Page 184 of Dead Man's List

She nodded, rising to begin gathering Akiko’s things.

“I’ll do that later,” Sam said, gently taking her hand. “Come now. Let’s go to Harlan and Betsy.”

“Okay.” She walked to the front door like a zombie, but then turned to Navarro. “We’re reopening Wren’s case?”

“Yes. I’m giving it to Marshall and Ashton.”

Kit nodded once. “Okay. Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, Kit,” Navarro said again. “I’m so sorry.” He did look sorry. He looked devastated. “We’ll find this guy and, even if he had nothing to do with Wren, we will make him pay.”

Kit’s lips firmed and her eyes grew sharp again, making Sam breathe a sigh of relief. “You’ll keep me up to date with every step of the investigation?”

“As much as I’m able,” Navarro promised. “I’ll see myselfout.” He paused as he passed Kit, still standing by the door. “I didn’t tell your parents. I only got them to tell me where you were. I needed to tell you first.”

“We’ll tell them,” Sam said.

Navarro left and Sam turned Kit so that her head was close to his shoulder. But she didn’t lean in. She didn’t move at all. He didn’t put his arms around her. He thought she seemed too fragile for that at the moment. But he did rest his cheek atop her head.

“I’m here for you. I have your back. A lot of people do.”

Kit nodded. “If I find him,” she murmured, “I will kill him.”

“And if you kill him,” Sam promised with complete sincerity, “I’ll help you hide the body.”

She hiccuped, half laugh and half sob. And then the dam broke and she leaned into him, sobbing like a child. “I miss her. So much.”

“I know.”

“I’m going to find him, whoever did this. And I’ll make him wish he had never been born.”

“I know. I believe in you, Kit McKittrick.”

After a few minutes, the sobs had quieted and she lifted her head, her pretty face streaked with tears. “Thank you, Sam. I’m…glad you were with me. I…needed you.”

For some people, that wouldn’t be a huge declaration. For Kit, it was everything.

Sam pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m glad I was with you, too. I won’t leave, Kit. Not unless you ask me to go.”

Her arms came around his waist and she held on. “I’m not a good bet.”

“Too bad. I’ve already made up my mind. If you want me, I’m yours.”

“I should tell you no. I shouldn’t be selfish and keep you. But…yes. I want this. I want you. In my life. Don’t go. Please, don’t go.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

And Sam Reeves always kept hispromises.