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I appreciate Derek's protective nature, but I don't want him to worry even more. "It's okay, Derek. I'll be fine. I just need a little longer."
He studies me for a moment before reluctantly nodding. "Alright, but promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise," I assure him with a small smile, trying to ease his worries. "I won't be long."
Derek gives me a half-smile, still not entirely convinced, but he gathers his things and heads toward the elevator. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow."
With that, Derek disappears into the elevator, leaving me alone in the office.
I work for another hour, but I know I’m not going to get anywhere with the files in front of me. There is nothing in them that will help, no new information is suddenly going to appear on the reports we have been over a million times.
At one point, my phone buzzes with a message, and my heart skips a beat. I see on the screen that it's Tristan and I open it straight away hoping it's a breakthrough. But it’s not, it's just a simple update with no significant progress. They're still working on finding the information we need, but haven’t found it yet. My frustration resurfaces, but I try to remind myself that finding the truth takes time, and Tristan and Max are doing their best.
I forward the update to Derek, who also seems disappointed, but understands the process.
With a sigh I go and freshen up so that I can head to the meeting. I thankfully don’t look like a complete zombie and the makeup has held up well for the day.
As I walk through the quiet office, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. The place feels different at night, the shadows seem darker, and every sound echoes louder. I reach the elevator and press the button to go down to the parking garage.
The wait feels like an eternity as I stand there. It’s already past 11pm and after looking at photographs of dead women and crime scenes, the building is now giving off an eerie feeling, as though the walls and windows themselves are screaming for answers and demanding I tell the world what I know.
I look around the hallway once more, trying to shake off the feeling, when the elevator finally arrives. When I look at the opening doors, however, I stop, my body not wanting to take the step forward.
The doors automatically start closing, but of course one of the occupants already inside does the courteous thing, holding them open for me.
“Hey, Darling,” Agent Travis says to me with a smirk.
Agent Decker tilts his head as his eyes narrow at me. “Hop on, there’s plenty of room in here for you too.”
I hesitate still and Agent Travis chuckles in response. “We don’t bite.”
The words send a chill down my spine, but it would be beyond strange for me to not get into the elevator with them, no matter how much they set me on edge. I step into the elevator and they make room for me to stand at the back, while they stand to either side, their bodies turned toward me.
They both continue to look at me intently, not speaking for a moment, as I feel their eyes raking over me. My heart races as the elevator begins to descend, and the silence in the confined space feels suffocating.
Agent Decker breaks the silence first, his voice laced with amusement. "So, how's the investigation going, Agent Darling?"
I glance at him briefly before shifting my gaze to Agent Travis, who is studying me intently. "It's progressing, you know I’m not going to give you anything other than that," I reply, keeping my response vague.
Agent Travis smirks, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "You're looking very… lovely, considering the hour. Heading somewhere special, Agent Darling?"
He slides closer, raising an arm to lean against the wall beside me. He’s trying to intimidate me, leaning over me to assert his dominance.
I swallow hard, trying to maintain my composure despite the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. "Just some business to take care of," I reply, keeping my response vague.
Agent Decker's gaze remains fixed on me, watching my reactions like a hawk, and I can sense that there's more to this encounter than a chance meeting in the elevator.
Agent Travis leans in closer, a sly grin playing on his lips. "You know, it's not safe for a pretty little thing like you to be wandering around alone in the dark. There are all kinds of dangers out there."
I press my back further into the elevator wall, my unease growing. "I can take care of myself," I say firmly.
Agent Travis chuckles, his voice low and husky. "I'm sure you can, but wouldn’t it be helpful to have us watching your back, maybe your front too."
His words send shivers down my spine, but I refuse to show any emotions. Instead, I meet his gaze with a firm look. "I don't need your help, especially not at midnight in an elevator."
Agent Decker smirks, seemingly amused by our exchange. "Feisty, Agent Darling. I like that."
Chapter 30
