Page 42 of Lordes

“Wear dark gray or navy blue.”

“Why?”

“You will appear humble, but serious and not like a boss.”

“Fine, I’ll wear I don’t know, navy blue.”

“Perfect. Do you need anything?”

“I need you to take a deep breath and then leave me alone.”

“You’re on a time clock. Do you need me to drive you in?”

“You drove across town to my house. No took a taxi.”

“I will be there. You can go.”

I walked Christian to the foyer and watched him leave out of my front door. I rushed back upstairs to my master bedroom. Bria was knocked out. She hadn’t moved an inch. I didn’t have much time so I went right back into the bathroom.

* * *

Iarrived at the office with enough time to spare. I needed to get this over with. I didn’t understand what the big deal was with this deceased woman. Christian refreshed my memory on her name. The lady was Lillian Shelby. She was in real estate. I met her at a charity event for Lurie’s Children’s Hospital. We dated for a few weeks. I had to remember these things just so I wouldn’t look like a man whore.

I was getting antsy in my office and walked out to Christian’s desk. He was staring into his computer monitor.

“Where are the CPD officers?” I barked.

“They are called CPD detectives, not officers. Make sure you address them by rank, and I have them in the small conference room down the hall.”

“1414.”

“Yes, room 1414. I have them waiting so you can appear much to busy to commit crimes.”

“That is nonsensical.”

“I saw it on Crime TV. Listen, there’s one man and one woman. They’re dressed in casual clothes. I escorted them to the conference room and said I would go get you.”

“Cool, I’m ready.”

“That’s not the most humble suit you have.”

“I’m wearing the blue Prada. You should calm down. You watch too much TV.”

“1414.” He repeated as I walked toward the hall.

I repeated the name Lillian Shelby a few times in my mind. Who the hell would murder that woman? Was the crime random? Was it an ex or someone she knew?

I entered the conference room and was shocked to see detective Lauren Maldonado sitting at the head of the table. I knew she was a detective for the Chicago Police Department. I had no idea where her jurisdiction was located. She was wearing a cheap burgundy suit and her black hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail. Her facial expression was blank. A Hispanic man in his early 50s was seated next to her. They both stood as I walked into the room. I didn’t know what I should do. So I extended my hand to the man first. He was closest to me.

“Hello detectives, I’m Lordes Donovan.” The Hispanic man shook my hand.

“Mr. Donovan, I’m Detective Rodriguez and this is detective Maldonado.”

I didn’t extend my hand to Lauren. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to pretend like we didn’t know each other. My gut instinct said to be cool, but don’t acknowledge anything. I followed my gut.

“Detectives Rodriguez, Maldonado, how can I assist you?” I walked over to the sit across from Rodriguez. We all sat at the same time.

“Mr. Donovan, I’m sure you’ve heard there was a body recovered from the Chicago River a few days ago.” Detective Rodriguez took the lead.

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