The only police detective in Sterling and Alex’s romantic interest. Patrick is skilled and dedicated to this job, and he has a deep sense of justice. He is also a devoted romantic partner to Alex, as he is kind, chivalrous, and charming. After saving Josie during the school shooting he develops a particular attachment to her, which causes him to constantly worry about her. He is also the only adult who manages to get through to her during the traumatized aftermath of the event. Toward the end of the novel, Patrick begins to suspect that someone else shot Matt, and realizes this conclusively just before Josie makes her confession. At the novel’s conclusion, he and Alex are expecting a child.