Sergeant Major Tilly remains silent.
“Is there a reason why this needs to be under military control?” I look around me quickly to check that no one can overhear my conversation. “As you said, it seems obvious that this is an open and shut case. Does the military need to be involved at all?”
He ignores my question. “I need you to keep an eye on this, Jones. And for God's sake, don’t let that girl put any funny ideas in your head. Connor Maddox did this. And I want this resolved by the end of the week.”
The phone clicks off, and I’m glad for it. His voice was getting more and more irate. I’m usedto people shouting at me. It’s part and parcel of being in the military, so I let it wash over me, despite the annoyance I feel. Sure, I’m here as a guest. But I can’t just take over a police investigation and get it closed following none of their procedures. Hell, I don't even know what those procedures are. Can any case be closed within a week? I would at least expect them to do their due diligence.
I slip my phone into my pocket and rub my eyes, kneading my knuckles roughly against my skin. My hazy vision focuses slowly until I see Katie standing at my side with a concerned look on her face. I pull my shoulders back. She’s out, and she looks okay, better than okay. She’s tired, as usual, but it doesn’t take away from how utterly stunning she manages to look under the fluorescent lights of the precinct.
“Did something happen?” I look at the closed interview room door. I would have noticed if they had brought Maddox out, surely.
“No, I’m fine. Are you okay, though?” Her brows knit together with a mix of concern and confusion. Her green eyes flicking between mine.
“You worried about me, princess?” I say, my voice low.
Her shoulders push back, and her chin lifts.
“I think he’s had enough for the day. Did you want to ask him a few questions, or can you wait until we get back from interviewing thefamilies?” she says, ignoring my question completely.
I’m exhausted. So fucking tired. It feels like my whole body has been tense for hours, and I could use an honest to God nap, a soft blanket, a kiss on the forehead, and a whisper of sweet dreams. Thank you very much.
“All good, I got enough for my notes for now.”
“Was that your boss?” she asks.
“Yes.”
“What did he want?”
I don’t hesitate before responding. She deserves to know what’s going on. “A progress report.”
“On what?”
“My lifestyle blog. How to cook your way into a woman’s heart,” I say, my face deadpan. “The case, obviously.”
“Obviously. I’ve tasted your chili. It was flavorless. I hope you haven’t put that recipe on there.”
“If I wanted to, princess. I could have a woman spoon-feeding my chili to me by the end of the day.” I smirk.
She steps forward, closing the distance between us as she lifts her chin. Even in her heels, she has to tilt that perfect face up to me. Her pink lips soft and kissable, her mascara elongating her lashes. She’s so pretty it’s annoying. I smell her perfume; it invades me like a parasite working its way into my system. I inhale deeper, like awelcoming host body.
“What you spend your money on is no business of mine.”
“You think I’d need to pay for it?”
“Oh, I know you would.” She sneers.
“Seems like you’ve thought about my sex life a lot, Katie. Why would that be? Maybe Saturday night gave you a sneak peek, and you want to know more. You just have to ask, you know.”
Her cheeks flush crimson, and I can practically feel the heat rolling off her. I half expect her to spit venom at me, but before she can open her mouth, we’re interrupted. Because I forgot we’re at her place of work. A police station. And instead of sparring with her, I should be focused on the murder investigation at hand.
“Dr. Murphy,” Detective Biceps interrupts, and Katie jumps back away from me. “Everything okay?”
“Perfect, Detective Williams. Would you mind providing the transcript of the interview? I believe Dr. Jones missed the last part.”
She turns away from me, the click of her stilettos warning the precinct to get the hell out of her way. She-devil incoming.
Detective Biceps is quick on her heels, arm muscles bulging out of the signature black T-shirt he’s wearing. I rub my face.
