Page 15 of The Last Shadow

“Lots of times,” he jokes as we head to the entrance. “That’s why you still love me.”

“Funny. So?”

He stops right before the massive wooden doors that look as if they lead to a castle rather than an ocean side rehabilitation facility for the ultra-wealthy. “So, do you love this guy? I mean do you really fucking love him or is this infatuation with his good looks and money?”

I give myself a moment to consider his question, but I don’t need much time. “I love him. He’s not intimidated by my job or overly interested in it. He doesn’t think that because I handle murders every day at work that he shouldn’t treat me like a woman. He cares about me and my work. I love him.”

“Then I’m happy for you, kid. That’s all I ever wanted for you and if Richie Rich is what makes you happy, I’m on board. But they’ll never find his body if he hurts you.”

His words help release the tension in my body and warmth spreads throughout. “Thanks, Jay.”

“Of course. But make sure you give him hell about me introducing you to his sister before he did.”

My lips pull into the semblance of a grin that I don’t feel because I should’ve met his sister by now, shouldn’t I? She’s going to be family, sure, but more than that Damien has to know that we’d eventually find her in the course of our investigation. “I will,” I answer, and then we step inside.

A friendly nurse wearing a name tag that saysTaragreets Jay with a smile. “Detective, you’re back.”

“Yep. Needed to do things the right way. Think we can talk to Miss Wolfe today?”

She nods. “Miss Wolfe doesn’t speak. Her brother comes a few times a week and she’s getting better, but I really don’t think she can tell you anything. So don’t get your hopes up.”

“Never do,” Jay assures her and motions for her to lead the way. “Does she have any other visitors?”

“No, just her brother and the doctors. He’s very devoted to her.”

I step inside the room and shock pulses through me at the sight of the woman with thick blonde hair and when she turns, big blue eyes that are nothing at all like Damien’s dark looks.

Olivia looks me and then Jay, her gaze wary and her expression stiff. She doesn’t say a word, but her body language is speaking loud and clear about her obvious discomfort.

“There’s a call button right here if you need anything,” Tara says before leaving us alone.

“Hi Olivia, I’m Detective DeMarco and this is my partner, Detective Hawkins. We’d like to ask you a few questions about your time at Hope House, if that’s all right?”

Something flares in her blue eyes but it’s difficult to decipher because I haven’t gotten a good read on her yet.

Her gaze snaps to Jay. The change is instant and alarming.

Her breathing accelerates. Her fingers dig into the wheelchair’s armrests, tendons straining against skin. She leans forward, eyes wide and wild, darting between Jay and the door.

Jay shifts his weight. Olivia jerks back, her whole body tenses.

Fuck. She knows something.

I glance at Jay. He looks confused. Meanwhile, Olivia’s silent panic fills the room.

We’ve stumbled into something big here.

I sigh and stand up straight, staring at my partner. “Maybe this is a conversation that only requires us girls?” I’m trying to be subtle, but Jay is frowning and looking around as if I’m not addressing him directly.

“Why?”

“Because,” I say through clenched teeth. “She seems agitated by you. Maybe she’s uncomfortable.”

Jay snorts. “Maybe she’s upset because she’s in a loony bin.”

“Jay. Give us a minute.”

He throws his hands up, clearly annoyed. “Fine. I’ll go see if I can find anything else.”

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