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The scene looks pretty straightforward.”
    â€œBeating and strangling a pregnant woman to death, that’s a crime of intense rage,” Tonio said in disgust.
    Chris shook his head. “Or just seriously crazy.”
    â€œI’d say both, but motives are your area of expertise.” Glancing past them, she spotted the captain’s still figure in the car and sighed. “Is someone taking Austin home, staying with him?”
    â€œWe’re driving him home,” Tonio said. “Not sure who’s staying with him tonight, but he won’t be alone. The paramedic gave him a sedative to help him sleep, too.”
    â€œOkay, good. I’m going to speak with him. I’ll be in touch.”
    â€œTake care,” Chris said, and Tonio echoed him.
    With no small amount of dread, Laura walked over to the car. Austin’s strong profile came into view, and she saw he was sitting upright, just staring out the front windshield. Sunlight glinted off his deep auburn hair, setting it on fire. He gave no indication that he heard her footsteps approaching, so she called out softly.
    â€œAustin?”
    No response. She called his name again, and when he still didn’t answer, she crouched inside the door and touched his leg. Slowly, he turned his head and looked down at her. His brows drew together as if trying to figure out exactly why she was there.
    Then recollection dawned in his green eyes, the hurt so deep and profound it took her breath away.
    â€œThey’re dead,” he whispered. Tears filled his beautiful eyes.
    â€œYes. I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”
    His hand covered hers. “Help my men find out who did this.”
    â€œI’ll do my best.”
    â€œTake care of them.” His voice broke, and so did her heart.
    â€œYou know I will.” She swallowed hard, determined not to lose it. “I’m here for you. Always.”
    â€œI know. Thank you.”
    He hung his head and didn’t say any more, just gazed at the floorboard. After several more seconds of lending her silent support, she gave his hand a squeeze and stood. Forcing herself to walk away from him was the hardest thing she’d ever done.
    It felt wrong on every level to leave him there. But he was in good hands for now.
    And she had a job to do. For Austin, and his lost family.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    Austin awoke to darkness. Somehow, he was in the bedroom of his rented house in Sugarland. In his bed.
    Light from the hallway spilled through a crack in the door, partly illuminating the room. From the living room he heard the sound of the television. Quiet talking. It seemed there were at least two people in his home.
    Not that this place would ever be
home
. Not really.
    Nor would it ever be, not without his son.
    No, the awful memory wouldn’t stay away forever, no matter how much he wished it gone. Wished it had never happened at all. Someone had taken his dreams. Stolen his soul.
    Forcing himself from the bed, he shuffled from the room, feeling like an old man. He wasn’t surprised to see that Danny, Chris, and Tonio had made themselves at home. Pizza boxes littered the coffee table, and soft drink cans. No beer, a first for this crew.
    â€œHey.”
    At once, all eyes were on him. Chris made room for him on the couch, and they all started trying to feed him and make him comfortable.
    â€œAre you hungry?” Chris asked.
    Tonio nodded. “You should eat something.”
    Danny was frowning. “Sit down. Are you cold? You’re shivering.”
    â€œI’m fine. Not hungry, not cold. Thanks.” But he did sit, contemplating the pizza. Then his stomach lurched and he gave up the idea of food.
    They were all silent for a few moments before Danny spoke up. “I suppose you want to know how the investigation is going.”
    He had to give his friend credit for not beating around the bush. “Yes. Do they have any