Chapter 42

“Alan!” Jim cries. “What part of don’t touch anything was unclear?”

Alan shrugs, defensive. “It was before I called you! I didn’t knowthis would turn into a crime scene, now did I?”

Jim holds out his arms as if he can somehow contain the situation. “Alright, okay. Calm down.”

“I amcalm.” Alan bites off each word, telling himself not to take this out on Jim. It isn’t his fault Brooks is missing.

Jim places a hand on Alan’s arm, the touch comforting. “I know. Don’t worry, we’ll find him.”

“I just…” Alan draws in a shaky breath and closes his eyes, clenching them shut before opening them again. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t know who else to call. And bringing the others…”

“I called it in on my way over.” Jim slides his hand up Alan’s arm to the elbow, then higher, to the shoulder. “I told the detective on duty I’d pick this up for him. We’ll find Brooks. I promise.”

Alan leans into Jim’s touch. I sure hope so.

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