David meandered through the office maze and sat on the corner of Brandon’s desk. He handed his partner one of the cinnamon rolls. “Looks like you could use a pick me up.”
Brandon leaned back in his chair and released a contented sigh. “Absolutely.”
“How’s the research coming along?” David asked between bites.
“Not too bad. I’ve found evidence against Eddie Winters while waiting for our search warrant. I think we have our guy.”
“Good.” David licked his fingers. “How much longer before we get the go ahead?”
“Shouldn’t be too long. I’m expecting the paperwork by the end of the day. We’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”
“I don’t care if it’s earlier in the week than normal, I want this creep behind bars.” David skirted Brandon’s desk and plopped down at his own. He pulled out two handwipe packets he’d thrown in the top drawer from one of their food deliveries and tossed Brandon one.
Powering up his computer, he opened his email and closed his eyes. Sixty-two messages. He’d only been away from the station for an hour. He inhaled and got to work.
“Detective?”
David checked the clock at the bottom righthand corner of his computer screen. He hadn’t looked up in over two hours. No wonder his eyes burned. He opened and closed his eyes a couple of times then lifted his gaze to the receptionist. “What can I do for you, Bethany?”
A pizza box in hand, she grinned at him. “Giving up and eating at work now?”
He scrunched his forehead. “Not that I know of.”
“Well, the delivery guy said this was for you.” She placed the box on his desk. “Enjoy.”
He turned to his partner. “Brandon, you order pizza?”
“Nope. I plan to be home in time to eat with the kids tonight. You?” Brandon rolled his office chair next to him.
“Not me.” David lifted the lid on this pizza box. He shoved his chair backward and leapt to his feet. “What in the world?”
A large supreme pizza with cockroaches sat before him.
“Interesting topping,” Brandon deadpanned.
David rolled his eyes. “Thanks, partner.” Inching his way to the nasty insect infested pizza, his gaze landed on the inside of the lid.
He stared at the message written in red block letters.Stay away! She’s Mine!
Officer Hanes appeared at his side and slapped his back. “Who’d you make mad?”
He heard Brandon on the phone calling the county Crime Scene Unit to come collect his delivery as evidence.
“Not a clue.” He peered at the creepy crawlies again and shivered. At least the disgusting bugs were dead.
“Well, someone doesn’t like you.” Hanes leaned in and examined the words.
Brandon hung up. “You go on a date with a wrong girl lately?”
“No.” David glared at him. The man knew he’d only dated a few times since he’d arrived in Pinewood Shores. He hadn’t forgiven himself for letting down Brenda. His lack of attentiveness had gotten her killed. If he’d only left work instead of letting his job come first. “As a rule, I don’t date. You know that.”
“Had to ask.” Brandon pulled his cell phone from his belt clip and snapped a few pictures.
Hanes scooted a chair over and plopped down next to the detectives. “It has to be someone you’re involved with.”
David opened his mouth to respond, but the officer held up a hand to stop his rejection of the idea.
“Look, I’m not asking about women you have or haven’t dated. I’m asking if there are any new ladies in your life, including cases or casual friendships.”
