For Justice

by Jeannette Winters

  That’s why he never wanted her on the police force. That kid had lost so much when his parents died, and his only living relative put her neck on the line. She had a bachelor’s degree in criminal science. She could’ve continued her education and gone into law. He’d tried telling her about all her options, but Hydria was so focused he didn’t believe she heard a word he’d said. That was when he knew he couldn’t stand by and watch her throw her life away. It had started out so simple, moving a few of her assignments around. He never thought he’d have to monitor her career so closely. He’d done everything he could to keep her safe. Even when that meant making sure she was assigned to the lower crime districts.

  But when Hydria announced she’d left the force, he was blown away. She’d sworn nothing would ever stand between her and her dreams. Yet Hydria walked away. He’d have done whatever was needed to ensure no one could connect the dots back to her. There was no need to have gone to such lengths.

  He looked at her sitting across from him in the limo. She wasn’t willing to talk to him or meet his gaze. Hydria stared out the window, but she didn’t appear to see anything they passed. Her mind was a million miles away. Renzo wanted to know what she was thinking. He had a hell of a lot of questions for her. Things he’d wanted to know from before he’d left the force. It’d taken everything in him not to pursue a relationship with her back then. He’d always thought she’d find someone, fall in love, and have a family of her own. You’re not meant to be alone.

  Renzo could see the strain Steve’s disappearance was having on Hydria. She’d faced some serious fuckers on the force, but nothing had seemed to affect her so deeply. He understood that more than Hydria might know. Nothing will ever compare to hearing my sister was killed. Nothing.

  There wasn’t anything confirmed on Steve, but he knew Hydria was hurting, and there wasn’t anything he could do to fix it. The urge was there to lean over, pull her into his arms, and comfort her. They both knew she wasn’t in immediate danger. If she were, he never would have let her follow him to York.

  Renzo had a long discussion with Stone about their next move. There was no doubt the owner of the bar was lying. But was it a total fabrication? There was no way to read a person accurately over the phone. Face to face, it would be more difficult to hide the truth. One way or another, we are getting some answers before we leave York. I just hope the answers aren’t too much for Hydria to handle.

  “You look . . . tired.”

  She didn’t look in his direction when she answered, “Long night.”

  It’d been a long quiet ride, and they were almost at their destination. He couldn’t have Hydria go into the bar in the state she was in. It would be a red flag to Peters, and that would be worse than a wasted trip. It’d be a missed opportunity, one they might not get again. Reaching his hand out, he placed it on her knee and said gently, “We’ll get to the bottom of this, Hydria. I promise.” Renzo knew better than to give her hope for what they’d find because he couldn’t guess at this moment, but he could commit to getting the facts. Hydria flinched under his touch, and he removed his hand. Only then did she meet his gaze.

  “Don’t, Renzo.”

  “Don’t what?” Did she object to his touch? I know there was a time you didn’t mind it.

  “Pretend you care more than you do. You’re only here because you think I’ll screw it up.”

  Not even close. “I’m here because I know what Steve means to you.”

  Hydria closed her eyes, and he knew she was fighting to maintain her composure. Never had he seen her so on such edge, so emotional. Since they’d first met years ago, circumstances had changed them both. She’d softened, and he, if possible, was even harder than before. He wanted, but wasn’t ready, to offer a shoulder to cry on. Lean on, maybe, but cry on, no way.

  “It’s been . . . a nightmare.” Her voice was so soft he barely heard her. “I keep hoping I’ll wake up and everything will be as it was.”

  Renzo couldn’t agree more. If the past could be changed, there were many things he’d do differently. Not being able to save Phoebe and how he’d treated Hydria were the two at the top of the long list. If he’d been less of a dick, maybe she’d have reached out to him for help, and she could’ve stayed on the police force. Now she was on the verge of losing everything she loved.

  “Hydria, do you trust me?” She stared directly into his eyes and didn’t answer. “You don’t have to like me to trust me.” It was something each of them could relate to. It took one thing, skill.

