Page 68 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

“Okay.”

Having her by my side bolsters my confidence and my certainty. We climb the steps together.

The commotion inside the station doesn’t bother me—I’m used to it—but Quinn is struck by the noise and movement. She moves closer to me, clinging to my arm. I walk through the lobby and take the stairs to the third floor.

Mickey stands when he sees me, his curious gaze shifting to Quinn. The rest of the room goes silent at the sight of the woman with me.

“Hey, Richards.” Mickey steps closer, his voice low. “Who’s the girl?”

“This is Quinn.” I hold her hand tight, stroking my thumb over hers in comfort. She relaxes beside me. My attention refocuses on Mickey. “Is the captain in?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I need to talk to him.” I turn to Quinn and guide her to my chair and place the brown paper bag on my desk. “Sit here. I’ll be right back.”

“You’re gonna leave me here?” she hisses under her breath.

“You’ll be fine. Mickey will keep an eye on you.” I glance at my partner, whose mouth is gaping. “It’ll only take a minute.”

“Fine.” A defiant pout settles on her lips. Lips I remember crying out with pleasure as I...

Nope, not going to chase that thought right now. I have work to do.Wehave work to do.

I lean forward and kiss her forehead. Mickey chokes on his coffee. With a stern look promising retribution should he make a comment, I leave Quinn in his care. The rest of the detectives pivot in their chairs as I pass, blatant curiosity etched on their faces. I don’t owe them an explanation.

At the end of the hallway, I pause outside the captain’s office. With a deep breath, I knock, then wait for his summons.

“Richards,” he says with surprise as I walk in. “Do you have an update on the case?”

“Yes, sir, I do.”

He arches a bushy brow. “Well, are you going to brief me on it?”

“Not yet, sir.” I stand firm. My gamble is risky, but I need him to trust me. “But I have a firm lead, and I’d like to make a request.”

“Have yousolvedthe case, Richards?” He slowly rises and rounds the desk, stuffing a half-burned cigar between his lips.

“I’m close.” I lick my lips, knowing he’s not going to like my next statement. “I believe I can solve not only the Riverside Drive murder but a handful of cold cases across the city.”

Both of the captain’s overgrown brows rise into his nonexistent hairline. “Bold declaration, Richards.” He scoffs. “What makes you so certain?”

“I have a witness who has a connection to each location, sir.” My gut tightens at the thought of naming Quinn, but there’s no circumventing it. “I believe she’s the key to finding the murderer.”

“A witness.” The captain rubs his jaw, his eyes narrowed. “I’m listening.”

“Give me twenty-four hours, and I’ll have the killer in custody.”

The captain’s guffaw echoes off the wood panels in his office. I straighten, standing my ground.

“You’ve got balls, Richards. I’ll give you that.” He stubs out the cigar and leans against the desk. “This witness of yours. Is she here?”

“Yes, sir. She’s waiting with Mickey.”

He regards me silently for a long moment. “All right, Richards. You have twenty-four hours to bring me a suspect.”

My apprehension deflates, and I breathe with relief. “You won’t be disappointed, sir.”

“Whatever resources you need, take them. I want this case solved.”

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