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Chapter Nine
Daphne
I wake up alone once again; this case is really putting a damper on my mood. I roll over to the side that Archer slept on, and it still smells slightly like his cologne. I inhale; I can get used to this. Minus the not waking up together part. I would love to be in bed all morning, cuddling with him. Not having a care in the world. I grab my phone from my nightstand, it reads 7:24, and there's a text from Nisa.
Nisa: Daph, you don't have to come in until 9 if you want. We are doing interviews now, so there might be a lead through there. Don't fret too much about the latex until these interviews lead nowhere.
Me: Sounds good, boss.
I should sleep in, but since I'm awake now, there's no going back to sleep. I would stay in my pajamas, but I like the feeling of taking my time to get ready, so I figure I'll start sooner. First and foremost, though, I need coffee. I go to the kitchen, rubbing my
eyes. Grabbing my favorite medium roast, I start the Keurig that my sister bought me. I hold my caramel creamer and begin to froth it. Whoever came up with frothing is an absolute genius whom I would love to thank in person. Making my coffee is like clockwork, and after I'm done, I figure I can take a shower and wash my hair. I don't wash it every day because the color lasts longer, but since I have time and my hair looks extra messy, I'll wash it.
Putting my coffee cup on my bathroom counter, I turn on my shower to basically the hottest it can go. If it's not burning my skin off, am I really clean? I strip and get in, already relieved by the hotness of my muscles. It takes a lot to basically stand all day in the same spot.
It's not like I work out or anything afterward to ease my muscles. The shower helps tremendously, and sex does, too. Not that I've had that since my crazy ex, Jeremy. But Archer would probably make me sorer, just in different spots. Thinking about him in the shower is a horrible idea. All I can see is him pushing me against the wall and slowly fucking me. I haven't masturbated in the rain in a long time, but now seems like the perfect time.
Slowly I start to pinch my nipple with one hand while the other one moves towards my clit. All the while thinking it's Archer's hands. I begin to rub my clit in little circles. Gradually getting more brutal and faster until I'm moaning, shaking a little with my release. That was a great start to the day. I wish it was Archer, though. He would definitely wash my hair for me in here without even being asked to. I start to work my shampoo in my hair and finish the rest of my little self-care steps. I should shave my legs, but today doesn't seem like a shaving day. Maybe tonight.
Finishing up, I get out of the shower and dry off. Going to my closet, I have no idea what I'm going to wear today. Nisa lets me wear casual if I'm just staying in my lab but more business-like if I have to be a witness at a trial. Today, though, I think I want to wear a skirt again instead of my usual jeans. I picked out a brown skirt and a muted orange top. It's almost Autumn, so I might as well start encompassing it. Autumn is my favorite season; the leaves are changing colors. It's not too cold but not overly hot and humid. D.C. is my favorite place to be during Autumn and Spring. The only thing I hate is all that pumpkin-flavored stuff. Whoever came up with
that is horrible. I much prefer the better Autumn flavor, apple. I could drink so much apple cider during these next few months. It's disgusting but so delicious. I haven't been apple-picking in ages, but hopefully, this year, I'll have time. Maybe Archer will take me. If not, I'll just ask my dear little sister. I should text her to see how she's doing. I grab my phone and know that it's already 7:47 a.m. I've got about half an hour before I have to start walking.
Me: Hey, Cor, sorry about not reaching out lately. This case is taking its toll on me, but I'm pushing it forward. I have so much to tell you, including a good-looking man ;). Want to grab lunch soon?
I set my phone down, knowing it might take her a little bit to respond. Grabbing my laptop and going to sit on my bed, I know one thing that I can do while waiting to leave. I call it 'online window shopping,' my cart is full on about thirty different sites. I think today I'm actually going to buy something for the apartment. Start making it my own. Hm, where do I start? Should I get something that would be 'Archer Approved.'
I go to my favorite unique furniture site, never having the
balls to actually buy something. Now, I go to my cart and see all the different pieces of furniture: a new coffee table, a new accent chair, a dining room table, etc. I need something smaller for this place. I click out of my cart and go to the website. I think I want a new space for my room to sit and read. I click the daybeds, trying to find something small enough that it will fit in the empty corner of my room. Right next to the window. Then I see it, the perfect piece that's been missing in my life. It's a pink little round daybed. It's beautiful. It has gold details throughout the fabric. Gold little flowers are subtle but stunning. This is it. I looked at the price: 466 dollars. Not too bad. I add it to my cart and save the rest of the furniture in my wishlist. Then I press checkout. Holy shit, I'm actually buying something.
With all the money that my uncle has given me, Cor, you would think that I live a lavish life. I press to submit the order, and it's done. Looking down at my laptop, I see that it only took fifteen minutes. My phone buzzes.
Cor Bear: It's okay, sis; I've been swamped with finishing this dress for a new client. I think lunch would be fantastic. As long as you're free, I can do tomorrow.
Me: I'll let you know later today. I'm sure this case is coming to a close, so if I finish everything today, then I can definitely do it. Love you.
Cor Bear: Love you too sissy.
Now, hopefully, I'll be done with the latex sample today. Even though Nisa said not to worry about it, I want to at least get ahead with it. Mainly because I found no other evidence. Well, I might as well leave now and get there early since I have plans tomorrow.
I start grabbing my things, the mental checklist going through my mind: phone, purse, and my apartment keys. Locking up, I leave my apartment and start walking down the street. It's always way too busy for eight in the morning. Everyone's got somewhere to be in this city. I could not imagine living in NYC; I already hate the loudness of this city.
I run to the Starbucks on my street and pick up a pink drink. One of my favorites. Then, I head to the FBI building. Walking the steps up, I see my favorite security guard, Eugene. He reminds me of a grandfather.
"Hi, Eugene." I smile at him and give him a little nod.
"Miss Daphne, how nice to see you this late in the day. I hope you got to sleep in like you deserve."
"I did sleep in. Just a little bit, but it felt amazing. I'll see you later, have a great day!"
"You too, and I know you can solve this case." He tells me that every time I see him. It gives me the boost of confidence that I need. I head down to the pits of despair. Hoping at least all the gloves were delivered to me this morning. Opening my door, I stop. There's an unwanted guest in here. I look Grey up and down. "Get out of my lab."
"Aw, come on, Daph, once upon a time, you used to love me down here." My mind flashes to him sitting across from me, eating
lunch.
"Yeah, well, I learned over the years that there are some people you can't trust. Now, the door is over there."
