“Look, I realize you took a trouncing with the Butcher of Sedro-Woolley case, but you were right.”

The name caused my heart to hammer in my brain. I opened and closed my mouth, but didn’t have enough breath to speak.

“You correctly identified the man who physically wrote the notes, Daday. It wasn’t your fault that the author of the notes was writing down what the butcher said to him.”

I wanted to jump up and run, but my muscles wouldn’t respond.

“I also have some idea of all that you went through, but—”

“Do you?” My voice shook. Five years. I’d spent five years battling demons. Learning how to walk again. Discovering my new normal, my new identity. I shouldn’t have been so shaken over Bram’s request.

His eyes had widened at my reaction.

I couldn’t leave him with the idea that I was a wack job. Why not? Did I want to admit that I liked him?

Taking a deep breath, I folded my hands in my lap and looked down. What verse had Scott Thomas sent? This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

I finally looked up. “In your obvious research on my background, you must have read about Clan Firinn.”

He shifted in his seat, then nodded. “A place for law enforcement to recover from their work-related PTSD.”

“That’s how they phrase it, but working in law enforcement today leaves most with emotional and often physical damage, as you well know.”

“Yes,” he said quietly.

“Sometimes . . . there’s an issue with . . . reputation. For different reasons. I’ll never be able to work in my field again—at least not on any case going to court.”

“Voir dire.”

“Right. As soon as I tried to qualify as an expert, cross-examination would expose my past. I know it wasn’t my fault that the wrong person was identified, but all any attorney needs to do with any expert witness is create doubt.”

Bram picked up the file folder and tapped it on the table. “So you’re not here at Mule Shoe to investigate. More to . . . observe and advise?”

“Right. If I think there’s more going on—and I do—I’ll step away and let the authorities take over. That’s why it’s better if you collect the evidence and record it. As soon as I write up my findings and get them to Clan Firinn, I’m out of the picture.”

“In that case, would you consider looking over the notes and just . . . advising me?”

“You’re persistent, Bram White.”

“When it’s something I want, yes.”