tight, then pulls back shaking his head. “No. But it’s sweet of you to think about me. I just … I needed answers. And, well, it looks like we got answers.”
“Joseph Blackstone,” I confirm. “I can’t believe it all happened so quickly.”
“Did you know that Blackstone is dead?”
“Dead?” I repeat, which is the kind of answer that isn’t an answer. And means I don’t have to lie to my friend.
“Killed by a sniper’s rifle.”
I reach out and brush his arm. “Don’t feel guilt for being glad about that,” I tell him. “He’s the man that killed Tracy.”
“I don’t feel bad,” he says. “And I’m glad he’s dead.” He meets my eyes. “But Jesus, Holmes, I’m actually angry that I’m not the one who took the bastard down.”
“I get it,” I say, “and you don’t have a thing to feel guilty about. You should go put on PJ’s. Another movie tonight, right?”
He shakes his head. “Not in the mood. I think I’m going to go back to my place.”
I frown. “Are you sure it’s safe?”
He lifts a shoulder. “How can we ever be sure? But if you’re thinking about Christopher, I don’t think he’ll retaliate. He left the note for Brandy, didn’t he? That felt like a confession and an apology.”
“Maybe.” I hug myself. “But he drove that SUV.”
“I know. But I can take care of myself. And Saint’s here with you two. And when do we say it’s enough? For all we know he’s gone for good.”
“I get it.”
“It’s more than that,” Lamar says. “I want to be home. And I want to stop by the florist and pick up some roses on the way.”
“For Tracy?”
“To leave them outside her door.”
I nod. “I think that’s a sweet idea.” I look around, noticing that Brandy has disappeared, probably giving us space to talk about the case. “You should go say goodbye to Brandy.” He nods, and as he goes to her room, I head into my old bedroom to gather his things for him.
As much as I like the master bedroom, I have a feeling that Mr. Big Shot would prefer we not continue to stay in it. Tonight, Devlin and I will move back to my bedroom. Depending on how Brandy’s doing, tomorrow we might even move back to Devlin’s house. Lamar’s right. There will always be threats. At some point, you have to slide back into your life.
Lamar comes back in as I’m zipping his duffle. “I kept your dirty clothes. I thought I’d wash them for you.”
He smiles, “Thanks, Sherlock.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I will be. I just need a little time. I don’t know if I was in love with her, but I miss her.”
“I get it.”
“Is it strange that I’m almost disappointed that this case was wrapped so quickly?” His voice is heavy with guilt.
I move to him and take his hands, shaking my head. “No. Oh, Lamar, no. You need closure. You were working it out through this case. Considering you figured out who killed her and then someone else shut him down so quickly, of course you’re feeling a little lost. Your head must be spinning.”
I frown as I study his face. “Are you positive you don’t want to stay another night? I’m not sure I want you to be alone.”
He shakes his head. “No. I’m fine. I’m going to go home, do the flowers, have a glass of Scotch, and sleep for a year.”
“All right, then. I love you, Watson,” I say.
“Love you back, Sherlock.” He kisses my forehead and heads out, pausing in the doorway to my bedroom. “By the way, Brandy was just talking with her mother. She told her that she and Christopher broke up. That was probably the best spin to give Mrs. Bradshaw don’t you think?”
I nod, but I feel bad for Brandy. She needs girl talk, and I’m really the only one there for her. Her mom’s not a bad choice, but she doesn’t understand, and her dad has been distant for years.
I follow Lamar to the door, then see him out and reset the lock. Once again, I look at the stairs to see if Devlin is coming down, but I see no sign of him. I frown, wondering what it was that they talked about. Lamar seemed on edge, but not upset. But I don’t know how that translates for Devlin. I start to head that direction, but then decide I want to check on Brandy.
I pop by her room and tap lightly on the