Page 36 of Criminology of a Character

Bel swallowed as a cameraman strained to get a better view of their conversation, and her fingers twitched involuntarily for her phone. The urge to call Eamon and beg him to stand watch was nearly impossible to ignore. She hadn’t realized how much his presence had bolstered her bravery in both the Darling and Hyde cases until she felt the reporters’ cameras tighten their focus on her face, but now that he was absent, the bravado bled from her veins. She wasn’t afraid. She’d chosen this life, and plunging headlong into death and danger was second nature, but if they were dealing with the cartel or a dangerous gang, she’d prefer the devil guard her back.

As if sensing her need for him, her phone vibrated with a text.

Eamon

I just saw you on television. There should be rules about letting detectives that hot be on the news. Every man watching will be drooling over you, and I’m going to end up in a lot of fights.

Bel rolled her eyes, a smile sneaking onto her lips, and she wondered if his senses had read her anxiety through the camera shots. He wasn’t prone to jealousy, a fact he clearly exhibited when Alessandro Gianni had flirted with her at L’Oasis, so she guessed he was trying to ease the tension in her shoulders. It had worked.

Bel

You’re ridiculous. No one is drooling over me.

Eamon

I am. Cerberus too. Big sloppy drools. You’ve been busy, so the only time we see you is on TV.

Bel

Unfortunately, you’ll have to suffer a while longer. This case just took a turn, and I don’t know when I’ll be home. Can you watch Cerberus for me?

Eamon

Do I need to be worried?

Even though they were only words on a screen, she could practically hear the shift in his voice.

Bel

I don’t know.

Eamon

One call, and I’ll come for you.

Bel smiled as she traced the curved letters of his text.

Bel

I know.

Eamon

And, of course, Cerberus can stay with me. You never need to ask.

She started to type out a thank you, but her phone vibrated again, cutting her off.

Eamon

I require the company since you’ve abandoned me for the fame of television.

Bel

I repeat. You’re ridiculous.

Eamon

And you’re beautiful when you smile at your phone.

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