She waved a dismissive hand. “Someone had to come and talk some sense into you. I don’t know how much longer I can keep my job. Mind you, I deal with a waiting room full of ruffians every day, and that’s nothing compared to the surly monster Detective Chambers has become. He’s unbearable! Officers hide when they see him, and it’s your fault.”
Vivian cocked her head. “I told you he’d be miserable without you, but you didn’t believe me.” She turned to Estelle. “This one’s miserable too. It’s hard to watch.”
“Traitor,” I hissed.
Vivian shrugged and opened a new box.
Estelle planted her fists on her hips and shot me an accusing glare. “I don’t know what happened between the two of you, but something needs to give. I’ve never seen him like this before. He doesn’t sleep, hardly eats, and he has this devastated look on his face every time I open his office door and he realizes it’s me and not you. Honestly, my feelings are hurt. I’m worried about him.”
The ache in my chest tripled. Had he been having a difficult time? I talked a big game, but I didn’t want to see him in pain. It was the last thing I wanted.
“What do you expect me to do?”
“Go talk to him. He needs you, and the dolt has too much pride to admit it.”
“I can’t do that, Estelle. It’s too hard. You don’t understand.”
Estelle huffed. “I understand perfectly. You’re scared. Both of you are. You think it’s easier to stay apart, but it’s so much worse.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t go back. It’s for the best.” The tears returned, and I swiped at them with my fingers. An ugly cry was in my future as soon as I had a minute alone.
“I was afraid you’d say that.” Estelle crossed her arms and gave me her best look of motherly disapproval. She nailed it. “I can’t make you talk to him, but there is something I can do. I heard you’re investigating the case on your own, and by the looks of things, the rumor about you needing the reward money is true. I can give you a tip, something even Derrick doesn’t know about. All I can hope for is that you solve the case first and stick around. Maybe, given enough time, the two of you can work out your differences.”
I chewed the corner of my lip, my interest piqued. “You have a tip about the case?”
“Yes. Someone came to the agency to speak with Detective Chambers, but he wasn’t in. I collected the statement. I haven’t shown it to him yet, and I’m giving it to you first.”
“If Derrick finds out, he’ll fire you.”
“Then you and I will both be looking for jobs.”
Vivian snapped her fingers. “Tessa and I are going to travel to the Elemental Islands. You could come. There’s room for one more. Think of the damage three adventurous ladies could do.”
She nodded. “Not a bad idea. But first, follow up on the tip, see where it takes you.” She pulled a sheet of paper from her bag and handed it over.
I read the details. “Are you sure about this?”
Estelle pursed her lips and pointed to the door. “If I were you, I’d hurry.”
***
The alley was dark, and it grew darker the further I walked. Sunlight tried its best to reach the dirt-packed ground but left only shadows. Oily puddles and debris lined both sides of the brick walls, but I weaved around them, pressing on until I found the right door.
Estelle’s tip said a shipment of illegal herbs had been delivered to this location. The neighbors had heard strange noises and smells coming from a room on the third floor. It was only occupied during the night, and during the day remained empty. I glanced at what little sun found its way into the alley. There was time to search before the owner returned. Maybe this was where Ironhazel worked? There could be stores of belladonna root inside.
As I climbed the rickety steps to the third floor, the weathered boards creaked under my feet. If the room wasn’t empty, whoever was inside would know I was coming, no way around that.
An earthy, herbal scent grew stronger as I approached the last door on the left of the hall. I paused in front of the portal and put my ear against the wood.
Nothing. It was empty.
I went inside, squinting in the dark. With the shades drawn, there was almost no light. Pushing the door softly until it clicked, I reached into the bag at my hip and closed my fist around two small stones, heating their smooth surface to make a beam of white light appear. Moonstones were a safer, brighter bet than a candle.
When I opened my hand, the glow lit the room. It also lit an advancing figure. Fear constricted my throat a second before they barreled me into the wall, the moonstones landing at my feet. Strong hands clamped my wrists, dragged them over my head, and anchored them to the wall.
“Don’t move,” a voice commanded.
I couldn’t breathe. The force from hitting the wall had knocked all air out of my chest. I wheezed, unable to drag in a breath. While the face in front of me spun, black dots danced in my vision.
