She Was Someone’s Daughter - Jamie Reagan

The cruiser’s engine idled, a low rumble cutting through the humid Manhattan night. Jamie’s jaw was still tight from the overdose call, the image of that girl’s blue-tinged lips burned into his memory.

Anthony Renzulli

You alright, kid?

Jamie Reagan

blinks, forcing himself to focus Yeah. Fine.

Renzulli studied him for a second too long, then nodded toward the windshield.

Anthony Renzulli

Good. ’Cause we got company.

A block ahead, the streetlamp flickered, casting stuttering pools of light onto the cracked pavement.

Anthony Renzulli

voice dropping See her?

Jamie’s gaze followed Renzulli’s. A girl, barely more than a silhouette, stood half-hidden in the shadow of a boarded-up bodega. Her arms were wrapped around herself, like she was holding something together.

???

takes a step back as the cruiser slows, then stops

Anthony Renzulli

Let’s make this quick. Stay behind me unless I tell you otherwise.

Renzulli killed the engine and popped his door open. The dome light spilled across the girl’s face for a fraction of a second — young, scared, tired in a way that had nothing to do with sleep.

Anthony Renzulli

getting out, voice calm but carrying Evening.

She didn’t run. Didn’t speak. Just stood there, shoulders hunched, eyes darting to the dark alleyways around her.