Page 9 of Evidence of a Folktale

“So, don’t you see all the good being with me does?”

“But I couldn’t save you from Blaubart,” he argued. “That man was planning to cut apart your face and turn you into another woman.”

“But taking me on vacation didn’t make him kidnap me. Charles’ obsession with me was largely my fault. I’m like a dog with a bone, and you know it. Once I have the scent, I can’t let it go. I wouldn’t stop digging into his wife, and I made a mistake. I ventured into the lion’s den alone, and he took advantage. You had no responsibility in what happened. I am more to blame than you, but in the end, I saved Annalise. Fleeing that mountain was traumatizing, but she survived because of me. She didn’t die because of you.”

Eamon tilted his head in a question.

“Don’t you see?” Bel cupped his jaw again and forced him to meet her gaze. “You make me a better cop. I’m braver because of you. It’s been terrifying, and yes, I’ve landed in the hospital, but Griffin was shot in a case that had nothing to do with you. I was in that shootout too. I could’ve died in that hallway. My job is dangerous with or without you, but I’m ten times the officer I used to be because you guard my back. I know you’re always coming for me, so if you leave, I won’t be any safer. I’ll eventually end up in another hallway with another gunman, only I won’t have you to shield me. You’ll no longer be there to stop the bullets, and I need you to feel brave, to be fearless.”

“You’re a little too fearless.” Eamon smiled up at her, and a weight fell from her shoulders at the sight. “I can’t lose you.”

“So I’ll stop being reckless.”

Eamon burst out laughing. “I don’t think you have it in you.”

“Fair. So, we’ll make a plan then,” she said. “Half the time, I get in trouble because I think I’m doing something harmless. From now on, I won’t make any moves without alerting you or another officer. If I want to interview a doctor because I suspect his wife, I’ll wait for you. If I recognize a madman’s clue, I’ll let you go first.”

“I get that you’re trying to prove your point, but Isobel, if this is what you want, you need to be serious about calling me. I cannot help you if I can’t find you.”

“But I am serious. I don’t particularly want to run down a snowy mountain without a coat while being shot at again. I want us to work, and if our relationship means I’ll sometimes go toe-to-toe with the world’s most dangerous creatures, I swear to you this Christmas afternoon on this floor that I’ll change my approach. If Griffin, Olivia, a deputy, or my father aren’t with me, I’ll make sure you’re informed of my every move.”

“I should embed a tracker in you,” Eamon teased as he lifted her wrist to his lips.

“Hard no, but you can track my phone.”

“Already do that.”

“I’m aware.” She leaned forward and kissed his forehead.

“But it isn’t always enough. I can’t help you if you disappear without a word.”

“I’ve learned my lesson. Trust me. Mankind isn’t the top of the food chain, so I’ll let you take charge.”

“I don’t want to take charge,” Eamon said. “I just want to keep you alive.”

“I want to stay alive too.” She leaned back and extended her hand to him. “So, do we have a deal? Do we work on our communication skills so the Blaubarts, Abels, and IEDs don’t happen again? I’m willing to do whatever it takes because you can’t leave me.”

“Like let me embed a tracker under your skin?” he asked.

She playfully tapped the side of his head before extending her hand again. “Except that. I’m not a dog that you microchip.”

“Careful,” Eamon said. “Cerberus can hear you.”

Bel rolled her eyes. “Do we have a deal?”

“Only if you promise me something.”

“Okay.”

“If you ever feel I’m to blame, tell me. If I ever make you feel unsafe, make me leave.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Isobel, I’m serious. I’ve seen what happens to the women loved by selfish men. They always suffer the consequences. That won’t be you.”

“Yes, I promise.” Her face sobered. “If I’m ever threatened by your actions, I’ll tell you, but until that day comes, you aren’t allowed to walk out on me.”

“I didn’t bring this up to hurt you,” Eamon said, still not taking her hand. “I didn’t suggest leaving to control or insult you.”

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