Page 134 of It Starts With A No

“Okay. Yeah. I guess you’re right,” Clary said. “What about the man who held us up? Any updates on that?”

“We have found images of him picketing outside Movement.”

Seth sighed, as did Clary. She was glad for Seth that it had nothing to do with Jimmy.

“But getting any information out of the protestors has been …”

Seth laughed without humor.

“However, the very efficient SFPD has located him. Robbie Keeler. Police officers are on the way to arrest him.”

“That’s great.” Clary grinned. Thank you, Jesus. This is a great Christmas present.

“From what we gathered, Keeler begged for his sister to be enrolled into one of Movement’s clinical trials. She wasn’t accepted.”

“It isn’t your fault,” Clary said to Seth.

Seth merely sighed again.

Detective Murphy rubbed his hands together. “My captain’s spoken with Edward Eolenfeld. He told us, regarding Tamara, to do whatever we have to.” The detective clasped his hands together. “I know I shouldn’t ask this of you, but the two officers who left their posts … They were only doing their jobs. They heard on the radio that there was a fire nearby, and they were the closest to the scene.”

“Are they in trouble?”

“Old Mr. Eolenfeld is apparently very disappointed and upset. He’d given specific instructions to keep you away from the mansion.”

Clary tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’ll pay a visit to your captain.”

Detective Murphy’s eyes widened.

“If I were to tell Mr. Eolenfeld, he’d know someone complained. Not that you’re complaining. But he’s sensitive about people trying to get at him through me. I’ll handle it.”

The detective nodded slowly. “I’m sure you know what to do. I’ve never been good at playing politics.” He smiled and stood, then put a hand to his chest and bowed slightly. “Thank you—on behalf of the two officers.”

Clary and Seth got up and walked the detective to the door.

“Miss Fiore.” The detective paused at the door. “Andrea can be a little idealistic.”

Clary shrugged. “So am I.” Her answer made the detective’s chest rise sharply. “Not the right answer?”

“That’s probably because both of you grew up sheltered from much of the real world.”

Clary’s brows rose. “You know nothing about me.”

The detective held his hands up in peace. “Sometimes, being idealistic will only end up hurting yourself.”

“Maybe. Or maybe my God is bigger than all the disappointments the world has to throw at us.”

Detective Murphy sighed.

“You won’t change her mind on that,” Seth said.

Clary shrugged. “We’ll agree to disagree.”

“Have a good day, detective.” Seth closed the door.

“Aren’t you going to walk him out?”

“I’m sure he can find his way.” Seth tipped his head to the side. “Do you want to go back to sleep?”

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