Page 21 of Cooper’s Promise

“What do you mean you were relieved he wasn’t in the parking garage? Had he accosted you there before?”

She didn’t answer. Anything she said would be held against her in the court of Cooper and Hudson.

“Answer me.”

“He never accosted me. He just was there waiting to talk to me. It made me feel uncomfortable. Normally I had people walk with me to my car.”

“Jesus Fucking Christ! You never told me about this? You didn’t think this was relevant information?” He stopped and went silent.

“I’m sorry, Cooper. Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you. This is on me. I should have anticipated this.” His voice was quiet.

She thought through what he had just said, and felt her stomach drop. “Cooper, it’s not your job to anticipate when I’m keeping information from you. I’m not your client.”

“Apparently you are. I should have been taking this more as a job, and I will. I’ll keep you safe.”

“I’m not going to be like that banker. I’m going to tell you everything now. I’m going to follow instructions, I promise.” She watched his grim face. He didn’t believe her. “Cooper, you have to trust me.”

“The only thing that matters is keeping you safe.”

“No. What matters is us trusting one another. I promise not to lie again. Not even a lie of omission.”

“I can’t take that chance. I care too fucking much. I’d die if something happened to you.”

There was a knock on the door. He gently set her aside and let the two detectives into her apartment.