Page 98 of Dancing in the Dark

“Which means we’ll probably get more complaints soon,” Archer adds. “He’ll say we’re moving too slow and our vic deserves cops who don’t waste their days sitting at a desk.”

“I suggest you record every conversation you have with Deputy Legal Counsel Markum from now until this matter is closed.” Sitting back in his chair, Fabian sets his elbows on the armrests and tangles his fingers together in the middle. “I suggest you take care with every page you file, every warrant you request, and every subpoena applied for. Cross your t’s. Dot your i’s. This case will end up in front of a judge at some point, so ensure it’s airtight. If things continue the way they have been, it’s entirely possible you’ll end up the subjects of an internal affairs investigation.”

“But that’s not fair!” I bite out. “We’re doing the job, Lieutenant! We’re doing it well.”

“Unfortunately, all three of us know life is rarely fair. Be proactive, not reactive. Document every step you take.” He swings his gaze across to mine. “And if my assumption as to the identity of Markum’s ex-fiancée is correct, then you might consider requesting an audience with the mayor.”

“You want us to snitch to her boss?” I growl. “About petty jealousy and bullshit?”

“Markum already has access to Lawrence. In fact, I attended a briefing with Ms. Lewis, Mayor Lawrence, and Deputy Legal Counsel Markum a few days ago. Don’t consider it snitching, Detective Fletcher. Consider it equal representation.” He shifts his gaze to Archer. “Too often, connections matter more than conduct. It’s not right, but it’s reality. Use yours, push this investigation forward, and get Ms. Waltham the justice she deserves.” He flicks a hand toward the door. “Go. Move quickly, but carefully.”

“Yeah.” I shove to my feet and wait for Archer to move ahead of me. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”

“And, detectives?” He pulls us up short, even with Archer’s hand on the doorknob. “You’re racing against the clock now. Close this case before he escalates, otherwise the bay investigation will be reassigned, and IA will still be a problem for you. Get it squared away.”

“Yes, Lieutenant.” I grit his name through tight teeth and follow Archer through the door. “I’m not saying I want to strangle that motherfucker, but I’m saying he’s lucky I’m broke enough that I need this job.”

“Just looking at him makes me fantasize about living on a superyacht in the Caribbean.” Arch beats me to our desks by a single second and drops with twin grunts—him and the chair. “It’d be easier to have the dude reassigned.” He glances across, his eyes twinkling. “A special Malone version of reassignment.”

“Yeah, cos that sound bite will help us once IA get their claws in.”

He snickers. “There’s enough room on that yacht for you and Moo, too. You can bring Fifi if you wanna, but if you do, you’re gonna have to lift the ban on talking about your relationship.”

“Shut up.”

37

SERAPHINA

I fold over my bathroom vanity and study my smoky makeup in the mirror. My long lashes, made twice as long after two coats of mascara. The sharp lines drawn around my lips to make them look larger than they actually are. And now, the crisp red lipstick I apply on top.

All the while, Mia’s chattering laughter echoes from my phone.

“Me and Cato are gonna have a sleepover at my house, Fifi!”

“Really?” I already know this, but simply hearing her voice makes my heart happy. So I let her tell me more. “Will he share your daddy’s bed, too?”

She cackles. “No, silly! Daddy would hate that. Cato said he would sleep on my couch, but I said I would miss him too much, especially cos Daddy’s working tonight. So then he said he would sleep in my room, but only if I let him cuddle my red Care Bear.”

I gasp, and then I snicker, because I’m not even totally sure if the sound was fake or real. “What did you say?”

She lowers her voice, “I said yes, but don’t worry, cos once he goes to sleep, I’ll sneak it out of his hands and cuddle it for myself.”

“That’s a bit sneaky, huh? Are you sneaky, Mia Charlotte?”

“A little,” she giggles. “But Cato never minds when I’m sneaky. How come you can’t come over instead?”

“Because once a month, every single month, I go to a place that lets me dance in the dark.” I lower my tube of lipstick and study my lips. “It’s tradition for me, so even though I love spending time with you, I also really love this. Why do you want me to come over, anyway? Don’t you like it when Cato hangs out with you?”

“I love it when Cato hangs out wif me! And I love it when you hang out wif me. If you both came over at the same time, that would be even funner, don’t you fink?”

“Well—”

“Can I come wif you, Fifi? I love dancing in the dark, ‘member?”

“I’m sorry, baby, but you can’t.”

“Why not?”