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I nod in acknowledgment, respecting Derek's privacy, but still wanting to offer my support. "Well, if you ever want to talk about it, you know I'm here for you too."
"Thanks, that means a lot," he replies with a smile. "Alright, let's get to work. We need to go over the interview notes from yesterday and see if there's anything we might have missed."
We make our way to our office, filled with our files and interview notes and the murder boards around the room. It's quiet, the only sound being the shuffling of papers as we take our seats.
Derek glances at me across the table, and I can't help but notice a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "You know, we make a pretty good team," he says playfully. "Maybe one day soon we'll solve this case and have a well-deserved celebration."
I chuckle, enjoying the light-hearted moment amidst the seriousness of our work. "That sounds tempting, but we might have a long way to go before we can even think about celebrating."
Derek leans back in his chair, his eyes locked on mine. "Oh, I have no doubt we'll crack this case wide open. And when we do, I'll make sure we have the time of our lives."
His words catch me off guard, and I feel my cheeks flush slightly as I smile in response. I can’t deny that I am attracted to him, but the constant presence of Truth and Dare currently in my life made it hard to think of anyone else.
The sudden creak of the opening door provides a welcome distraction, and my attention shifts to find Mark standing at the entrance with a deep frown etched on his face.
"Have you seen James by any chance?" he asks, his tone gruff and impatient.
Derek raises an eyebrow in response. "In his office, I assume. If not, he might be grabbing a coffee."
With a nod, Mark turns on his heels and exits the room, the door closing with more force than needed, leaving us in a moment of brief silence.
"He seems tense, too," I comment, breaking the silence.
Derek chuckles softly. "Mark's always a little on edge. You get used to it," before I can respond, he turns his attention back to the files. "Alright, let's get down to business. None of the interviews we conducted yesterday led to any new information. It's like we're hitting a dead end."
I nod in agreement, grateful for the shift in focus. "Yeah, it's frustrating. We should start reviewing everything again from the start. Maybe we missed something crucial."
Derek takes out a pen and starts jotting down some notes. "You're right. Let's go through each interview with fresh eyes, looking for any connections or patterns we might have overlooked."
As we delve into the interview notes, I try to maintain my focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps drifting back to Truth and Dare and the mystery files. I know there are details they revealed about the corruption of the victims, but sharing that information with Derek would be too risky until I knew what to do with it and who to trust. Besides, I'm not even sure I fully comprehend the implications of their revelations myself.
With each passing moment, the burden of the truth they shared with me feels like a ticking time bomb, threatening to shatter the fragile balance between my personal life and the investigation. I need to be cautious, to tread carefully, and to keep these secrets close to my vest until I have a better understanding of the bigger picture.
I find myself not putting all of my effort toward the case, knowing now that the “victims” weren’t innocent people themselves.
My heart races as I navigate the delicate balance between my duty as an investigator and the knowledge that I possess. The truth of the "victims" casting a shadow over my dedication to the case.
As Derek and I continue to review the interview notes, I find myself occasionally glancing at him, wondering if I should confide in him about the disturbing information I've learned. But doubts linger, holding me back from revealing the truth. The consequences of such revelations are unknown, and I can't risk jeopardizing the investigation or putting anyone's safety at risk.
Lost in my thoughts, I barely notice the passing time. It's only when my stomach growls loudly that I realize it's well past lunchtime. I glance up at Derek, who seems equally absorbed in the files.
"We've been at this for hours," I remark, finally breaking the silence. "Maybe we should take a break and grab something to eat."
Derek looks up, his expression a mix of surprise and realization. "You're right. I didn't even realize how late it's gotten. We definitely need a break."
He stands up from his chair, stretching his arms above his head. "I actually need to make a quick call. Why don't you head out and get some fresh air? Grab lunch without me. I'll catch up with you in a bit."
His suggestion catches me off guard, but I realize it's an opportunity to clear my mind and gather my thoughts. Besides, a break would do us both some good.
"Sure," I reply, offering a grateful smile. "I'll take a walk and find a nearby café. You take your time with the call."
Derek nods, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before he turns his attention to his phone. I gather my belongings and step out of the office, feeling a sense of relief as the cool air hits my face.
As I walk through the bustling streets, I find solace in the anonymity of the crowd. It's a chance to gather my thoughts, to sort through the tangled web of information and emotions that swirl within me.
While I long to confide in Derek, I know that I need more time to process the information from Truth and Dare. The lines between right and wrong blur, and the consequences of my actions weigh heavily on my conscience. I need clarity before I can share the burden of this knowledge with him.
Entering a nearby café, I order a light meal and find a secluded corner to sit. As I eat, I go over the mystery files in my mind, searching for any clues or connections that might help break open the case. The weight of the truth hangs over me, urging me to find a way to reconcile the information I possess with my role as an investigator.
