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Chapter Six

I never expected to have that conversation with Samirah, and when I made it home on Sunday, my heart both broke and soared. At the same time that my mind raged and imagined the horrors that Samirah suffered, another part of me reveled in the connection I'd made with her. I hadn't liked anyone seriously in a long time, and to deny the enjoyment of spending time with her would be a fatal error in judgment.

Alex remained asleep on the sofa when I arrived, and I headed off to my bed to crash. And allow the memories of last night to roll around my brain.

Monday showed up as usual, and in preparation for my presentation to whoever Chief Walsh invited, I headed into work early. My thoughts continued to swim around Samirah as I catalogued the cases, and arranged an outline of what I wanted to say.

My phone buzzed on the table and I lifted it to see a text message from Sam. I took a deep breath before swiping the screen to open it.

Good luck today on your presentation. I'm sure you'll do great.

Her words brought an immediate smile to my lips. How did she even remember a work thing I mentioned in passing?

Thank you. I hope your first day back to U.W. is good, too.

It's been decent so far. Routine cases lined up. I'm on a three-day shift this week.

Not bad. Do you prefer it like that?

Yes. Four days off following is awesome. I'd love to see you again...perhaps Thursday?

A smile curved my lips and I typed my reply. I would like that. Yes.

I could make reservations at a quiet place for dinner if you like. Or we can keep up our routine of sharing a meal at one of our places. What do you think?

I bit my lip when faced with the choice. I definitely didn't want to bring Samirah to my place with Alex there. I'm not sure.

I'm pretty sure that you're aware of what you're thinking. You won't disappoint me if you tell me the truth. What do you think of those ideas?

My eyes welled up when she blasted my fears into a text. I absolutely worried that I would disappoint her by making the wrong choice. I think I would be okay out to dinner with you in a quiet place, but I've also really liked our time alone at your house. My apartment is too small and I have a friend staying with me...

Much better answer. How about we start off at my place, and decide from there?

Okay. I like that idea.

I'm very glad. Heading into surgery shortly. Talk to you tonight?

Yes. Have a good day, Samirah.

You, too, she said, then added a purple fairy emoji. It made me laugh before pocketing my phone.

The conference room filled with two dozen people and Walsh sat beside me at the head of the long table. Everyone wore dour expressions, and their murmurs matched the emotion in the room. Most folks gripped coffee cups and helped themselves to the pastries on the table regardless.

Ainsley appeared in the doorway, a bright smile plastered across her face as if she arrived timely for a birthday party rather than a meeting regarding a potential serial rapist. She flittered over to me and kissed my cheek.

"Hi, Rosie."

"Hi. I didn't expect you to be here."

"Chief Walsh demanded my presence." She tossed him a playful glare and he scowled. "He's using my promotion for his own personal gain."

"Shut up, Monson." Walsh waved her off and she laughed.

Ainsley took a seat on the other side of me and set her purse down. "Jordan and I would like you to come for dinner tonight. Would you like to?"

"Tonight?" I glanced around the room as the attendees took their seats. Ben and Eve sat closest to Walsh and he turned to them right away.

"Yup. What do you say?"