Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

Yawning, I rubbed my eye with the heel of my hand before walking to the
kitchen.
Everything was dark so I assumed the girls were already fast asleep, and
I was grateful somehow. As much as I loved having them over, loved how
they filled the house with laughter and warmth, even after everything they’ve
been through, right then I just felt like a failure. And I needed to be alone.
Even after the small revelation at the office earlier, this case still seemed
so far from being resolved, and although I never let my cases— as hard as
they could get, weigh on my mental state, this one felt personal. This one felt
fucking personal because I had two girls counting on me to protect them and
bring justice to their parents’ names.
And even though Adam seemed really optimistic about this new point of
view we decided to work with, I couldn’t help but think it wasn’t enough. I
couldn’t help but think we were missing something.
The light turning on in the corridor leading to the bedrooms got me out of
my thoughts and I straightened up from where I was slouching against the
kitchen island.
Sofia appeared before me, frowning and looking shaken up. Immediately,
worry took control of me and I matched her frown, walking to her.
“What’s wrong?”
She gulped, her hands coming up to her bare arms and rubbing her skin.
My eyes spied her movements, my own hands itching to touch her and make
sure she was okay.
Sofia looked so small right then, so vulnerable. As always since that
morning, she evaded my gaze and bit her lip before speaking.
“Nothing. Just a bad dream is all.” It obviously wasn’t nothing if it shook
her up so much.