Page 47 of D for Dead

Amy’s expression darkened from curious to pissed off. ‘I told you I don’t need to see any head doctor. I’m not nuts.’

‘Neither was I. I needed to talk stuff through, get it clear in my head so I could move on. The guy is good, Amy. I think he can help you, even if it’s how best to deal with everything going on.’

She stared at him, bottom lip pouting, as she wavered.

‘Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who isn’t involved. Someone who can look in with a clear perspective.’

‘I don’t know.’

Jake got up and, against his better judgement, went to her. ‘Hey, look at me.’

She did, golden eyes calmer, but glittery green fireworks threatening beneath the surface.

Her mouth was still pouting, bottom lip full, and, feeling himself stir, he focused his attention back on her eyes.

You’re on dangerous ground, Sullivan.

‘One meeting, okay? Let me set you up an appointment with Doctor Shinnick. You go talk to him and if you still think it’s a mistake you don’t go again.’

She hesitated for a long moment, eyes still watching his, and he tried his best not to notice as she bit into that bottom lip. ‘Okay. One session. Just the one and if I say no more, then you drop it. Deal?’

‘Deal.’

Mustering every ounce of self-control, he took a step back. ‘You should get to bed. I’ll call Shinnick in the morning. Get you an appointment.’

Forcing himself to turn away, he headed back to the couch where he had been before she’d started screaming.

Following his cue, Amy disappeared back into her bedroom.

The door shut. Jake had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

16

‘Another late night?’ Rebecca questioned drily, as Jake wandered into the precinct forty minutes after their shift had begun, shirt loose and tie unknotted.

‘Yes.’ He narrowed his eyes. ‘And not in the way you’re thinking, before you ask.’

He glanced at the Starbucks cup waiting for him on the desk and, concluding it would be cold, headed over to the machine.

Rebecca followed.

‘I wasn’t thinking or going to ask anything, but you are late.’

‘I had to wait for Boaz to relieve me before I could go home, shower and change. And Roxy needed walking.’

‘Perhaps you should have let Rivers take the shift, like he was supposed to.’

Jake pumped quarters into the machine and slammed his fist against it when the last one jammed. The coin dropped and his cup began to fill. ‘Rivers couldn’t protect his own dick.’

‘He wasn’t being asked to protect his dick.’

‘You know what I mean. He’s a wet behind the ears rookie and his priorities are all screwed up.’

‘Was it about him being a rookie, or was it more to do with you spending time with Amy Gallaty?’ Rebecca asked, deciding to cut straight to the chase.

She had noted the subtle changes in Jake’s behaviour towards the author during their last meeting, hadn’t missed the exchanged looks or the fact Amy appeared to be reciprocating. Her partner was treading on dangerous ground.

You don’t get personal with the case, Jake. You know better.