Raining Tears by Laura Freeman

Author:Laura Freeman [Freeman, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: female detective; mystery/suspense; drug abuse; crime; medical; homicide
ISBN: 9781509247301
Published: 2022-09-21T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Sydney stared at the closed door. Beth had looked so young and vulnerable. She had been guarded when sharing information about her family. Like any case, she had investigated those involved. Her research had uncovered some disturbing facts in Beth’s background, but she respected her privacy and hadn’t exposed them. From what she could deduce, Beth was facing this crisis alone.

“You’re worried about her,” Gordon said.

She turned to her husband. “I’m not worried about the testimony. She made the only decision possible under the circumstances. It’s living with what she’s done that will be the challenge. Her family doesn’t live around here, and she hasn’t had time to form a support group. She doesn’t have anyone to help her through this, Gordon.”

“She has you.”

“As investigating officer of the shooting, I’m obligated to perform certain duties. I’m only a fellow employee offering support.”

He chuckled. “When have you done anything halfway, Syd?”

Her philosophy was to live each day to the fullest, one day at a time. Partly because she was a cop and death could come quickly. Or a car could hit someone she loved and nearly end his life. “From what I’ve learned about her so far, she’s proud and a perfectionist. She’s taking this failure hard.”

“We all stumble. If she falls, you can help her up.”

“She’s not used to accepting help. She won’t ask for it.”

He stroked the top of her hand. “I know another woman with a stubborn streak.”

Rick hurried toward them and looked around. “Has Beth gone in already?”

Sydney rested her hip on the arm of Gordon’s wheelchair. His hand exerted a slight pressure on her waist. “She’s inside.”

Rick stared at the closed door. “How did she look?”

“Nervous, but she’ll do fine.”

“It’s her first time before the review board. I wanted to give her a few words of encouragement.”

“The chief said you shouldn’t have any contact,” Sydney said.

A scowl creased his brow. “I’m not going to tell her what to say. I wanted her to know she didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Of course, she didn’t, but the board reviews every shooting. It’s protocol, Sergeant Faris. You know that.”

He raised an eyebrow as if to question her lecture. He turned and paced back and forth. “There’s nothing to worry about. It was a clean shooting. The fool man fired a gun.”

“Jack Lawson wasn’t a fool. He was a law-abiding citizen who didn’t know he should have dropped the gun as soon as the police arrived. But he didn’t want the woman to have it, so he held on, and when he turned…”

“I shouted gun.” He slammed his fist into the palm of his other hand. He met her gaze briefly before turning away.

“Walk me out?” Gordon asked as he released his brake.

She broke her gaze from Rick’s back and smiled at her husband. “Love to.”

Gordon looked at Barry. “Why don’t you bring the van around? Syd can push me.”

She took over the task as Barry hastened down the hall.

Gordon jabbed a thumb over his shoulder at Rick pacing back and forth.

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