Part 6 (1/2)
”Count on it.” Dominic hung up and turned to his computer. Before he could type the first letter, his phone rang.
He smiled when he saw the caller. ”Hi, Serena.”
”Hi, Dominic.” Her husky voice jangled his senses. In a good way. ”I'm finished for the day here, but I have to run an errand. How much longer are you going to be in your office?”
”At least another couple hours. Why?”
”I thought I'd offer to help and join you in your research. That is, if that's what you're still planning on doing.”
”It is. I'll have to get you clearance to get back to my office. It'll just take a few minutes,” Dominic told her.
”Great. I'll call you when I get there.”
His brow lifted and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. ”I'll be waiting.”
Serena flashed her ID to the security guard and walked into Covenant House, a shelter for homeless teens-or for teens whose home wasn't worth living in. Like Camille's. It gave the girls a place to regroup, decide what they wanted to do and a way to develop a plan. Serena became interested in the place after she did the autopsy on one of the residents who had been killed by an abusive uncle. The man had broken in, kidnapped the teen, slit her throat, and tossed her in a dumpster. She'd been found a couple of days later. She'd had Covenant House's card in her pocket.
Serena scanned the occupants and spotted Camille curled in the corner of the couch, sound asleep.
Biting her lip, she hesitated, hating to wake the girl, but she'd promised. She walked over and lightly touched Camille's shoulder.
Camille blinked and got her bearings. When she saw Serena, her eyes filled again, but the tears didn't fall. Surprise flickered in her gaze for a moment. ”Hey. You really came.”
”I said I would.”
”I know, but . . . never mind.”
The people in Camille's life didn't keep promises. Serena dropped to the couch beside her and looked the girl in the eyes, studying them. Even pupils, direct gaze. She wasn't using. But then that wasn't Camille's way, thank goodness. ”What are you going to do?”
”I don't know. I . . . I'm seventeen years old. I can't believe I was so stupid.” A tear managed to escape and slid down her cheek. She lifted a hand to give it an angry swipe.
”Who's the father?”
Shame filled Camille's eyes before she lowered them. ”Bobby. My boyfriend.” She scoffed. ”I guess I should say ex-boyfriend now.”
”He dumped you?”
”As soon as I told him.” Bitterness flashed, taking the place of the shame. ”I should have known.”
”All right, here's what we're going to do if you want to do it. Mrs. Bea Lamb is the director here. If you're willing to stay, you're welcome to do so. But, there are rules.”
Camille's upper lip began to curl. Serena lifted a brow and the lip settled.
Camille gave a slow nod. ”I met her when I first got here. She was really nice and didn't ask any questions. Just told me to have a seat on the couch and to wait for you.” A low sigh filtered out. ”I don't have any other options, Serena. I . . . want to stay if she'll let me.”
”She will, but I'll be honest with you. If you mess up and don't follow her rules, the rules of the house, then you're out. You understand?”
Camille seemed to think it over, then nodded. ”Yeah.”
Would the girl follow through? Did she believe it when Serena said the director would tell her to leave if she didn't comply?
Only one way to find out. ”All right, let's go get you settled in your room. Did you bring a bag?”
Camille pointed to the bag on the table behind the couch.
Serena snagged it and pulled the girl to her feet.
”What if my dad shows up?” The fear in Camille's voice and eyes was unmistakable.
”They have security here. They won't let him in.”
”But-”
”And the guard will call the cops if necessary.”
Camille swallowed hard. ”He would be so mad about that. You can't do that. Promise me, you won't call the cops on him.”
Serena bit back the things she'd like to say about Camille's father. Bas.h.i.+ng the man wouldn't do Camille any good. ”I can't make that promise if he shows up here causing problems. But let's not worry about that right now. Let's just take it one day at a time, all right?”
Another slow nod from Camille. Serena motioned for the girl to follow her and together they walked down the hall to one of the empty bedrooms. Serena stepped inside, then turned to watch her young friend's reaction.
Camille's eyes went wide as she took in the soft pastels and thick comforter on the twin bed. ”It's nice.” She looked at Serena and gave her a tremulous smile. ”Thank you.”
”You're welcome, honey.” She gave Camille a hug and let the girl cling to her for a few moments.
Finally Camille let go and drew in a deep breath. ”Okay. I can do this.”
Serena gripped Camille's hand. ”We'll do this. Together.”
An hour later, after making sure Camille had what she needed and with promises to return soon, Serena headed back toward Dominic's office, her mind back on the case and the information she and Dominic might learn.
Once inside the building, she rubbed her bare arms in the air-conditioned office. As she waited, she let her eyes scan the walls. Plaques, awards, honors . . . fallen heroes.
”Ready?” Dominic's voice rumbled in her ear from behind her.
”Sure.” She followed him through security and through a weave of desks. Feeling eyes on her, she smiled at those she pa.s.sed, then found herself in a corner in the back. A desk, a computer, and a stack of files greeted her.
Dominic smiled. ”It's temporary but it's home base for now.”
He grabbed a spare chair and pulled it up to the desk next to him. Serena slipped into the seat and leaned in. She drew in a deep breath, his woodsy-smelling cologne drawing her like a fly to honey. The man smelled good. He turned and met her gaze. She was helpless to stop the flush she could feel forming on her cheeks. He gave a slow smile as though he knew exactly what was going through her mind. Then he let her off the hook.
”All right,” he said. ”Let's see what we have on Drake Lindell.”
A few clicks of the keyboard brought forth a man's picture.
Serena stared. ”He looks so . . . normal. Approachable. Like my next-door neighbor.”