Gabe scowled. “But I don’t trust him. I don’t know him.”
Burke didn’t look annoyed. “Do you trust me?”
“Yeah. Because you got out.” Gabe remembered the day Burke had resigned from the NOPD. His father had been devastated because Burke was one of the few he’d trusted to have his back.
Burke shrugged. “I keep up. I know who’s who in the force. Antoine and DeShawn’s brother is one of my best friends. He is... well, let’s just say he’s been a useful resource since I’ve gone private.”
“Which shouldn’t leave this office,” Molly murmured, her smile gone. “I’m serious, Mr. Hebert. It could cost our friend his job and maybe even his life.”
Gabe swallowed hard. Mr. Hebert was his dad. And his dad was dead. If this cop could help Burke find his father’s killer, he’d have to deal with his hatred of whoever in the NOPD had blocked the investigation into his father’s murder. His father had been a good cop. A good man. He’d have to believe that there were others out there and that Burke’s instincts were good.
His father had trusted Burke with his life. Now Gabe would have to trust him with his father’s death, too. “I understand. I won’t tell anyone about anything. And please call me Gabe. Mr. Hebert was... That was my dad.”
Her expressive eyes flashed sympathy. “I get it, Gabe. I lost my dad, too.”
Her empathy rankled. “Not to murder, though. With all due respect, ma’am, it’s different.”
Burke winced, and Gabe realized he’d stepped in it.
Molly’s smile was tight now, and the muscle in her cheek twitched once again. “You know what they say about assumptions, Mr. Hebert.”
Okay.They were back to surnames. He’d upset her, but she was keeping it professional. He needed to do the same. “I’m sorry. I’m... I have no excuse. I’m sorry, Miss Sutton.”
She nodded once. “Thank you. Apology accepted. And you’re right that every case is different, but I do understand something of what you’re going through. That’s all I meant to say.” She squared her shoulders. “Back to business. That there was no thorough autopsy isn’t good, I’m not gonna lie. But it doesn’t mean we don’t have other sources for our investigation.”
Gabe smiled grimly. “I didn’t say there wasn’t an autopsy, just that the ME didn’t do jack shit.”
Molly frowned, and then understanding dawned, her lips curving. “Did you get a private autopsy, Mr. Hebert?”
“I sure as hell did.”