“Wouldn’t anybody?”
“Fitzy, I’m no sniper expert like you, and I wasn’t up there that day.But we all know you would’ve taken the shot if you could’ve.”
Ashton was tired of everyone being so quick to forgive him.Everyone except Summer, who was the only one who mattered.
But he just shrugged.“Thanks, man.”
“I’m sure all of this has been pretty hard on Summer.For a civilian, that woman has seen way more than her fair share of violence.Let things blow over with Harper.She’ll come around.”
Ashton wished he could be so sure.
He turned back as Jon Hatton called his name from down the hallway.“Hey, Harper has been spotted in a bar across town.We’re going to apprehend him, think he’s less likely to run if we go in rather than uniformed locals.”
Ashton ran down the hall.“I’m coming with you.”
“We don’t need SWAT for this one.We can handle him,” Jon said.“I just wanted to let you know.”
But Ashton was already jogging back toward him.“I know you can.I’m still coming.”
Chapter Fifteen
Summer felt numb.Had felt that way since Ashton left yesterday.
She hadn’t handled that situation well at all.She probably should’ve had him stay, gotten more details, heard his side of the story.Instead she’d asked him to go.
His face told her that was nothing less than he expected.Nothing less than what he thought he deserved.
She’d cried herself to sleep last night.It just all seemed overwhelming and impossible.
But now a day later, not quite so exhausted, she was seeing a little more clearly.
Learning that Ashton had been there the day Tyler died had caught her off guard.He blamed himself for Tyler’s death.
But Summer knew she didn’t blame Ashton.The same way she hadn’t blamed Joe when he’d wanted to take responsibility.Both Ashton and Joe had done their jobs.Sure, able to replay it over and over in their minds, they wished they’d done things differently.But like Lillian had said, playing God was tricky for mere humans.
Summer should’ve told Ashton that.She couldn’t bear to think he’d spent the last day and a half thinking she blamed him.When he’d brought Chloe’s fire truck by, the air between them had been taut with awkwardness.He’d barely looked at her.Their chats on the phone to make sure she was okay hadn’t been much better.
She knew he was needed at Omega Sector, but had hoped he would come by after work.But why would he?Why would he come back somewhere he obviously wasn’t welcome?She’d made him feel that way.
Now it was nearly 9:00 p.m.She’d heard from Ashton last at 6:30 p.m.when the guard switch had taken place.Patrick from yesterday was back.
She couldn’t let this go on any longer.She picked up her phone and texted Ashton.
Come over.Let’s talk.I don’t want things to be like this between us.
It didn’t take long for him to respond.
I’d like that.We’re on our way to arrest Curtis Harper.I’ll be over as soon as I can, but it might be a few hours.You’ll probably be asleep.
A pressure inside Summer eased.She and Ashton would work this out.He still wanted to see her.Hadn’t given up on them.Neither had she.
She smiled as her fingers flew over the phone.Things really would be okay.
That’s still fine.Especially if you can think of an interesting way of waking me up.
When he didn’t respond right away, Summer began to get worried.
Oh, I can think of quite a few.See you soon.I’ll have Patrick let me in.
