Chapter 77: Secrets and Shadows

Samuel’s voice carried a note of confusion, edged with something Kate couldn’t quite name—concern, maybe, or subtle disapproval.

She shifted against the wall, tilting her head back and closing her eyes for a moment as she answered. “Yes. I told you my house needed repairs. The plumbing was unavoidable. So, I shifted to a motel for a few days. I didn’t want distractions while I’m focusing on this case.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about it earlier?” Samuel asked, the question sharp but quiet, as though he was trying not to sound accusing.

Kate pinched the bridge of her nose, keeping her tone even.

“Samuel, I knew your junior doctors were staying at your place. You’ve been telling me for weeks how crowded the house has been. And Ophelia’s not even in Australia right now because of her business. The motel was the most suitable option. It’s just for a few days. No big deal.”

Samuel was silent for a beat, and Kate could almost hear him trying to choose his next words carefully. Finally, he hummed, the sound skeptical but conceding. “Hmm. Okay. Send me the location of this motel. I’ll come see you tomorrow evening after my shift.”

Kate hesitated. “Samuel, you don’t have to—”

“I want to,” Samuel cut her off, his voice softer now, more insistent. “It’s been a while since we’ve had time together. My emergency shift ends in the evening, so I can’t come before that, but… I’d like to see you.”

Kate exhaled slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “That’s perfectly fine. I have to head out in the morning anyway for some stops related to the case. I’ll text you the address.”

“Good,” Samuel said, his voice steady again. “Take care of yourself, Kate. I mean it.”

“I will,” she said softly before ending the call. She lingered there for a moment, her phone still in her hand, as she stared at the floor.

“So you’re staying at a motel, huh?”

Kate startled slightly, turning to see Jason leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. His voice was light, casual even, but there was no missing the edge beneath it.

“How long have you been standing there?” she asked, slipping her phone into her pocket.

Jason smirked faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Long enough to know Samuel’s gonna come swooping in tomorrow like Prince Charming.”

Kate’s jaw tightened, but she forced a neutral expression. “It’s just a few days, Jason. I needed somewhere quiet, somewhere I could think without… interruptions.”

“Oh, right,” Jason said, pushing off the frame and walking back into the room. “I’m sure a motel is the perfect place for peace and quiet.”

Kate followed him in, narrowing her eyes as she leaned against the table. “Do you have a problem with something?”

Jason glanced up, meeting her gaze. For a moment, something flickered in his expression—something raw and unspoken—before he schooled it away. “No problem. You just didn’t mention it before. Guess I’m out of the loop these days.”

“That’s not fair,” Kate said sharply. “I didn’t tell you because it’s not relevant. I’m here to work the case. My living situation doesn’t matter.”

Jason’s lips twitched, but his tone remained neutral. “If you say so.” He turned back to the files, rifling through them with more force than necessary.

Kate crossed her arms, exhaling through her nose. “What’s really bothering you, Jason?”

Jason paused, his hand lingering on one of the files before he looked up. His blue eyes locked onto hers, sharp and searching. “Nothing, Kate. Just trying to figure out how this case connects to you seeing goat-headed monsters.”

She stiffened at that, and Jason noticed. His voice softened.

“Look, I’m not trying to start a fight. But whatever this is, it’s eating at you, and you’re keeping me out of it. That’s what’s bothering me.”

Kate glanced away, her fists clenching at her sides. “I’m not keeping you out. I… I just need to know for sure before I drag you into something that might not even be real.”

Jason’s brow furrowed. “You think I can’t handle it?”

“No,” Kate said quickly, shaking her head. “That’s not what I mean. It’s not about you.”

Jason watched her carefully, his voice dropping low. “Then what is it about, Kate?”

The question hung in the air like a loaded gun, and for a moment, Kate couldn’t answer. She didn’t know how to explain the pull in her gut, the nagging feeling that this case—the goat-headed figure, the killings—was tied to something bigger. Something darker.

She didn’t want to say it out loud. Not yet.

“I need to follow the leads,” she said finally, her voice quieter now. “And I need you to trust me to do that.”

Jason stared at her for a long moment before nodding slowly. “Fine. But don’t shut me out. Whatever this is… we’re in it together.”

Kate swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “I know.”

Jason leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow breath. “So, what’s next? You mentioned you had some stops to make in the morning.”

“Yeah,” Kate said, glad for the shift in focus. “I need to look into an old case file at the archives. It’s been buried for a while, but there’s a chance it connects to the Yarrabura killings.”

“Want company?” Jason asked, watching her closely.

Kate hesitated, then nodded. “Sure. Meet me here at seven.”

Jason smirked faintly. “Seven. Got it. I’ll bring coffee.”

“Good,” Kate said, managing a small smile before grabbing her jacket. “I’m calling it for tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jason watched her leave, the door clicking shut behind her. Once she was gone, he let out a long breath and leaned back in his chair, staring at the spot where she’d stood.

“A motel,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as a wry smile tugged at his lips. “Of course it is.”