“I’m not saying it’s not possible. Show a little patience.”
“And wait while you solve the case that was assigned to me,” Jesse said. “I like you, Bryce, but I don’t know if I have it in me to be that patient. You’re stepping into a hydra here and you’re going to need all the hands you can get. So use me.”
They made eye contact. Jesse tried to plead with his eyes, but he also couldn’t help feeling a surge of righteous indignation that he might lose the opportunity to prove he was useful. Bryce tried to stay closed off, but Jesse spotted worry, and finally Bryce sighed and surrendered slightly.
“I will see what I can do, but I’m not risking you or the department or my job by running around half-cocked. Go home, Jesse. And if you won’t go home, then go to work. Just stay out of our way until I bring you in. Please.”
Jesse ought to hand over the slim black volume tucked away in his messenger bag, but he wouldn’t get his hands on any more evidence from the apartment. He needed to know more about the cult, the creatures, and that place, and he didn’t need Bryce to protect him from the truth.
He took off his latex gloves and shoved them into his pocket. “Fine. I’m going to work. I’ll try not to get my hopes up.”
As Jesse went out into the hall, Bryce followed him. “Jesse, wait.”
There was a plea in his voice, and Jesse found his breath gone for another reason. Life wasn’t fair, making Bryce irresistible and then setting them up against each other. He turned toward Bryce and fought to keep his voice neutral. “What?”
“Be careful,” Bryce said. “Whoever attacked you did so for a reason. If they got a good look at you, they might try again.”
“You’ve got to stop worrying about other people,” Jesse said. “You’ll go gray before your time.”
“I’m not joking.”
“I know.” If nothing else, Bryce was sincere to a fault. Jesse grabbed Bryce’s hand lightly and squeezed. “I’ll be careful.”
Bryce squeezed his hand back and then they were heading in opposite directions.
Damn, Jesse really hoped stealing the book wasn’t going to bite him in the ass.