  “I do.”

  It was short and to the point. What Hydria thought of Renzo personally shouldn’t matter. Never had before, can’t let it now. Leaning back in his seat, Renzo said, “Believe me when I tell you, I have resources to get the answers. After this meeting with Jim, I think going back to LA would be what’s best.”

  Her eyes widened as she blasted, “Like hell, I’m leaving.”

  Renzo had anticipated her response and didn’t flinch. “Then for Steve’s sake, give me the reins on this.”

  “I’ve been a cop for eleven years, Ren.”

  “And you’re too close to this, Hydria. We both know you can’t work a case that personally affects you. And right now, that’s what this is, a missing-person case. If you want to learn what happened to Steve, you need to step back and trust me,” he stated, peering into her eyes, letting her know he wasn’t backing down.

  Hydria let out a heavy sigh. “Ren, I can’t leave. You of all people know that.”

  No one except Hydria called him Ren. Although she wanted her way desperately, she wasn’t one who’d play games with him to obtain what she wanted. She always calls it as it is. Even when she calls me an asshole. This was her way of meeting him halfway. Even that wasn’t wise, and Renzo knew it. It was the same thing as when they were on the force together. How can I do my job when her safety becomes more important than the task at hand?

  There was no doubt what his answer should be. What came out of his mouth wasn’t it. “Stay out of my way and quiet.”

  “Like a church mouse.”

  Hydria had the craziest sayings, so Renzo had no idea if that meant she was agreeing or not. The limo pulled up in front of the bar. It was too late to dispute it now. With a stern look, he said, “One wrong word and I’ll—”

  She shook her head. “Send my ass packing. Got it.”

  Renzo was able to contain his smile to the inside. She still didn’t hold anything back. He wasn’t sure how it would go over because he knew how stubborn Hydria could be. Yet this conversation was necessary. There was a shitload more to discuss, but right now this was all about Steve. Hopefully, Peters would shed some light on what really went down.

  “You ready?” Renzo asked.

  “Let’s do this,” Hydria answered in a clear and focused tone.

  Renzo opened the door and got out of the limo first. He held out a hand to assist Hydria. She looked and hesitated before accepting. He was going to play this little inquisition with Peters differently, and he hoped Hydria was going to be a willing participant. He held her hand snugly as he led her into what was supposed to be a bar. From the sign outside, Renzo knew that was the first bit of incorrect data. Oyster bar.

  “Ren, what are we—?”

  “Apparently having dinner, babe.” He winked and she smiled at him, acknowledging his lead. This is why you make a great cop. You think quick. That was apparently needed from square one. This meeting would have been so much easier without her by his side, but he wasn’t so numb as to not appreciate how sweet her hand felt in his. Damn it. I’m the one who needs the kick in the ass. She’s got her shit together.

  Once they walked through the doors, it was all on. A woman looking to be in her mid-sixties greeted them.

  “Welcome to Jim’s Bar. Will it be just the two of you this evening?”

  “Yes, we’re here to meet with Jim, the owner. Is he available?” Renzo asked.

  The woman nodded. “My husband is cooking, but I’m sure
he can spare a few minutes for some travelers.”

  Husband? Renzo and Hydria exchanged a quick glance before the woman headed to the kitchen. When she returned, a man who was at least seventy-five came from the kitchen, wearing chef’s whites.

  “What can I do for ya?”

  “Are you Jim Peters?” Renzo inquired.

  “Yes, I am.”

  This scene didn’t match the report. There was no way in hell this man tossed a Marine out on his ass, no matter how drunk Steve may have been. And this sure as fuck wasn’t an establishment one went to if they wanted to get hammered. This was a family-owned restaurant.

  “Mr. Peters, we’re looking for someone and hoping you can help.”

  “I’ll do whatever I can to help ya. We all know each other here; are they a local?”

