Page 69 of Last Date

“Good heavens,” gasped Ms. Holsten.

“Detective Bergen,” Merrick rumbled. “How about you stop spreading rumors? Let’s talk to Mr. Tiegerman and get the actual story.”

Shrugging, Detective Bergen said, “Fine with me.”

Merrick smiled at Ms. Holsten. “Sorry. Detective Bergen gets a little carried away sometimes.”

She beamed under Merrick’s attention. “It’s okay. I understand.”

Merrick addressed the uniformed officer. “Call down and have Mr. Tiegerman taken to interview room three. Detective Bergen and I will do the interview together.”

“Okay, sir.”

“Once you’ve done that, I’d like you to take Ms. Holsten’s statement.”

The officer nodded. “Absolutely.”

Detective Bergen frowned. “Which room did you say, Chief?”

“Three,” Merrick said.

“Got it.” Detective Bergen strode off down the hallway.

“Hey, Bergen,” Merrick called out.

Detective Bergen stopped short. “Yeah?”

“Wait for me. I’ll be there in ten.”

“Okay,” he muttered, looking annoyed. “You know, I can handle this interview just fine without help, Chief.”

“Wait for me,” Merrick said in a growly voice.

“Fine, I’ll wait,” Detective Bergen muttered, continuing on his way.

Merrick moved toward me, and he pulled me to the side. “I should have taken you back to your shop. I got caught up in the moment.”

I laughed sheepishly. “I was curious about what was happening, so I didn’t mind.”

“I’m afraid I’m stuck here now.” His breath hitched. “Will you be insulted if I have one of my officers drive you back?”

I sighed. “No. I figured you’d get rid of me as soon as you remembered I was here.”

“I’m not trying to brush you off,” Merrick said.

“I know. You have work to do. I’m glad there’s some movement in the case.”

“Okay.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but he hesitated.

“Uh… I’ll just go wait outside for your officer.” I started to move toward the entrance, but Merrick grabbed my hand.

“Hey, Kip.” He sounded nervous.

“Yeah?” Turning back to him, I tried to ignore the feel of his fingers on mine.

He let go of my hand, giving an uneasy laugh. “I was thinking, maybe I can come by your place later. After work.”

“You want to come to my house?” My heart rate picked up alarmingly.