Page 125 of Capturing You

“But stalking is.”

“You would know, I guess.”

The man’s eyebrows lowered in the center, creating a dark brown V, like an angry emoticon.

“Because you’re a cop.” Forbes forced a smile.

“Funny you’re here.”

“Why? Is this your spot?” He looked around. “I don’t see a no-parking sign.”

“You trying to be smart?”

“Some of us don’t have to try. It just comes naturally.”

He didn’t react to that. “Parking’s limited during the tourist season. Move along.”

Forbes gave Taggart a long look. “Must be frustrating to still be on traffic duty at your age. Bet you thought you’d be a detective by now.”

He acted as if he hadn’t heard, but his face reddened. “I said, move along.”

“I don’t think I will.” Forbes settled back and sipped his Coke. “Is there a law against sipping a soda?”

“Maybe that’s really alcohol.”

“Arrest me and find out. And then I’ll sue you for harassment.”

The cop’s phone played a sound, and he glanced at it, then glared at Forbes. He leaned in and lowered his voice. “You know where she is, don’t you?”

“Who?”

Lips pursed, he watched Forbes for so long that it started to feel awkward.

Forbes wouldn’t blink first.

“Stay out of my way.” Taggart stormed away.

Forbes scanned the area but didn’t see his cruiser anywhere. The man crossed the street and slowed, meandering along the sidewalk.

Well, that was the most entertainment he’d had all afternoon.

Unfortunately, Forbes was losing hope of finding Brooklynn.

She must not have come home, or if she had, she wasn’t leaving again.

He had no idea where else to look. Maybe she’d had one of her family members pick her up. He prayed she was safe and would stay that way.

He sent her a text.

Let me know you’re safe, and I’ll leave you alone. If you need me, call or text anytime. I’m sorry.

He watched the screen but got no indication that she’d read the messages.

She would or she wouldn’t. He had no control of that.

Let her forgive me, Lord.

Except that was a selfish prayer, and God never answered those, not for Forbes anyway.