  Hydria spoke up, “I’m not exactly sure where he lives, but I know it’s not far from Nubble Lighthouse.” Renzo watched as she pulled her cell phone out and scanned for a picture. When Hydria found what she was looking for she turned her phone so they could all see. “That’s my brother standing by the lighthouse. It’s his favorite spot.”

  The man laughed. “That’s one of them. Every time he’s home on leave, Steve comes in and has dinner with me and my wife, Jane.”

  Jane smiled. “Oh, Stevie is such a fine young man. There ain’t a time he doesn’t stop in without helping Jim here with something. Heck, there were several times they closed down the restaurant for the week to go cod fishing.”

  “Yup, that boy was a natural at jigging for cod,” Jim said, grinning.

  “You are talking about Steve Vose right?” Hydria asked.

  “Sure am. And I’d recognize you anywhere. You’re Hydria. Now, why don’t you two sit down, and I’ll bring you something to eat. Jane, dear, can you get the photo album for me? I think this young lady is gonna need some convincing we actually are Steve’s friends.”

  “They will when they taste your cooking.” Jane chuckled and scurried off.

  How do they know Hydria? There were a lot of red flags about this entire situation. If they were Steve’s friends, it was possible he’d told the Peters about her. Or this is more bullshit.

  “Bar’s over there. Help yourself to something cold, and I’ll be right back,” Jim said before he disappeared back into the kitchen.

  Renzo’s mind was working overtime. This had been a waste of time. There obviously hadn’t been any barroom brawl, and they had no idea Steve was missing.

  “Let’s get out of here,” Renzo said to Hydria.

  “Why?”

  “Look at this place. There was no barroom brawl here. If they hadn’t liked Steve so much, they would have been furious at the mention of him, especially for fighting in their family business. They don’t know anything that can be useful to us.”

  “Maybe not to you, but they obviously know Steve very well. Heck, I never knew he liked to fish. I’m not sure what else I don’t know.”

  He’s a twenty-five-year-old man. Probably a lot of shit. “Nothing that’s going to help you find him.”

  “You’re right, but maybe it will help in a different way.” Hydria sat down, and he knew she wasn’t leaving. Not at least until Jim and Jane were tired of telling their stories. And if I’m right, they’re going to be long.

  “Please. I . . . need this.”

  The way she looked at him made it impossible for him to deny her request. “I’ll book us a room for the night.”

  Hydria reached out and touched his bare forearm. “Thank you, Ren.”

  It wasn’t easy, but he pulled his arm away from her. It would be too easy to break down walls and open to whatever this was, something more intimate. His mind was clear, but it would be taking advantage of Hydria. On any normal day she hated him, and he couldn’t afford to forget that. Once the mystery around Steve’s disappearance was answered, Hydria would remember they weren’t even friends.

  Chapter Three

  ‡

  Hydria couldn’t bring herself to leave Jim’s bar last night. Renzo practically had to drag her out. If it wasn’t for Jim and Jane telling her it was way past their bedtime, she might have spent the entire night listening to their stories.

  She was glad they spent the night in York. After seeing all the photos of Steve and Jim fishing and playing cards with a few other guys who hung out at the restaurant, she had to admit the more pictures they showed her, the more the little green monster of jealousy crept in. It was as though Steve had found a family, parents or maybe grandparents, that he’d kept all to himself. Why hadn’t he told her any of this?

  When he was home on leave, she’d ask what he was doing, and he would always reply the same, “Just doing the York thing.” Hydria never asked exactly what that meant but had assumed it entailed living a laid-back, quiet life. But Jim informed her Steve was a regular every night when he was in York. And sitting down with them to eat dinner was like a knife in her heart. She’d forced him to hold the tradition they had when their parents were alive but anything which seemed to resemble their prior normal family life, Steve bucked and fought against it. Finally she’d given up trying and decided her role was to give him food, shelter, love and support. Although she always set the table for two, she’d stopped arguing when he took his into the living room and ate in front of the television where he didn’t need to respond to her inquisitions of his day. Hydria figured it was too painful for Steve to deal with and the constant reminder of their parent’s absence. So why was it appealing to him now? Was it me who scared you away? Did you join the Marines and move to the opposite coast because I was too . . . pushy?

