Chapter 166

Chapter 166

SHANE

Rap rap!

Jones pushed the door open and walked in after he knocked twice, but stood rooted at the door.

I didn't look up, voice raspy. “What is it, Jones?”

“Superintendent O'Brien is here.”

That made me freeze.

Hmm.

Well, well.

This is a surprise.

I then glanced up, relaxing back on my seat and met Jones' gaze. He didn't look quite pleased; brows knotted, mouth pouted, face flushed. Aww, the poor thing is jealous.

I laced my fingers together and propped up my foot on the edge of the table, legs crossed. “Send him in, then.”

Jones appeared reluctant.

“What?”

“There's nothing going on between the two of you, right?” He enquired.

Hmm. I could laugh right now.

Jealousy always looked so good on him.

I tilted my head to the side and shot him a wry smirk, “Whatever it is that is going on between O'Brien and me is none of your business, Jones. Now, get out and send him in.”

A sad expression flickered across his face. He turned and walked, the door clicking softly behind him.

I cocked my head backwards and stared up at the intricate design of the ceiling as seconds crawled past.

The door opened, and I raised my head to have a look.

The look on O'Brien's face made my lips curl up in mild amusement. “My, my, O'Brien. You shouldn't frown like that, you know? I read somewhere that it makes people age faster.”

The frown on his face grew deeper, lips pressed tight. He closed the door behind him and took steps closer.

“What the fuck is wrong with you, Shane?!” His voice was low but full of intensity.

I stared bleakly at him with a bored expression. “Is that a question, O'Brien? Because if it is, then yes, I'm perfectly fine. Thanks for asking.”

“I told you to stop with the killings!” He groaned, voice full of vehemence. “Why don't you just listen? Twelve murders in less than two weeks, plus Ace Carter's, making it thirteen. I am tired of having to clean up your mess and cover for you. I'm the superintendent, for God's sake! I'm supposed to be protecting citizens, not covering up their murders!”

I tilted my head to the side, “Hmm. I see. Well, then, if you're tired of covering them up for me, just look the other way. I have other people in high places who are dying to please me. You know that.”

“No, I won't look the other way.” He said quietly, “This craziness has to stop!”

My jaw clenched, a guttural growl of annoyance, rumbling through my chest. “Craziness?”

He gave a quick jolt, an expression of fear flickering through his face. “Wait, that's not…”

“Oh. So, you think I have a screw loose up in the head, O'Brien?” I asked, voice dripping with sweet menace, eyes hardening.

“That's not what I meant.” He said in a soft voice. “I need you to understand this from my point of view. This needs to stop. At least once or twice a month is preferable. But twelve dead people from “accidents” when it's clear that there might be some foul play. Come on, now. Three of my sharp-minded comrades are starting to suspect…”

“Then fire them. Problem solved.”

“No, I can't do that.” He said in refusal, “They're the best men I have. I can't fire them just to please you.”

“Okay, now, you're starting to piss me the fuck off, O'Brien.” My voice came out deep and full of exasperation. “Look the other way, no. Fire them, no. What do you want? You want to join the dead?”

Terror flickered across his features. “Are you… are you threatening me?”

“Threatening you?” I shot him my sinister smile, then pulled my foot off the table and stood up.

I rounded the desk slowly, enjoying the atmosphere in the air, then I pressed my buttocks on the edge of the front desk. I reached out and hooked my forefinger into his collar. He let out a soft shudder as my nail scraped his chest.

I let my lips curl up, enjoying his reaction, then I pulled him closer. He didn't try to resist. He knew better.

“No, O'Brien. I'm not threatening you.” I said smoothly, voice dripping like sweet honey, eyes peering down at his. “I don't do threats. That's for kids. You of all people should know what it's like for people who piss me off. So, if I were you, O'Brien, I wouldn't piss me off. Since you said you no longer want to cover for me, then fine. Don't. I have a whole plethora of people who are dying to do that for me.” I adjusted his collar, “So, I think it's a good idea for you to leave right now. I do not want to see or look at your face.”

He gulped down nothing, terror overwhelming his face. I reached out and wiped the beads of perspiration on his face, then let go of him.

He turned and made for the door in staggering steps.

I added, “Whenever you need to be treated like a bitch, you know how to reach me.”

The smile on my lips stretched broader as I watched him walk out through the door. Then I stood upright, rounded the desk once more and sat down in my chair.

The door burst open, and I glanced up.

Jones stood there with a bewildered expression on his face. “Did something happen? He looked like he just shit his pants.”

I stared at him, then away.

“Get out, Jones.” I snapped at him. “Now.”

He furrowed his brows, but said nothing as he turned and left.

I let out a soft sigh and pulled my attention back to the screen in front of me.

Alright, I'm going to admit it.

Lately, whenever I look at Jones, there's this feeling I always have in my chest. I have never experienced this feeling before in the whole freaking twenty-eight years of my life, and I hate it.

I hate it more than anything.

I hate how good…

Rrrring!

My ringing tone blared through the room, jolting me out of my thoughts. I reached into my pocket and glanced at the screen.

Flora.

What does this moaning bitch want now?

I let out a deep growl, tempted to leave it ringing. Then I slid the bar to the green.

Sweetening my voice, I said, “Hey, babe.”

“Babe!” Her voice came through the line, lively and excited. “Guess what?”

“What?”

“I'm pregnant!”

I froze. My heart leapt.

It only does that on specific occasions.

Did I... hear right?

“What did you just say?” My voice came out hushed.

“I’m pregnant! Ahh!”

“Hold on, babe.” I put her on mute. Then called out. “Jones? Jones!”

He appeared at the door immediately, looking flustered and confused. “Yes?”

“Get the wedding planner on the line. Now!”

His eyes snapped wide, lips parted, “W-what?”