Page 51 of Girl Between

“Why don’t you let me be the judge?”

She shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer, but it’s still too …” She swallowed the emotion crowding her throat as she searched for the right word.

“Raw?” George asked.

It was as good a word as any, but it didn’t come close to summingup all the demons Dana’s last case left her with. Still, she nodded. “Yeah, raw.”

“Well, I’m a good listener if you change your mind.”

“Thanks,” she replied, meaning it.

“You’re a lot alike,” George said.

“What?”

“You and Shepard. He was always too hard on himself.”

“Still is,” she confirmed.

“Well, I don’t know what happened on your last case, but from what I know about Jake Shepard and from just getting to know you for a short while, I can confidently say I’m sure you both did your best in the situation. But I get it if it’s too soon to take on something like this. Either way I appreciate your help today and for lending an ear. It’s more than I could’ve hoped for from someone of your caliber.”

Dana’s cheeks heated, and she did her best to wave off the flattery. “It was nothing.”

George glanced at her, one eyebrow raised. “Nothing enough to keep your expertise on retainer?”

“I didn’t say that.”

He shrugged, still grinning. “Can’t blame me for trying.”

As they turned onto Royal, the towering white silhouette of Hotel Monteleone came into view. George pulled the truck up to the curb, parking next to the gilded front doors. A bellman stood at the ready to escort her inside.

As Dana reached for the door handle, George spoke. “At least let me take you to dinner tonight. I owe you a proper one since our last meal ended at a crime scene.”

Dana glanced at the hotel, knowing if she didn’t accept George’s dinner invitation she’d spend another lonely night with room service. Not that it was the worst thing in the world. The hotel’s menu was wonderful. But she’d come to New Orleans to experience all the city had to offer, and the culinary scene was as storied as the city’s history.

There was a surprisingly large part of Dana that wanted to say yes to the easy-going, charismatic detective. But an equally large part ofher was still conflicted thanks to how she and Jake had left things. “Can I think about it?” Dana finally replied.

George grinned. “Sure. But don’t think too hard. Especially on an empty stomach.” He winked and watched Dana exit the truck, not pulling away until she was inside.

49

I look downat my work. My skills are advancing. Gazing at the still body on the table, I feel nothing but pride. Soon I won’t even need him. Which perhaps is good because I’ve grown tired of placating my leverage.

The girl is proving to be more trouble than she’s worth.

A glance around my ward boosts my spirits. I know he doesn’t see it that way. I fear he never will. I hoped he would come around to the work we are doing, but that was naive.

I still resent that he can’t see the worth of this calling. Nevertheless, I will be rid of him soon. I just need to stay vigilant for now. Watch and learn. Keep the status quo.

I can justify my work. Sacrificing the few to save the many. To save her.

But still, I must tread carefully, masking my contempt with a facade of cooperation. So far it’s working. The police have yet to uncover the truth. And I aim to keep it that way.

For now.

Every move must be calculated, every word measured. I cannot afford a misstep, not when the stakes are this high.

The sun is sinking, casting a harsh light over the room andrevealing the shadows lurking in the corners of my mind. I glance once more at the girl on the table, her fate intertwined with our actions, her future written.