Page 78 of Rookie Days

“But not impossible? In your opinion?” Ellie prompted.

“I guess not in theory. But do you really think that this guy spent the last three years slowly going insane over the death of his sister? To the point of wanting to punish the medical team involved by raping and murdering each one of them?”

She was emotionally detached, Ellie noticed. Saying‘Them’when she might have used‘Us’.

“Look, Jan; to be honest, I don’t know. But at this point, it’s all I have. I’ll know more after I talk to him. I need to square that away with Quinn.” She paused as she got out her phone. “Will you give me a minute to do this?”

“Of course.”

“Then if you don’t mind, I’d like to drive you home.”

“Oh.” Janet shrugged. “Right.”

Curt answer. Unenthusiastic, for sure. She followed it up by staring so intently that if her eyes had been laser, Ellie was sure she’d catch fire.

“Did I say something wrong?” she asked.

“Not at all.” Janet stepped forward without hesitation and she comfortably wrapped both arms around her neck. “Worried about me, Detective?”

It was Ellie’s turn to shrug.

“Honestly, yes,” she admitted. “And don’t tell me you can handle yourself and don’t want me around. We both know you could be next on this guy’s hit list. Even if I’m wrong about this, it’s still a risk that I—”

“Shhh…” Janet brushed her lips over hers to stop the flow of words. “I can handle myself but that’s not what I was going to say to you.”

“Okay. Then what?”

Janet continued to look deeply into her eyes, but now her gaze also softened.

“Don’t you know, babe?” she murmured.

As she laid a firm, possessive hand over her chest, Ellie was certain that she would be able to feel her heart racing. Emotion seized her by the throat and would not let go. She swallowed. Hard. Gave a small nod.

“I think I do know.”

“Yes?”

“Yeah.” Ellie caught her breath. “But I don’t want to guess, just in case I’m wrong.”

Janet might have felt her tremble slightly. In any case, she clearly saw and understood enough not to make her say it.

“I thought we were clear on this but let me tell you again,” she said softly. “I was hoping you wouldn’t just drive me home tonight, but that you’d stay. Not as a cop or a bodyguard, Ellie, but as my girlfriend.”

???

Five hours and some splendid rest in the arms of her lover later, Ellie knocked on the door of Apartment 15B, locatedin Stanley Beach inside of a new, luxurious housing complex. Mark Edison made his living as a freelance finance consultant. Whatever this actually translated to in practice, business must be good for him to afford this place. The residents here benefited from a full-time concierge, 24/7 security, and unobstructed views of the ocean in front.

“Would you fancy it?” Quinn asked.

Ellie considered then shook her head no.

“I think I’d miss the flavor of east Lewiston.”

“Gritty neighborhoods always taste the best, uh?”

“You got it, Lieutenant. Can’t sleep if it’s too quiet.”

Ellie did not add that her sleep has been outstanding lately, or the reason why, and Quinn chuckled.