Page 18 of Possession

“I’m sorry, but I can’t allow that.” Her denial was vehement.

“Mad—”

“No,” she declared firmly. “I spent years gaining my clients’ trust. They’ve all made amazing progress towards their recovery goals. I’m not going to jeopardize my relationship with them or compromise their confidentiality. You’ll just have to trust me.”

My jaw ached from clenched teeth, so I forced myself to relax. I could understand where she was coming from, and I was actually impressed with her integrity and professionalism, but it still didn’t make me happy. I couldn’t force her to give us the information. Not without a court order anyway, and I knew that would be the end of any further exploration of our connection. Selfishly, I didn’t want to risk it. So, for now, I was going to take her word for it. But if for one second something changed, I was willing to take the chance and piss her off by getting that subpoena. “Fine, but I can’t promise I won’t force the issue.”

She opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted by someone clearing his throat. Robbed of her voice, her narrowed-eyed glare made her feelings perfectly known.

One of the ERT guys stood in the doorway.

“What?” I barked out.

The man stuttered, but quickly shut his mouth. He composed himself before beginning again. “We’ve almost completed processing the outside of the premises, sir, but it’s taking some time. The team is being cautious of the flowers. Once it’s finished, we’ll get started on the interior.”

“Well, do it then.” Frustrated that we weren’t going to have the much-needed talk with Madeline, I was harsher than I should have been. God, I really was an asshole.

She didn’t say anything, but I saw a questioning frown on Madeline’s face and a twinge of guilt passed through me — but I ignored it.

“I hope I’m not going to be next on your shit list.”

I turned and fiercely glared at a tech guy I only knew as Kurt. It was a fucking circus in here, and I was ready for everyone to get the hell out. Non-plussed, he merely returned my look with a bored one of his own. Interesting. Usually I terrified the IT geeks. “We installed a motion detection floodlight and the guys will place security cameras at the back of the house, both sides, as well as the front once the ERT finishes. We’ll also be installing a doorbell cam.”

“Thanks Kurt,” Joseph replied.

He turned with a nod and disappeared out the front door. We shifted back to face Madeline now that we were alone again.

“Are you sure we can’t convince you to go to a safe house? We want to protect you.” Joseph attempted one last time to get her to change her mind.

She hesitated, but then shook her head. “I know you do, but I can’t run away. I trust you will do everything you can to find this guy before anything happens.”

He sighed in disappointment, although I knew what her answer was going to be.

“Okay then. We’re going to let the teams finish their job. Here’s our contact information. If you receive another letter or notice anything out of the ordinary, I want you to call us immediately. Are you okay with the guys continuing to do what they need to do?” Joseph rose and handed Madeline one of his business cards. She had our personal cell phone numbers already, but this was official law enforcement work. I took that as my cue that we were leaving.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. Thank you for everything you’re doing. I know I’m not being the easiest person to deal with.”

A gentleness I didn’t even know I possessed compelled me to cup the back of Madeline’s head and drop a chaste kiss on her forehead. “We’re going to be here for you no matter what.”

I turned without another word and headed to the car leaving Joseph to say his goodbyes, as well as remind her of our date tomorrow, and to leave instructions with everyone. I walked straight past an open-mouthed and speechless team of co-workers who had just happened to enter the room unnoticed.

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