No.“As I’ll ever be.”
A few minutes later, while standing just inside the precinct doors, Murphy quickly went back over the plan one last time.
“I’ll make the official statement. Say something about how, thanks to Eden’s involvement we now have a suspect. Assholes that they are, someone will most likely bring up the last case she worked with us. Eden”—Murphy directed his attention to her—“remember, your job is to stay quiet. Look nervous, uncomfortable. Even remorseful.”
“This sucks,” Garrett exclaimed from beside her. “What happened before wasn’t her fault and she’s just supposed to stand there and take their bullshit?”
“It’s okay, Garrett.” Eden put a hand to his arm.
The anger he felt toward the media on her behalf was strong, but not nearly to the extent of what she’d felt from Alex earlier. It made sense, however. Garrett wasn’t in love with her.
I love you.
Eden stored the memory of Alex saying those precious words in the back of her mind. She couldn’t think pleasant thoughts right now. As much as she hated to, she had to force herself to pull up some of the worst memories from her past.
Her father’s harsh, judgmental words to both her and her mother. The strange looks she’d received as a child and then later, as an adult.
The whispers and stares she’d gotten when that poor woman died two years ago, and worse, the things that had been written about her for months after.
It didn’t take long for old insecurities to begin seeping in. By the time she stepped out onto the precinct steps, Eden didn’t have to pretend to feel as though the world was out to get her.
Several gasps filled the air, and the incessant clicking of cameras and harsh, bright flashes left her blinking. Her heart felt heavy, and she had to work to control her breathing.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all.
“Good afternoon,” Sergeant Murphy began once the crowd became hushed. “Thank you all for coming.”
Eden stood stoically as he shared with the press what he’d prepared only a few minutes before. Murphy told them they had a person of interest whom they were looking into closely, and it was all thanks to Eden and her unique ability.
Immediately, the dozen or so reporters began speaking at once, shouting out questions and accusations. Just as they’d expected.
“Sergeant Murphy, everyone at home is going to want to know why your department would even consider partnering with Miss Westfield again after the disastrous results she yielded the last time she served as a consultant for your unit.”
“Seriously,” another misguided reporter snarled. “She let one woman die, already. What makes you think she’s going to be of any help this time around?”
“Everyone knows you’re a fake, Eden,” one woman accused her directly. “What kind of person are you to waste the department’s precious time when they could be out there, chasing downrealleads.”
The questions and verbal attacks continued on for several more minutes. Eventually, Murphy put a stop to it, assuring the press and everyone watching from home that the police and FBI were working diligently to follow up on all leads, and they were not solely relying on Miss Westfield’s assistance in solving this case.
His statement contained just enough carefully worded portions to lead anyone listening to believe that, while he was allowing her involvement, he didn’t really put a lot of weight in her findings.
Even though Eden had been expecting it, the man’s words stung. Too many times, the validity of her gift had been brought into question, and she was surprised at the level of pain still present in those memories.
“That’s all we know for now. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.”
Sandwiched between Garrett and Alex, Eden and Murphy ignored the questions and comments being thrown their way and went back inside the building. It wasn’t until Eden was back upstairs that she was able to take a deep breath again.
“I think that went well,” Murphy announced to the group. “Their response to your consulting on this case was exactly as I’d expected. With any luck, The Liberator will see it and take the bait.”
His boss’s comment had Alex’s eyes narrowing. “You realize that means we’rehopingthe sick fuck comes after Eden, right?”
Murphy’s response was a quipped, “Kind of the point, Bennett.”
Without a word, Alex took hold of her hand and led her down the hall to an unoccupied room. Shutting the door behind them, he pulled her to him.
Wrapping one arm around her waist, the sweet man tucked her head beneath his chin and kissed the top. “I’m sorry.” Alex rested his cheek against her hair. “I know that couldn’t have been easy.”
She pulled away enough to look up at him. “No,” she said honestly. “It wasn’t.”
