-down window. “Cassie’s sister is out of town...with my brother.” He gave Dane an exasperated look. “The first time they decide to go on some romantic getaway together and my house breaks out with, as my lovely wife put it, ‘exorcist-style vomiting.’” He ran a hand down his face. “If there was anyone else to help out, I’d call them in, but—”

Dane cut the man off with a wave. “Don’t worry about it. Deputy Medina said she was more than happy to switch.” Henry’s eyebrow rose. Dane cracked a grin. “She got tricked into helping with courtroom duty, and we both know how much she hates being in there. For her this is an ideal way to spend the day.”

“Glad I’m not putting her out, then.” Henry motioned to the house. “As for why I’m here, no one has showed up or left the house since I followed them here last night. In fact, you’re the only movement I’ve seen all night and morning. Anything interesting happen at your place?”

“No, just the same.”

Henry’s phone buzzed in his cup holder. Dane spied his wife’s name on the Caller ID. He laughed and tapped the top of the car twice.

“Go ahead and get out of here,” he said. “We can handle it.”

Henry nodded and was gone by the time Dane walked back to his truck. Rachel was standing next to it, a smile on her face and a container of cookies in her hand. When she looked at him, Dane felt like he was putting his feet back into that ice-cold water.

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