Cold Case Colton. Addison Fox

you work others’ cases.”

      “Others that have a chance of being solved, yes.” Hawk ran a finger over the handle of his mug. “I’m sorry if this news hurts your family. I’m sorry for that, more than I can say. But it’s why I’m here.”

      “Livia Colton ruined a lot of lives. She tried to ruin mine and it ripped her a new one when she realized she’d only made mine infinitely better.”

      Hawk laughed at the wry smile and the epitaph Mac added to punctuate his point.

      “She’s the reason I have my son and the amazing women and men who I think of as my children. Livia gave me that and nothing can take that away. Nothing can change that, including any lies she told along the way. You do what you need to do. You find the truth for this family and you find the truth for my Claudia. She’s tough. She’ll stick.”

      “Thank you.” Hawk thought of the woman he’d observed all morning and knew Mac’s words for truth.

      “I only have one question for you, then.”

      “What’s that?”

      “Are you tough? Will you stick?”

      “I’ll do both, sir. And I appreciate the opportunity to prove it.”