Dammit. I’m so screwed.
The closer we get, the more my panic rises. If they bring it up right now…Elijah’s going to find out I’ve been lying to him.I can’t lose him.
What have I done?
I close the door as the two detectives find their seats in front of my desk.
I sit in the desk chair as Elijah rounds to stand behind me, grabbing the back of my seat.
“Thank you for meeting with us. It’s a stroke of luck you both would be here today.” She smiles, glancing between us both.
“Usually I’m here while Elijah’s away at school.” I explain.
“Ah,” she nods gently. “We’ve been assigned to Derrick Voss’s case, so it’s best that we get acquainted given the circumstances.”
The circumstances?
Sucking in a breath, she sits up in her chair. “Listen, I don’t want to waste your time, so I’m going to cut straight to the chase here.”
I swallow deeply. This is it. The truth is going to come out and I’ll be stripped away from Elijah.
Forever.
My worst nightmare is coming true.
I fiddle with the pen on my desk as I try as the panic inside me bubbles.
“We’re so happy there’s someone on this case. It’s time that Derrick Voss is found.” Elijah says behind me. His voice, harsh and upset. I know he cares about this just as much as I do. Derrick hurting me hurts him too.
His hand rests on my shoulder, stabling us both.
“Yes, that’s actually why we’re here.” She looks at me, her eyes drilling into my soul.
I hold my breath.
“There’s been a sighting. We had a tip that he’s been hopping through motels around the area. Under a guise, and with money, he’s been able to get around. We were almost certain he was planning to flee…but it seems as if something is keeping him nearby.”
I look down at my hands. Maybe they don’t know my involvement.
“Something orsomeone?”Elijah huffs. “We all know why he won’t leave. He probably wants to sink his teeth in Tobias one last time. You’ve gotta help keep him safe.” Elijah ramps up. I hold his hand, urging him to calm down.
“I assure you, we’re doing all that we can. We’ve had lookouts scoping all around, and if it’s okay with you both, we’re going to start patrolling your house. Maybe even have a parked car there.” She states. Looking at me, she continues, “If itisyou that he wants, it’d be best to have a post there. Is that okay with you if we set up some officers outside your house? You won’t even notice they’re there.” She tries to smile to soothe my nerves.
I nod my head even though the thought of not being able to leave when I have to see him makes my throat tight. What will he do if I defy him?
“Okay, that’s good. We’ll need a list of individuals that are safe to come around. But for now, I’d tell unknown guests to take a rain check.” She sits back, giving her partner a nod. He immediately takes out his phone from his pocket and starts dialing, moving to the other side of the room.
Elijah squeezes my shoulder. “This is good news, baby. We’re really cracking down on him,” he says quietly in my ear.
I give him a small smile, immediately feeling guilty. I wish I could tell him.
“Well, that’s all the information we have for you.” Jameson stands up, dusting off her black slacks. “Thank you for your time,” she says, strolling over to the door. She gives her partner a nod, and he joins her, swiftly hanging up the phone.
“Thank you. I hope you catch him,” I say, opening up the door.
She takes a step to leave, but something pulls her back. Furrowing my brows, I watch as thoughts visibly bounce through her mind.
“I need to ask something before I go. Something is gnawing at me and I tend to have intuition about these things.” She states.
