“The people they work for can afford to hire really good lawyers. They’ll make bail easy.”
Vivian shifted in her seat. “Does this mean they’ll try and come after me again?” She sounded so small and afraid. I fought the instinct to wrap her in my arms, keep her safe.
“They won’t get to you,” I assured her.
Detective Monroe shifted through his paperwork. “Now, it says here your friend’s missing.”
“Yes. Her name’s Molly Burke. I haven’t heard from her in days.”
“And you think the cartel has something to do with her disappearance?”
“Iknowthey do.”
“Do you have any proof?”
She sucked in a sharp breath through gritted teeth. “No,” she mumbled in reply.
“Your friend’s case will be handed off to Missing Persons.”
“You’re not going to handle it?”
“Without proof, your friend’s disappearance is circumstantial. I have no evidence or reason to believe that the cartel did something.”
Her shoulders tensed, concern wrinkling her brow. She had the same look in her eyes from before. Fiery. Determined. “That’s… No, there has to be something you can do.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Jones, but there really isn’t.”
“So, what? I’m supposed to sit around and wait for Missing Persons to find Molly?”
“That’s how it works, yes. They’re going to look into it.”
She stood up quickly, very clearly holding back something venomous. “Will that be all?”
Detective Monroe nodded. “Yes. I just needed a positive ID. You’re free to go.”
Without another word, Vivian turned on her heel. I pulled the office door open and stepped through first, ushering her before me so we could leave.
“Useless,” she grumbled the second we were outside the police station. “What a waste of time.”
“I know,” I said, helping her into the car. “Try and stay calm.”
“Calm?” she shrieked. “How can I possibly stay calm? Molly’s out there somewhere! Those cops are going to—” I closed the door on her and circled around front, slipping behind the wheel. She was still going off, furious as all hell. “—and did you get a load of that guy’s porn ‘stache? Who the fuck does he think he is? Why not have another donut, you washed up desk jockey?”
“Vivian—”
“And what does he mean the charges aren’t going to stick? They attacked us. They attackedyou. How is the system so broken? This is totally unfair!”
“Vivian.”
“What?”
“Are you hungry?”
She frowned at me. “Huh?”
“I asked if you’re hungry.”
“I…” Vivian took a deep breath and slumped in her seat. “Yes, actually.”