THIRTY-ONE
The voices in Amanda’s mind were noisy as hell. There were ones from the investigation that sounded out theories as to how everything stitched together. They also begged for the killer’s identity to just reveal itself. Others were of a personal nature and accused her of failing Zoe and falling short in caring for her needs. Romantic notions about Trent also crept in, despite her efforts to dismiss them.
She had rolled her chair into Trent’s cubicle, and they spent a couple of hours watching video from Caffeine Café. First, they’d focused on the timing of the emailed threats that they had flagged. Second, they started watching the feed from weekday mornings to see if they could spot the mystery figure stalking Eve Kelley. No luck on either count. And time had run out for Amanda.
“I’ve gotta go, Trent.” She stood and pushed her chair back to her desk. “You’re good to keep going here?”
“Absolutely. You’ll be back after?”
Amanda nodded. She’d get someone lined up to sit with Zoe, and then she could put in a long night on the case—as long as it took. At least that’s how she felt. But was that the right thing to do for Zoe? Somehow dropping her off after the events of last night and an appointment with the therapist felt wrong.
She parked at the curb out front of Dumfries Elementary, waiting for school to let out. Amanda stretched and passed the time standing outside the car and leaning against it.
She texted Libby to ask if it would be possible to drop Zoe at her house at around five and for her to stay the night. The only part alleviating any of Amanda’s guilt was knowing how close the two of them were.
Her phone chimed with a message. Let’s talk in person.
Amanda looked up and saw Libby walking toward her with Zoe at her side. Zoe wasn’t waving or smiling. Her little mouth was set in a frown. Amanda helped close the distance.
“Hey, Zoe.”
“Hey.” A mumble with zero enthusiasm.
Libby pressed her lips together when Amanda looked at her for an explanation. Amanda turned to tell Zoe to get in the car and that she’d be there in a minute, but the girl was already on her way to shutting the door.
“What’s happened?” Amanda asked Libby.
“I don’t know exactly.” Libby was squinting in the afternoon sun. “She’s out of sorts. I spoke to her teacher and was told that she was quiet all day.”
“That’s not like her.”
“No, it’s not. The teacher’s not concerned yet, but she’s watching the situation. I’m sure if things continue or get worse, you’ll be receiving a call to come in for a meeting.”
Amanda put a hand over her stomach. She’d only been Zoe’s adoptive mother for a few months, and she was already screwing it up. “She had that episode last night that you know about. She’s having a really hard time right now with her grief.”
“Yes, I gathered as much. It’s too bad we can’t just suck it out of her.”
“Oh, I wish that was possible. Anyway, I made an appointment for her with her therapist for four o’clock.”
“You really need to get moving, then.”
“I do.” Amanda took a step toward the car but still faced Libby. “Are you able to take her tonight and keep her for a sleepover? I know the timing of this isn’t ideal but…” In that moment, Amanda was ready to forget all about the case and returning to Central. Zoe took priority, but there was that thing called balance, and sometimes her job also needed attention—especially when it felt like she and Trent were on the cusp of figuring things out.
“Of course I can. Don’t worry about it. She’s good with me, Amanda.”
She nodded. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Libby waved at Zoe, who just looked blankly back at her.
Amanda got into the car, not even prepared for what lay ahead. She had to dismiss her negative thoughts and trust her intuition that she was the best person for Zoe—for the girl’s sake. After all, without Amanda, Zoe could be who knows where, and Amanda was quite sure that no one else could love her as much as she did.