"I'm not dealing with Morelli," Ranger insisted and they were both surprised at the rasp of his voice. It sounded like he'd been screaming for the better part of an hour.
He had, but not out loud.
"I don't think you have a choice. He's been assigned as lead detective." Ranger ran his hand through his hair, not missing the slight tremble of his fingers. Neither did Tank.
"We're going to find her," he said gently, "but first we have to deal with the cops and then get to the hospital. I'll head off Morelli to give you a few minutes."
He left Ranger standing in the mess of her bedroom and when he was out of sight, his heart twisted painfully in his chest making it difficult to even draw a breath. It was as if Tank's mere presence had been holding him together by rapidly fraying seams and now that he was gone they'd burst apart, spilling every shattered piece out into the universe.
