Gwen took a moment before responding and Val wondered what she was going to say. What could she say? Val was screwed. “You could tell Detective Gavin what you did, and then he tells the Morgans what you did when he gives them back their daughter’s key, and then we see how angry they get.”

Val sat down on the floor. If she didn’t sit, she’d fall. “I can’t do that.”

“No, you can’t. Dr. Maddox will have grounds to fire you, especially if the Morgans are pissed.” Gwen crossed her arms and circled the room.

“Gwen, this is horrible. I feel horrible.” Val put her hands up to her forehead, trying to grab a rational thought. “I thought I had plenty of time to return the key. It’s only been three days!”

“Val, I’m only going to advise you to do what I’m going to say next because I’m your friend.”

“Hand in my resignation?”

Gwen sighed. “Hold on to the damn thing and keep quiet. If you hear that Detective Gavin is looking for a key, well, that’s when you come forward. He knows that you found one. Just not that you kept one.”

Val shook her head. “The longer I wait the worse this looks. What’s my excuse then?”

“You forgot about it. But the need to find this key jogged your memory. Keep it as simple as that.”

“Thank you, Gwen, but that makes me sound guilty and stupid.”

“Dr. Maddox will have to fire you no matter the excuse if the Morgans are pissed. But Detective Gavin will still have a slim chance of respecting you, and helping you, especially if you give him evidence that helps with his case. Val, you’ll only have to give this key up if it’s important. And then he won’t care if you sound stupid or guilty, he’ll want the key. And he’ll be happy you have it. If nothing comes of it, throw the damn thing in the garbage.”

19

The next morning Val walked into the police headquarters and into Mitch Gavin’s office. His secretary said he’d be a few minutes, and to take a seat in his office and wait. Val nodded and let herself in, grabbing one of the two chairs in front of Gavin’s desk. He’d asked for this meeting and honestly it could be about anything, but all Val could focus on was the key.

After a few minutes Val glanced up as Gavin entered, carrying several folders.

“You look exhausted,” she said. He did. His tie was loosened, top button undone. Circles had formed under his eyes. A pang in Val’s chest, reminded her of how she felt about Gavin. She wasn’t only attracted to him, she cared about him. Maybe too much.