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"There's something not right about Detective Flynn's interest in the case."
"In his interest in me, you mean," Jade murmured under her breath and Derrick looked down at her again.
"I won't deny there has been some personal entanglement between Detective Flynn, Detective Lockhart, and myself, but I swear to you that my interest in this case is purely professional. I recommend that we keep a close eye on Detective Flynn and investigate further. Possibly suspend him from investigation on this case until we have further evidence."
"Detective Flynn is also on call this weekend. Shall I call him in for questioning?" Sanders raised his eyebrows.
"I would recommend it, sir, yes."
Jade glowered at him.
"And Detective Lockhart? What do you have to say?"
"I'm not on the clock, sir. My opinion is meaningless here." She said the words through gritted teeth, and though Derrick wanted to argue with her, she was out the door before he got the chance.
He watched her go, and when Sanders at last dismissed him he followed her toward the closing elevator doors.
After waiting for the next lift, he ran into the parking lot and chased her down. She was just on the edge of the property, ready to walk out onto the street.
"Jade, stop. Let me drive you home. You can't—"
"I'm sick of being told what I can and can
't do. I'm not fragile. You don't have to—"
"You don't understand. This is bigger than your problems with me. These people are likely after you. They want to kill you. Get some Kevlar. Get some protection. Please, just do anything."
She stared him down for a long moment. "You didn't even consider what a fool you were making of me."
"What do you mean?"
"Dragging me in there, ignoring what I said in front of the supervisor, all of it. You can't force me to do what you want or think what you want."
"I know that."
"No, I don't think you do." She shook her head. "I'm not yours to save."
"But you are. You're mine."
"No, Derrick. You don't respect me. I can't...I can't deal with that. Not now."
"Jade, at least let me drive you home."
"No." She didn't qualify her answer. Hell, she didn't even change her expression as she said it. She simply turned on her heel and headed off in the opposite direction.
He wanted to jump in his car and drive alongside her, follow her if only to make sure she got home safe and sound, but he knew that was the wrong move. He'd check on her later. Make sure she was okay.
For now?
He was going to make sure Zac paid for this. Every last bit of it.
Chapter 10
"Shit." Derrick ducked lower in his car seat, watching as Jade stalked onto her front porch, bent over, and then picked up her morning newspaper. It was Sunday already and though he hadn't seen any clues about whether or not someone was watching her, he still wasn't willing to give up his vigil.
Even if she didn't understand the severity of the situation, that was fine. Even if she'd boil over with rage if she knew what he was doing—that was fine too. Just so long as she was safe.
In his pocket, his cell phone began to buzz against the seat and he thumbed it on clumsily, careful to make sure Jade hadn't craned her neck to look down the street and notice his all-too-familiar car.
