Page 34 of What’s Left of Us (What Left #3)

On Sunday, I spend the whole day with Jo and Vinny.

My team isn’t working today since it's the weekend and I want them to have lives outside of the case even if I’m mired in it.

I spend all night with the married couple, slipping into their world like I belong there.

They fly out late Monday, and we’re making the most of our time we have left together.

“Do you really need a job?” Jo asks, fiddling with the cups in Emeric’s cupboard.

She’s already explained that the cleaner Emeric hires is coming as soon as they leave, so the unnecessary cleaning is just a distraction.

“I mean, you could come to the club with us in Colorado. We have a security team. You wouldn’t be bored. ”

I laugh, and he shoots me a soft smile. “Tempting, sure. It’s probably more fun than my day to day job. But I’m not even finished with this case, Jo.”

“We know what we need to,” she argues, turning to lean against the counter.

Vinny peers at us over the edge of his coffee cup from the table, and I peer between them.

“Alastair’s dead because of this. My mother should be dead.

She’s not talking anymore, right? But she’ll be in prison for the rest of her days. ”

I hesitate. “That’s the hope-”

“So why stay?” she stresses, stepping closer.

Her hands wraps around me, locking behind my back, and she glares up at me through her hair.

“Fine, go back to Quantico and work. Be one of those workaholic types. But you could come see us. Denver is fun to visit. There’s all the parks, and plenty of entertainment, and-”

“Your BDSM club?” I ask, amused.

“Well, that,” she agrees, smiling softly. “Ever been to one?”

“When I’m not working a case and arresting someone… no?”

Vinny starts laughing from the table, and we peer over at him. “If you come to S those two are meant to be together. We might have added to their lives, but Jo and Vinny survive because of each other. And I’m surviving because of them.

I watch the sky for too long, leaning against the SUV. I’m stalling from going back to the house and packing up the rest of the evidence to be shipped. Most of its done; now it’s just my personal things.

Before I get into my SUV again my phone buzzes, and I frown at the unknown number. There’s a photo attachment, and I hesitate before I click on the image and open it up.

Instantly, I straighten. The faces are familiar, even if I don’t know them very well. And their smiles are infectious as I study what I’m seeing.

It’s from Emeric. I’m positive, because of the message. Given what I’m looking at, I’m pretty sure it’s him even before I respond, rereading the text a couple times.

I should be mad he texted me this, but I think it’ll work out.

If you wait until December to get here asshole, you’re wasting your lovers time.