Page 5 of Facing the Enemy

“That’s uncalled for,” Gage said.

The man shrugged and walked away.

“I’m sorry,” Gage whispered. “His social skills stink.”

The last person, a female agent from cybercrimes, took my hand into hers. Her name slipped my mind, but I thought it was Darlene. She peered into my face with dark-blue eyes filled with caring. “Those we love live forever in our hearts.”

“Thank you.” Her words touched me with sincerity.

Finally Gage and I stood alone, the receiving line empty. Exhaustion rolled over me like I’d been hit by a—

How could I even think in terms of Trenton’s demise?

“Risa, where are you?” Gage said.

I dug my fingers into my palms. “Not sure except I’m determined to walk through this fire no matter what that means.”

He ran his fingers through thick, rust-brown hair. “We’ll find the person responsible for the FSRA—make an arrest together.”

Apprehending the driver guilty of failure to stop and render aid was only the beginning. Security cams from the restaurant had capturedthe crime, and one of the witnesses got the license plate number. But the SUV had been abandoned five blocks away and reported stolen hours before. The FBI and Houston Police Department had formed a task force since a federal agent had been involved. But their sweep revealed no fingerprints.

Nothing but Trenton’s blood.

“Risa, are you listening?”

“No. Sorry.” My concentration had taken a nosedive. I faced him. “What’s wrong with me? I can’t even cry today.”

“You’re grieving, and I’m not leaving your side.” Gage’s voice softened. “Let me help you get through this. You’d do the same for me.”

“I ... I can’t seem to process, make sense of Trenton’s death. I’m the logical person, not the one who’s lost in a maze.” I gazed into his face, and his depth of caring startled me. More like frightened me. “You don’t have to keep me company. I need to be near Mom and Dad.” We glanced twenty feet away at my parents surrounded by those from their church’s small group. Mom referred to them as their 2a.m. friends.

“Did you or your parents find anything at Trenton’s apartment?”

“Nothing but receipts. Dad took his Bible, and Mom packed up a few personal items. Clothes, furniture, food, and kitchen items were donated. That’s it.”

Gage’s hand grasped mine. Normally I’d jerk it back for fear someone might think we’re more than friends. I slowly released his hand. Surely the other agents saw he only reached out as my friend and partner.

“The fire won’t burn forever,” Gage said. “But it may feel like it. Those who care for you will see you through.”

Maybe he’d lost someone too. “When did you become so wise?”

He shook his head as though denying my words. “Not sure I fall under that category.”

“Yes, you do. Thank you for being here, for supporting me. I wish I could express this emptiness, this nauseating void. Perhaps I’d feel better. Or worse.” I peered at him. “Will it ever stop hurting, or am I being selfish?”

“Selfishness is not you. Eventually good memories of Trenton will take over the biting grief. When I was in college, I lost an aunt who was like a mother to me. I still miss her, but I don’t want to forget her.”

I sighed. “Yesterday, I thought I saw Trenton in the lobby of my apartment building.”

“And?”

“He was smiling.”

“God must have given you a glimpse of Trenton’s new life.”

“I want to believe he’s free of all torment.” My shoulders slumped. “But I’d rather have him alive. We’d just got him back and had the opportunity to redeem the lost years.”

“I know it’s hard. Call me day or night. I have great listening skills.”