“Shit! Where? When?”
“Less than thirty minutes ago. Dispatch has someone on their way out to Joe’s Gas and Go on
Beechmont Avenue
.”
“I know the place, I’m going to head that way, tell them to wait for me. I got a feeling this is connected to my current case.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Swanson shook his head. “Craig Jonson is still at large, and those boys always clean up each other’s messes.”
Not going to happen. I promised her once everything would be okay, and I’ll be damned if I let her down. Blind panic struck him at the thought of seeing her broken and bruised like so many women these two men came into contact with.
He hurried to the unmarked black sedan, hit his ear bud and dialed his superior.
“This better be good.”
“Chief, there’s a new development on that Reading Case. She was just involved in another attempted robbery where she works. The man gave chase, which indicates she was the target. I want to request she go into protective custody until the court date.”
“Done. These two bastards intimidate every decent witness we have or make them disappear. This time we’ll be one step ahead of them. I’ll have the paperwork ready for you later on tonight.”
“Thanks, Chief.”
“Anytime. You’ve been waiting on this day for years. One of those cases that get under your skin and stuck, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Go to her and don’t let her out of your sight. Sleep on her couch if you have to.”
“Understood.”
He pulled up into the parking lot, parked behind the black-and-white squad car, and hopped out. He walked in, and his heart dropped into his shoes. She looked terrified. The officers dwarfed her tiny frame as they stood beside her, pad in hand, jotting down details. Mascara was smeared beneath her red-rimmed eyes, her hair was windblown, and she stood with her arms wrapped around her waist. Her eyes held a determined glint, but he could see through her to the fear that lived in her heart.
“Ramirez, Simmons.” He greeted the two officers on duty as he walked up.
“Hey Detective, what are you doing here?”
“Ms. Reading here is under my protection now, straight down from the chief.”
Their eyes squinted, and they exchanged a territorial look that made him mentally roll his eyes. Rookies.
“We think this incident is connected to a case I’m currently working on. Sensitive information, so I can’t really speak freely. You can call it in if you want. I know it’s procedure, and I literally just got off the phone with the new orders.”
“No offense to you, Quinn, but we have to follow the book.” Simmons stepped to the side.
“Be my guest.” Quinn leaned down to speak to Claire. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just shaken. I’m so stupid. I should’ve called you before this happened. I thought it was my imagination working overtime.?
??
“What are you talking about, Claire?” He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. “Take a deep breath and start from the top. No one is going to hurt you while I’m around.”
“I thought I saw the other robber. At first it was fleeting. I’d be in a crowded place and swear I caught a glimpse of his face, but when I focused he’d be gone. Then it started happening more frequently. I thought it was the stress, old memories coming to the surface.” She shook her head. “I didn’t want to ruin my credibility as a witness.”
He straightened.
“How long has this been going on?”