The forensic evidence backed up this theory. Not only had Rogan’s DNA matched all the samples that had been collected from the victims, but he had been spotted near Jordan’s hospital room multiple times. No one had noticed him because he was on staff, and he knew Jordan. When Spencer had reviewed more recordings, he’d spotted Rogan in the crowd the day Jordan was released from the hospital, and an eyewitness placed him near the hospital in a hoodie around the time when Emma was taken.

When Spencer had dug into Rawlings’s past, he’d also discovered that Rogan had been his counselor years ago. Rogan had built a connection with Rawlings via the food bank, and he had sent Tammy and Casey to interview at Rawlings’s store, knowing he might one day frame the man. The world of addiction was a small one.

Spencer slowed, shifted gears. “How are you feeling about the appointment?”

“You heard as well as I did. My sight might be as good as it gets.”

“And?”

“It stinks,” she said. “I want to see again. I want my old normal again.” She smoothed her hands over her jeans. “But I’ll deal with what I have in front of me, not what I wish was there.”

The car accelerated again. “Did Captain Lee speak to you about the new job?”

Captain Lee had called her this morning. He was transferring her to victim assistance. The idea had appeal, but she had asked to consider the offer.

“You’re well connected, Ranger Spencer. I only received the captain’s call this morning.”

“I didn’t mean to pry. But he ran it past me when he first came up with the idea.”

“I’m really considering it. I love working, and this job would allow me to use what I know. It’ll mean getting a master’s in social work, but that’s doable.” She had already looked into returning to school and learned that until she mastered braille, she could use audiobooks and readers.

“You haven’t said yes yet?” he asked.

She shrugged. “It’s always best not to say yes right away.”

“That the way it is with us?” he asked.

“My life is changing faster than even I can process,” she said. “I don’t want you making a promise that could end up being a burden to you.”

“There’s nothing burdensome about it, Jordan. I know what I’m getting into.”

“I’m not sure I do, but I’m stuck with it. You’re not.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Jordan,” he said.

“You’re a good guy, Spencer, and you’re loyal to a fault. Even if I became a burden, you wouldn’t leave.” His loyalty to Vickie was the proof.

“I’m crazy about you.” His voice was rough, heavy with emotion.

“I’m crazy about you,” she said.