  “Your eggs are getting cold.”

  Hydria stared down at her plate then pushed it in Renzo’s direction. “They are all yours if you want them.”

  “You’re not eating? Now you’ve got me worried,” Renzo said in a teasing tone.

  She knew he was picking up on her emotional state and trying to lighten the mood. It wasn’t going to work. “You were right. I shouldn’t be here,” Hydria said solemnly.

  Renzo arched a brow. “Although I enjoy hearing you say it, it’s not true.”

  She shot him a look that should tell him not to argue, but Renzo wasn’t one to hold back. You don’t always have to get the last word. “Let’s talk about something else. Like any new developments on where Steve might be?”

  “As suspected, the reports aren’t adding up. I had Gabe dig deep into Jane and Jim. They’ve been married for almost fifty years, had one son, Ralph, who was born with a heart defect and died at age five. Guess that explains why Jim took to Steve, and vice versa. They needed each other.”

  Is that a dig? “What’s that supposed to mean?” Hydria hadn’t meant for her voice to be so loud, but she’d brought unwanted attention in their direction. It wasn’t her fault; Renzo didn’t look like he fit in this quaint little town. He had long hair and looked like he spent most of his day in the gym. Not that I don’t like it, but really not low-key.

  “Step out of this and look at the entire picture. Not only what it means to you, but what York, what Jim and Jane mean to Steve. I know you gave up a lot to raise him after your parents died, but you can’t blame Steve for wanting a life of his own. If he hadn’t wanted one, hell, I’d really be worried.”

  “Am I that bad to be around?”

  “Not at all. But, Hydria, he’s a man, and I know you, you’re one who likes to hold control. That can be a bit . . . much at times,” Renzo explained, but being delicate wasn’t his strong point. At least he’s trying. “Steve isn’t the little boy who needs your protection any longer.”

  “Really? Because no one seems to know where he is. Not even the Peters, who seem to love him like their own. They think he’s deployed overseas.”

  “We don’t have any proof he’s not. We already know everything we read is a lie,” Renzo replied.

  Hydria leaned back and crossed her arms. “Whose side are you on?”

  “Steve’s.”

  She
knew that was the correct answer, but that didn’t mean part of her wished he’d have said her name. Selfish, foolish thoughts. Renzo is doing what he needs to, and here I am thinking of my own needs. “I needed that.”

  Renzo arched a brow. “What?”

  She forced a grin. “A kick in the ass like the old days. Or have you forgotten them?”

  “Hardly,” Renzo answered gruffly.

  So they were back on the same page. That was good. All she needed to know was what Renzo’s great plan was for finding Steve. Because I have no clue where to look. “Are you leaving York?”

  “I want to visit his home first. Odds of there being anything of use there is slim, but nothing has been what we expected. Maybe we’ll get lucky and score something.”

  The report had stated the MP’s had checked his residences and Steve was not there so Renzo was probably correct in his assumption as well. But Hydria’s reason for stopping there was to fill a need within herself. She wanted to be close to Steve’s things if she couldn’t be near him. It was irrational, but she’d seen that behavior with people who’d lost a loved one. They hold things because without them, they are giving up hope. I’ll never stop looking for him. Never.

  She got up from her seat and walked to the cashier to pay the bill. Then she looked back and noticed Renzo sitting, watching her attentively. She couldn’t read him. Was he frustrated with her or just the situation? Maybe a bit of both. It didn’t really matter. Tapping her wrist as though to let him know it was time to go, she headed for the door. There was no question whether or not he’d follow her. His attitude would be another story.

  The limo driver opened the door and asked, “Where is Mr. Turchetta?”