Page 50 of Protecting Bianca

“I get it, Lizzie. There’s nothing for anyone to say. It’s between her and me. We’re the only two people who can fix this. But I realized a long time ago that you need two willing participants to want it to change.”

“Do you think you will ever patch things up?”

“No. But I’m starting to realize that I’m better off without her in my life.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’m here for you if you need me.”

“Thank you. Hug my brother for me and tell him he shouldn’t worry so much.”

“I will. See you at work tomorrow.”

“See you then.”

I was just about to put my phone down when I remembered the reason I’d reached for it in the first place.

I typed out a message for Ruby. ‘Hey, had the best time last night.’

‘Me, too.’

‘Lol, can’t wait to hear about your night. Did you have a date?’

‘Yes.’

‘Awesome. How was it?’

‘Awesome.’

I chuckled. Ruby was usually chattier than this. ‘Is there someone in the room with you now?’ Shit. I was probably ruining morning cuddles or something.

‘Yes. Sorry. Can’t talk now.’

‘K,k. Chat later.’

‘Later, babe.’

As I rolled over to put my phone away, my stomach growled. The enormous stainless-steel stove stared at me through the open bedroom door. But I grabbed the telephone receiver next to the bed and pressed the button for room service.

Jager

I’d been in Detective Khan’s office for fifteen minutes before he finally made an appearance. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said as he walked in, holding his laptop.

“Are we still waiting for your partner?”

“No. Chaudhary is checking out an alibi.”

“Is it the guy I told you about?”

“Please, take a seat.”

I was in a hurry to get back to Bianca, but I pulled out the chair in front of his desk as I felt he was the sort of guy who’d find it disrespectful for me to stand while he sat.

“So, are you looking into Jeremy Tagert?” I texted Khan yesterday after I’d done some research on Tagert and found some suspicious information.

“Detective Chaudhary is speaking now to someone who can corroborate his story.”

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