record store, and we walk in together, the quiet of the lobby a much-needed relief from the madness going on outside.
“I just wanted to let you know, we ran some preliminary tests on the brick that came through Layla’s window last night,” Adam tells me as we stand just inside the door.
I glance over to the table set up on the other side of the room where Layla is already seated and speaking to a few people from Capitol Records while someone primps her hair and freshens her make-up.
“Yeah, I heard. Nothing solid to go on, and you guys are just going with it being a prank from a few teenagers out for a laugh,” I reply, turning back around to face him.
Adam furrows his brow and looks at me in confusion.
“No, where did you hear that? We had a handwriting analyst take a look at the writing on the brick and compared it to those letters Layla’s been receiving from that Ray guy. They were a match. The DNA test from the scrapings under her fingernails is still at the lab, but I’m going to give them a call later today and see if I can get a rush on it. I have a feeling the scratches she said she gave him might pull up a hit. I guarantee this guy is already in the system. Also, they found some faint traces of blood on the brick. Going by what Layla told us in her statement, she bit that guy pretty hard on the hand when he grabbed her. It’s looking good that this all the same guy.”
It's my turn to stare at Adam in confusion after he finishes with his explanation. My gaze slides over to Finn, where he stands a few feet from Layla with his arms crossed in front of him, feet spread apart, and a pair of dark sunglasses on so no one can see his eyes.
Why in the hell would he lie to Layla about something like that? Something that could easily be verified.
I thank Adam and shake his hand, giving him my card so he can call me immediately when the results from the DNA test come in. There is no fucking way I want them calling Finn so he can lie about it again.
Walking across the room, I stop right next to Finn and take up the same pose as him, scanning the room and keeping an eye on Layla at the same time.
“So, I just had an interesting conversation with my buddy, Adam, from the police department,” I say quietly so no one else can hear me. “You remember Adam, right? He was the one that took Layla’s statement after the attack yesterday and the one in charge of running the tests on the brick.”
Finn makes no outward sign that he’s heard me, but I can see a muscle tick in his jaw, and I know I’m getting to him.
“Funny thing about having friends on the force. They actually tell you the truth.”
Finn’s nostrils flare and if he didn’t have sunglasses on, I’m guessing he would be rolling his eyes at me.
“Is there a point to this? I’m kind of busy here,” Finn states, the irritation clearly evident in his voice.
“I’m just curious why you would lie to Layla. The tests prove the guy who’s been writing her those notes is the same one who threw that brick through her window. Do you make it a habit of lying to your so-called best friend?” I question him, my eyes still scanning the room like the conversation we’re having is no big deal.
“My relationship with Layla is none of your fucking business,” Finn seethes. “I do what I think is right to protect her. You’ve known her all of a few weeks, so don’t come in here acting like you know jack shit.”
He turns and walks away from me without another word. The buzzing of my cell phone in my pocket momentarily distracts me from keeping an eye on him.
“Brady,” I answer curtly as I stare at Layla.
After a few seconds, her eyes meet mine across the room. There are people talking on both sides of her and someone is speaking in my ear, but I can’t take my eyes off of her. She’s smiling and nodding to whatever they are saying to her, but the smile doesn’t reach her eyes. I want to walk over to the table, scoop her up in my arms, and carry her out of here. I