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“He did fucking WHAT?” I bellowed, slapping my hands over my mouth as Harley’s head jerked back, her eyes narrowed.

“Oh my God.”

I squeezed my eyes closed and breathed in deep, letting it out.

“I’m so sorry, Harley. Forgive me. That just kind of…slipped out.”

I sat down in the chair in front of her desk and watched as Harley plopped down in her seat, her features softening at my apology.

“I don’t understand. Did he say why?”

“Not exactly,” she said, giving me a look that expressed she was just as befuddled by this whole thing. “He just expressed some concerns over whether you were capable of keeping your personal issues separate from the job given everything you’re currently going through with Karl.”

Rage bubbled up in my blood. I kept my face blank, albeit it was much, much harder keeping my breathing under control.

“I told him you and I have already had this discussion, and I guaranteed him he had nothing to worry about.”

I nodded, remaining mute despite the heaving in my chest.

“It’s evident you’re upset by this.” Harley sat back in her chair and offered me a frown. “Personally, Charlotte, I don’t think he meant any harm. I think he’s just worried you’re gonna burn out from the stress. You are going through a lot and well, it’s no secret that both sides of your life have been clashing lately, so it’s completely understandable for him to be troubled.”

“You’re taking me off the case, aren’t you?” I asked, struggling to fight back the tears dotting over my eyes.

“Did I say I was taking you off the case? I was just informing you what was relayed to me so there wouldn’t be any surprises when you see them again.”

“Thank you for telling me.” I forced the fakest fucking smile I could muster in that moment. “I appreciate it.”

Harley nodded and then turned her attention to the file, grabbing it. I took that opportunity to swiftly slip the five-dollar bill behind one of the picture frames closest to me on her desk.

We sat there for a bit discussing the case and when we were done, I grabbed the file, my coffee, and was out the door again.

Now it was time to go pick this fucking bone with Detective Hutch.

fifteen

Phoenix

Igaped between both sets of flowers with my lips pinched, torn between which one I should select. The set on my left was an exquisite bouquet of freshly harvested red roses, and the bundle on my right was a bouquet containing an assortment of roses, daisies, lilies, and tulips.

“Hi there. Anything I can help you with?”

My gaze lifted and landed on a young girl in her early twenties with dirty-blonde hair and blue eyes. She was wearing dark blue jeans, a white button-down, and she was pregnant—about a good six to seven months. I offered her a kind smile and gestured between the two bouquets.

“I’m looking for something…not creepy,” I said with a tense chuckle. “It’s been a while since I’ve done something like this and let’s just say I’m a little nervous.”

“First date?”

“Something like that. I’m looking for something that shows I’m interested, but I also don’t want it to scream I’m trying too hard.”

The woman laughed softly. “That should be easy enough. Do you know what she likes?”

“I don’t,” I shamefully answered, frowning. “It’s hard to explain, but this is sort of like a blind date. We’ve spoken before, but never for more than a few minutes. This is technically the first time we’re meeting face to face.”

“And you never thought to ask her about her favorite flowers?”

I shamefully nodded.

“Well, you can’t go wrong with our variety bundle,” she said, nudging her head to the assortment on my right. “Not only is it our best seller, but it’s the perfect option for those who find themselves in situations much like the one you’re in. Now, there are some women who can be particularly picky about their flowers, but me personally, I prefer variety. There’s a unique art to arranging them, but if done correctly, you’d be amazed at how much beauty and magic one simple little flower arrangement can bring to someone’s life.”