Page 65 of Cross & Crown

of the books that had been recovered at the scene. “We follow

your books.”

“My books? No. No, you’re not pinning those on me for

when they go bust.” Nick smirked. Kelly snorted. “You’re

enjoying this too much.”

64

“Come on, babe, it’s a treasure hunt,” Nick teased.

“Youhopeit’s a treasure hunt, or you’re going to look stupid.”

“You’re the special consultant.”

“You’re the detective who called in the special consultant.”

Nick glanced over Kelly’s shoulder, then stood and stole a

quick kiss. “Come on. Let’s get some lunch before Hagan gets

back and I have to buy his food.”

They didn’t even make it to the stairs before Hagan caught

them trying to sneak out. “Fuck no, I get to interrogate the

boyfriend, damn you,” Hagan called to them. He grabbed

his coat off his chair, making it spin around and bang into

the desk.

They stopped to wait for him. Nick was chuckling softly.

“I like your partner,” Kelly said quietly.

“Yeah, don’t tell him that though.”

Kelly nodded, but Nick’s eyes were straying to the break

room, where the uniformed officer was still standing guard.

Kelly’s brow furrowed as he thought about JD sitting in

there alone, his mind turning over everything he couldn’t

remember. He knew Nick was thinking the same thing.

“Hey,” he murmured. “Is it legal and shit to take your

witness with us? Maybe new surroundings will get him

remembering faster.”

Nick chewed on his bottom lip, frowning, his eyes

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