I spend about three minutes condensing the story, making sure to also include my dad’s personal relationship with Ms. Miller—I don’t want it to seem like I’m leaving anything out. Finally, I explain, “I was hoping if a truth probe was made available to them, we could forgo a lengthy investigation and possible prosecution.”
“What’s the husband’s name?” Lewis questions.
“William Bursa,” I supply. After hearing what Belinda had to say, I knew that would be an important tidbit, so I asked after she agreed to the truth probe.
“Any confirmation on the LoJack?” she asks, then demands, “Pen,” to someone that must be with her.
“Not yet. I haven’t even spoken to LaPointe yet today, but it’s definitely my suspicion. Things have been developing quickly.”
“I’ll send Agent Decker down with the equipment and a seer,” Lewis replies, sounding slightly distracted.
I’m taken aback, not only because she’s sending a seer and the probe, but because she’s sending it so quickly and with Ambrose—Agent Decker.
“I’m fully trained on the use of a truth probe,” I offer, partly to make it a little easier and partly because it feels a little weird to mix a piece of my new life with my old life. Ambrose and I have hung out outside of work a few times, just as friends and colleagues, but I get the impression there’s some interest there, and it could have been more than a friendship if I would have allowed it.
What has you all in a tizzy?Percival asks, and I miss a little of what Lewis says. I pinch my fingers and thumb together, telling him to hush.
“…a few hours away. And it will get him out of my hair,” she finishes. Ambrose is a juggernaut when it comes to work. He’s always looking for the next case as soon as one is finished.
“Okay, if you’re sure,” I agree.
“I’ll send Decker the details, you send him the address. I’m going to take a look at this Bursa fella too, see what kind of shit he’s into,” Lewis says, and I can tell the call is wrapping up.
“Thanks, I appreciate your help on this one.”
“That’s what I’m here for—oh, and Bishop, your request for the slipkey was approved.”
“What?” I chuckle disbelievingly. “I haven’t even submitted the—”
“I fast tracked it since you’re in the field,” she divulges like it was the simplest solution.
“That’s… Thank you?” To say I’m surprised would be an understatement.
“My motives are selfish, Bishop. You help close cases, and that’s my goal.” Her no-nonsense tone makes it clear she’s telling the truth, but she has to know what she did for me is a pretty big deal.
“Thank you,” I reply with more confidence this time. “I really do appreciate it.”
“Let me know how this shakes down,” she says before the line goes dead. I stand in the breakroom for a long minute, just staring down at my phone, astonished at how easy that was. A grin tugs at my lips until I remember I have to forward the address to Ambrose.
May I speak now, highness?Percival deadpans.
“Oh stop, that was my boss and I was trying to hear her.” I sort through my contacts for A. Decker and tap the text icon next to his name.
Me:SSA Lewis is going to brief you on details. I’m at the Hill Crest Police Station. 1910 Main Street, Hill Crest. Make sure you fill up your tank at or before Billings.
A. Decker:Already clued in. No need for gas when I have a fancy slipkey to get me where I’m going. Might need a ride home though.
“Crap!” I mutter.
I thought you only had three consorts?Percival states.
“I do—I mean I don’t. Yet. Why are you asking about this right now?” I look over and see my mink sitting on top of my computer bag.
You’re nervous and thinking about mating.
“Gods, I am not.”
Percival just gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me. I have no clue how his little features can convey so much.
