Page 62 of Deadly Target (Rocky Mountain Courage 2)

TWENTY-SIX

Erin stood in a room at one of the Boston PD field offices and rubbed her arms. Officer Melanie Brown returned with her coffee. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” Erin wrapped her hand around the warm mug and dropped onto the comfy sofa in the small conference room. She glanced at the time on her cell. 12:01 a.m.

“Now can I get you anything else?”

“I’m good.” Totally fine. Just want to get out of here and go home. Where was Nathan?

Officer Brown slid into the chair across the table and pressed a pen to a paper pad. “So you’re a criminal psychologist, is that correct?”

“I write forensic evaluations for the State of Washington.” What was she saying? She wasn’t currently working in her job. Nor did she feel obligated to offer up her podcast. None of that was relevant.

“Then you should be more than familiar with procedures. I’m going to take your statement now about the events this evening.”

She would answer only the questions asked and offer nothing more. However, what was Nathan going to say about why they were at the cemetery if asked? She considered Detective Newt Campbell, lying unconscious in a hospital bed. She thought of Holly and her palpable fear—both her mother and brother dead, allegedly murdered. Who did Erin trust? How much did she say without the wrong person getting the information? If the murders were related to organized crime, someone within one of the local police departments could be compromised.

“We heard gunshots and took cover. I called 911 as shots continued to be fired, then I went inside the church to hide with another woman.”

“Uh-huh. What was her name?”

Do not mention my name to the police when they arrive. “Why would you think I know her name?”

“Do you?”

“She was Nathan’s informant, and it’s not my place to give her name.” She cringed inside at having said that much.

Officer Brown arched a brow as she continued to write. “And why were you at the cemetery?”

“We were meeting his informant.”

A knock came at the door and it opened. A man stuck his head in. “Got a Code 23. They want a female officer. You almost done here?”

Brown grimaced and stood but continued writing on her notepad.

“Code 23?” Erin asked.

“Emotionally disturbed person.” Brown’s dark eyes flicked up from the notepad to Erin. “Maybe you’d like to come along and help?”

Though her words held sarcasm, they also seemed to hold hope. Of course, Erin wasn’t licensed in Massachusetts, and she wouldn’t even be allowed into this situation. “No, thanks. I’m good.”

“Anything else you can tell me about tonight?” Her demeanor sagged.

Erin thought to suggest she find another line of work.

“You have my statement.” Erin stood.

“I might need to contact you later if I have more questions.”

“You have my contact information.” Erin thrust out her hand and, surprisingly, Officer Brown shook it. “You’re doing great work here, Officer Brown. I’ll pray it goes well with the emotionally disturbed person.”

Officer Brown’s eyes brightened as she dropped her hand. “I could use all the prayer I can get. Thanks.”

This time, her smile seemed genuine, and she lifted her shoulders, appearing bolstered. “You’re free to go now. Do you need a ride somewhere?”

“Actually, do you know where I can find my friend?”

“Detective Campbell?” The woman moved to the door. “I’ll take you to him.”