Page 4 of Dead Serious Case 5 Madame Vivienne

“Oh,” I say, understanding dawning. “She left us something?”

“Sounds like motive to me,” an unwelcome voice interrupts the conversation, and we all turn to see Byrnes leaning up against the wall close by, his hands tucked casually in his pockets.

“Detective Byrnes, Hadley and Mason have cooperated with your investigation as much as we are legally required to do so, but this is a private matter and does not concern the constabulary,” Mr Hadley says dismissively and I’m beginning to think the dislike for Byrnes is universal. He shifts his attention back to me. “I hope to see you and Mr Hayes within the hour.” He inclines his head again and walks away.

“That was weird,” I murmur.

“That seems to happen a lot around you too,” Byrnes says and I turn to him.

“Excuse me?” I muster my coolest tone with an extra side of go fuck yourself. I don’t even know why he’s still here.

“Oh, nothing.” Byrnes shrugs. “It just seems to me that death follows you two everywhere you go. First you’re caught up with Kaitlyn Fletcher, a killer with a penchant for murdering drag queens, then Maeve Landon, a black widow.”

“You two do seem to attract serial killers,” Chan hums thoughtfully.

“Like you weren’t right there beside me both times,” I point out. “Besides it was only two serial killers, not a whole bloody menagerie.”

“Seriously?” Aidan’s eyes widen. “You met two serial killers?”

“One of them kidnapped me and Tris then tried to kill us,” Chan winks at him.

“Wow.”

“It wasn’t just those two though was it?” Byrnes cuts in. “You also managed to get caught up with a highly publicised murder in Yorkshire.”

“That wasn’t actually a murder,” I correct.

“What’s wrong?” Chan chimes in. “Jealous that Danny’s managed to solve several high-profile cases and is getting the recognition he deserves for being a great detective?”

“Hardly,” Byrnes replies, his expression flat and his tone glacial. “It just doesn’t quite add up for me.”

“Oh, you can’t count?” Chan hums in mock sympathy. “You know, you can take a class for that down at the local community centre.”

“Alright, that’s enough,” Danny says firmly, his dark gaze rooted on the detective. “Byrnes, there’s no reason for you to be here. Whatever issue you seem to have with me is your problem.I’m not interested, so you can take it elsewhere. You may be assigned to Viv’s case, but you didn’t know her. We did. If you don’t mind, we’d like to grieve for our friend in private. So kindly fuck off.”

I blink in surprise and stifle a smile. Chan is not so circumspect—he laughs delightedly.

Byrnes’ cheeks darken in anger. “You can’t talk to me like that.”

“I just did.” Danny folds his arms, his expression cool as he stares down the other man.

“Byrnes, quit being a twat,” Maddie comments as she strolls up, tucking her phone back into her pocket. Sonia is at her side. “We’re wanted back at the station.”

Byrnes glares at Danny and leans in. “I’d watch your back if I were you.”

“If you were me, you’d be better at your job,” Danny replies.

“You fucking what?” He takes a menacing step toward Danny, but Danny towers over him, as unaffected and immovable as a rock.

I’m not gonna lie—I’m a little turned on.

“Byrnes,” Maddie snaps. “Don’t make me report you. This is still the funeral of a private citizen and you are here representing the department.”

“You’re just as bad as he is.” Byrnes sneers before spinning around and stomping away. Maddie blows out a resigned breath.

“Thanks for that, Danny.” She sends him a dry look. “You’re not the one who’s going to be stuck with that weasel all afternoon.”

“Sorry.”