Page 33 of Night Moves
Natalie had struggled not to throw up. Drake’s reaction had been strong too—grimacing and muttering something under his breath, and his body tensed up next to her before he lurched to his feet and started frantically pacing. Maybe the movement allowed him to rid his brain of such horrific violence. After all, he’d seen it for so many years already and had to have found a way to remain sane amidst it all.
Natalie couldn’t find any peace. Not after losing the one person who’d meant the world to her. Sure, she wanted justice for all the women, but she desperately wanted to prove Kirk had killed her sister.
“It’s not illegal for you to talk to her.” Malone knocked on Sierra and Reed’s door then looked back at Natalie and Drake. “If you remove anything from her property that might be evidence, that could be construed as impeding an investigation. So keep your visit to questioning, and you should be fine. And first thing in the morning I’ll call your supervisor, Natalie, to tell her the children are okay and safe with you.”
“Are you sure it shouldn’t come from me?” Natalie asked.
“Your supervisor could ask where you’ve taken the kids.” Malone’s expressive eyes narrowed. “You would either have to reveal their location or lie. Both situations could potentially end your career as a social worker. Where I can honestly say I don’t know where the children are.”
Drake gave Natalie a pointed look. “She’s right. Let her do this for you.”
Natalie felt like she was shirking her responsibilities, something she would never do in a normal situation, but in this case, she had to agree.
The door opened, and a very pregnant woman with dishwater blond hair and honey brown eyes ran her gaze over them. Natalie had no trouble identifying this woman as Sierra. Not only because of her pregnancy, but because she looked just like Erik and their mother.
Sierra stepped out and gathered Malone up in a hug. “Reed’s not too happy with you. Good thing you decided to listen to him and stay with us, or he would be impossible.”
“Actually, I’m taking Drake’s advice.” Malone backed away and grinned. “I can’t wait to tell Reed that, and there’s no time like the present.”
Natalie gave the kind attorney a smile. “Thanks for coming out so early.”
“Are you kidding?” Malone grinned. “I get to mess with my brother, and that doesn’t often happen.” She turned and strode into the condo.
Natalie could hear Reed’s deep voice booming from inside, but she couldn’t make out his words.
“I’m Sierra by the way.” Drake’s sister rested one hand on her belly and held out the other one.
“Natalie.”
Sierra shook firmly.
“Do you guys want to come in?” Sierra asked.
“We need to catch a quick nap before meeting Londyn again.” Drake gave his sister a tender smile. “Now off to bed with you for a few more hours so little Elvis can finish percolating.”
She swatted a hand at him.
He took hold of it and drew her gently to him for a hug. “Dang, girl. You’re huge.”
She pulled back and mocked offense, but a sweet smile tipped her lips. “Be careful so you’re around to meet this little guy.” She smiled at Natalie. “Nice to meet you. Has my mom got the two of you walking down the aisle yet?”
Natalie’s jaw dropped open.
“She doesn’t work quite that fast.” Drake chuckled. “And if Natalie’s look says anything, Mom’s got her work cut out for her.”
Natalie couldn’t come up with any kind of a response.
“Not just with Natalie.” Sierra eyed her brother. “You’re the least eligible of the group.”
Drake cocked his head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re too busy trying to prove something to make time for a relationship.”
He frowned. “I don’t want to get into this now.”
“Hit a nerve, did I?” She smiled sweetly and stepped back. “Bye now. Take care, Natalie. I hope to see you again.”
“Okay,” was all Natalie could say.
