“You need to talk about it eventually. It’s been seven years, and you still see yourself through her eyes. When are you going to quit punishing yourself? She never should have placed such unreasonable demands on you.”
“I said, stop!”
Vivian didn’t understand. She’d never failed at anything. She’d never had to live within the confines of disappointment. If Derrick learned the truth, he’d see how desperate I’d become. The depths of my failure would be on full display. I was already a laughingstock among my mothers’ past clients, and I couldn’t stand to be one in his eyes too. The entire kingdom could joke behind my back so long as he wasn’t in on the punchline. To make matters worse, I’d already crossed the line by keeping my association with Argus a secret. My quest for the reward, no matter how much I needed it, was enough to taint my motivations.
Vivian placed a hand over mine. “All I ask is that you think about it. Give Derrick the benefit of the doubt. He might surprise you.”
***
Her words stayed with me as I walked toward the agency. Some of my resolve had crumbled, but I wasn’t ready to reveal everything, not until I was sure I could handle the repercussions.
I stood outside Derrick’s office gathering the courage to knock. Part of me was nervous to show him the box with the slipper, and the other part couldn’t stop replaying our kiss in the carriage. Guess which part won? I smiled as I remembered the feel of his mouth, hot and insistent, against mine, and the way his fingers threaded through my hair, molding my body against his. A perfect fit.
Everything had faded away—all the secrets and lies, the case. Nothing else had mattered for a brief moment.
The door opened while my hand was still hovering in the air. Derrick halted in front of me, a stack of folders tucked under his arm.
“Hi.” I cringed at my lame greeting. Couldn’t I think of anything better to say?
“Good morning, Tessa.”
“Are you headed out?”Wow.What a scintillating conversation.
He glanced at the folders and nodded. “I have a meeting with the director to go over the events of last night.” The corner of his mouth lifted. “Well, not all the events of last night.”
I smiled, and some of my nerves slipped away. “Don’t tell me the honorable Detective Chambers is keeping secrets from his superior? I’ve corrupted you.”
He pulled me into his office and shut the door. I backed up against it.
“Corruption is a strong word,” he murmured, cupping a hand around my cheek, warm and solid. I was desperate to lean into it. “It’s more like I’m trying out your investigative methods.”
“Well, I’ve been called an asset before, but it’s nice to see you finally realizing it.”
Derrick’s thumb traced my bottom lip. “I wouldn’t go that far.” But the heat in his eyes said otherwise. “What do you have behind your back? You’re hiding something.”
With a heavy sigh, I showed him the box containing the slipper. Derrick clenched his jaw in silence while he read the note. I placed my hand on his chest to feel the vibration of anger beneath my palm.
“Before you say anything—”
“The killer knows where you live. He’s watching you.”
“It wouldn’t be hard to find out. It’s not like there’s an abundance of witches in the kingdom, especially not involved in the investigation and romantically linked to the lead detective.”
Derrick scrubbed a hand over his face, concern darkening his features. “We should have kept your association a secret. We shouldn’t have flaunted it.”
“I don’t agree. I think this means we’re getting closer, striking a nerve. The killer wouldn’t lash out like this otherwise. Why risk it?”
“Because the killer thinks they’re in control, that they can manipulate the investigation by issuing threats. If you’re right, and we’re getting close, a threat like this might make us sloppy.”
“But we won’t be.” I searched his gaze.
“No, we won’t. But I don’t want you to stay alone at the magic shop anymore.”
I didn’t relish staying alone either. I might be downplaying the slipper for his benefit, but the gift had me worried, and the shop no longer felt safe. Besides, it wasn’t like I had any real customers. After the article in the paper, everyone only wanted a glimpse of the witch who’d enchanted the kingdom’s lead detective. That wouldn’t have bothered me if it also meant they’d part with their money, but so far, it hadn’t worked out that way.
“I can stay with Vivian in town. It’s closer to the agency.”
“That will work. I’m in meetings all day, but Abrams should be available soon. He can take you back to your shop to get your things. Let him escort you to Vivian’s this evening.” Derrick gave me an adamant look.
