Page 103 of Evidence of a Folktale

“I would offer Eamon’s help, but he’s too big to play the actor.”

“I feel uncomfortable using a civilian as bait, anyway,” Griffin said. “It doesn’t matter that he’s unusual.I can’t do with the lawwhat Iwill.It’s one thing when it might save your life. It’s another when we’re running an operation that I have to file reports on.”

“I just don’t know how else to catch this guy,” Bel said.

“I’ll think about it, okay?” He patted her back as they emerged from the shelves. “Gold has an idea she wants to investigate. Thum is trying to track down the autopsy report thatclippingbelongs to. We might yet find our smoking gun, and if not, I’ll consider your way. For now, keep Draven alive… and yourself,” he added.

“I know, no jumping into kidnapper’s cars.” Bel rolled her eyes. “Trust me, the only danger I’m in here is boredom.”

“Really?” Griffin stared at her as if her neck was sprouting a second head. “I think this is pretty cool. You don’t enjoy the filming process?”

“It’s fine.” She shrugged.

“But you aren’t happy unless you’re giving everyonein your lifea heart attack.” He cradled her head and pulled her in for a forehead kiss. “Well, I like you here. It means I don’t have to worry.”

“But Eamon does.” Bel squeezed her boss’ hand before pulling her vibrating phone out of her jeans pocket. “Draven keeps asking me to eat with him.”

“See.” Griffin’s head fell back as he laughed. “Not happy unless you’re giving us heart attacks.”

“Blame my dad. He raised me.” She tapped on the notification,herteasing falling aside as she read Olivia’s text.

Olivia

Why is Ewan following me?

Bel

I don’t know.

Her partner’s response came so fast thatBel heard her escalating voice through the words on the screen.

I told you I can’t trust him.

And I didn’t tell him to follow you.

“Eamon,” she whispered to herself, the realization hitting as soon as she hit send. He probably warned Ewan about Bel’s late-nightvisitor,and worried that Olivia would receive a similar visit, Mr. Orso was hovering too close.

Well, tell your boyfriend that we’re not getting back together, so he can order Ewan to stop following me.

That’s not why he’s following you.

Then tell him I can take care of myself.

Tell him yourself.

Bel’s phone went silent, and she ground her teeth at the exchange.

“You all right?” Griffin asked as he watched Taron Monroe move across the set as if she were Bel herself. She’dclearly been studying the detective.

“Yeah.” Bel shrugged off the conversation.Despite her hopes, it looked like she and Olivia were destinedtoforeverremain only partners.

“Have you heard from Olivia?”Bel asked her boss when he answered her call. It had been two days since she spoke to her partner, and while she no longer expected them to chat like they used to, she fully expected case updates.

“Yes, she left town this morning.”

“Left town?” Bel repeated. Ewan’s presence had upset her, but she hadn’t predicted it would force her partner to flee. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine, sorry,” Griffin said. “She found someone who knew the victims, so she drove out to speak with them. She didn’t tell you?”

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