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The receptionist stared after Annisa with a sour expression. She pursed her lips and muttered something that I couldn’t hear.
We didn’t have to wait long before I glimpsed the Monterey police officer walking toward us.
“Ms. Choi!” Officer Shin exclaimed. He sounded pleased, but he looked puzzled by her presence at the precinct and her decision to keep her wetsuit on.
Annisa gave him a wide smile. “Hello, Officer Shin!” Her voice was breathy, and she batted her eyelashes.
I arched an eyebrow at Aiden. He lifted a corner of his top lip, but he kept his face neutral. He was focused on Annisa and the officer.
“What brings you and Mr. Filipowski and Ms. O’Keefe to the precinct?” he asked, including Aiden and me when he saw the two of us next to Annisa.
When Annisa hesitated, Aiden said, “We thought we told the police everything when you questioned us at the beach, but our friend told us something that we feel might be useful.” He nodded in Annisa’s direction.
“Oh?” Officer Shin focused on Annisa. The corners of his mouth lifted when he smiled at her.
She hesitated for a moment, but she finally said, “I would like to tell you something about Trevor that I didn’t mention earlier when you interviewed us.”
“Go on.” His eyes were piercing. It was jolting to see the instant change.
Annisa looked pointedly at the others in the area. “Would it be possible to tell you in private?”
He nodded and said, “Alright. Why don’t you come with me, and I’ll call for Officer Frankel to join us.”
“Do you have to include Officer Frankel?” Annisa asked, to Officer Shin’s surprise.
“Yes, he’s the lead investigator for this case,” he replied slowly, and then he narrowed his eyes. “Is there a reason why you don’t want to involve Officer Frankel?”
“No reason. I just feel more comfortable talking to you.” Annisa flashed Officer Shin a seductive smile.
I didn’t realize I made a gagging sound until Aiden placed his hand on my back in concern.
“Are you okay?” he whispered.
“I’m fine,” I whispered back. “It’s just that watching Annisa flirt with Officer Shin is?—
“Cringy?” Aiden suggested when I couldn’t think of the word.
“Yes!” I cried out and burst out laughing. Aiden joined in with a muted chuckle.
Annisa glared at me, and Officer Shin shot me a questioning look. I quickly stopped laughing.
“Sorry,” I mumbled.
“Why don’t we go to an interview room?” Officer Shin gestured for Annisa to follow him. When he didn’t indicate for Aiden and me to follow as well, I spoke up.
“What about us? Could we accompany Annisa?”
He hesitated. But Annisa gave him that cringy smile, so he tipped his head and said, “I guess that’ll be okay.” Then he said to the receptionist, “Jessica, can you page Officer Frankel and ask him to meet us in room three?” Before he turned to walk down the hall, he waved his hand for us to follow him.
Annisa smirked before turning to walk toward the room. She seemed self-assured that she was in control of the situation.
Aiden shrugged and reached down to hold my hand while we tagged along. It felt weird that our date was overshadowed by helping Annisa, but I was happy that at least we were spending time with each other.
“Go on in, and I’ll join you all in a minute,” Officer Shin said, opening the door.
When we entered the room, the police officer asked, “Would anyone like some coffee?”
“No, thanks. I had some earlier,” Annisa replied at the same time that Aiden and I said, “Yes, please!”
