Page 50 of Black Bird

“Making sure they stay in their lane. Part of the job description.”

“Are you my bodyguard now?” Sarah couldn’t help the smile that crept up the corner of her mouth.

“You’re the center of this case. You can call it whatever you want.”

“Just as long as I don’t invite you out for drinks, right?”

She watched him stiffen against the doorway and couldn’t help but wonder what was running through that carefully guarded mind. The longer they stared at each other the more tension she felt permeating through the space between them. She couldn’t even use the termhot… orfine… the dude was just downright beautiful. Sarah struggled to find any other word to describe him and found herself unable to remember any other time she’d ever thought that about a man. She didn’t even feel that way about her high school boyfriend … and he had been her first.

“Nervous?” He croaked.

It took her a moment to realize he was asking about the damn job. Sarah swallowed and tore her eyes away from his, clearing her throat. “No, I’m good. I just hate waiting. If I’m working, I like to stay busy. I spend enough time sitting still at home.” A shadow moved across the wall in the hallway and a man appeared next to Kane. They looked at each other and she could have sworn the temperature dropped in the room.

“Detective.” The man dipped his chin and offered a hand. Kane ignored it and he lowered it back down in embarrassment. He then turned toward Sarah and stepped into the room. “You must be Sarah. I’m Nick Specter. We’re glad to have you with us.” He extended the gesture to her instead, and she took it, shaking gently. “Welcome to EverLife.”

“Thank you, Mr. Specter. Do you uh …” She glanced between them. “You two know each other?” The two men exchanged looks again.

“Unfortunately.” Kane crossed his arms.

“Are you here to see me? Or …?” Specter asked, pointing with a thumb toward her.

“Later,” Kane said simply, giving him a firm stare.

“I see.” Sarah smirked, turning away from them, and flexing her ankle as it continued to dangle over the floor.

“Well, I won’t keep you. I just came to introduce myself. Please feel free to come to me with anything. Door’s always open,” Specter offered. Sarah smiled over her shoulder, and he nodded, smiling back before taking another look at the detective and scurrying off. She watched Kane’s eyes trail after him before he turned himself back toward her.

“What was that about?” she asked.

“Don’t forget what you know, Sarah. Keep your eyes peeled for weird shit that doesn’t add up. I need you to promise me you’ll keep us updated.”

“I promise.” She nodded.

Another long pause, and their eyes seemed to always end up meeting again. He started to smile a little. Sarah shrugged and shook her head, prompting him to speak.

“You’re not wearing the shirt?” He snorted.

Sarah chuckled and looked down at her attire. “Not today.”

“Oh … hi there,” the young girl said, scooting around Kane as she bounced into the room. “Can I help you?” She was just being polite…Sarah knew that. But the way she smiled at him set her blood on fire.

“He’s not here for you.” She growled, earning attention from both of them, Kane especially. She caught the look of surprise on his features.

“Oh, I’m—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean …”

“You’re fine. I’m sorry … just nerves.” Sarah pinched the bridge of her nose in shame. She had been right when she told Rhaena she was losing control of whatever this darkness was in her. There had to be some way to get it back.

“What’s this?” Kane asked, gesturing to the white material wrapped in clear plastic that the girl held in her arm.

“Oh, this is your lab coat, Miss St. James. I’ve also got a bag full of gear.” She raised a black drawstring bag hanging from her elbow. “And your badge.” She extended her arm and handed Sarah the card. The picture wasn’t bad. Kane shuffled against the doorway and grinned.

“What?” Sarah sneered, staring him down.

“Oh, I’m staying to see this, at least.”

“You’re the worst.” Sarah griped, taking the items, and unwrapping the lab coat. It was stiff, but it would do for today. She stood and shrugged it around her, clipping the badge onto the pocket. Kane snickered.

“Okay,bye,” Sarah said, rolling her eyes and shoving him in the shoulder. The girl giggled at them, and he stepped out into the hall. “You’re not staying. Go find someone to beat the shit out of.” It was hard for her to keep the smile from her face. It seemed hard for him too, but she tried not to read too much into it. Sarah kept reminding herself that he was a professional and pushing whatever this was would only be an obstacle. He’d made that clear enough.

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