“Tip duty?” I whine. “We haven’t had one in hours. I’ll have nothing to do all day.”
“Exactly.” His phone rings. “Dismissed.”
I leave the office feeling like a chastised child as he starts talking to the Chief of Detectives, probably feeling the same way. Me and my big mouth, getting us all in trouble. I should be used to it by now, but I do hate disappointing people and dragging them down with me. Justin’s lost more than a few acquaintances because of me. I sit at my desk with a sigh. I’ve been grounded by my boyfriend.
As I begin typing my millionth report this week, a familiar swish of air pulls me away from the monotony. Normally, Justice works at night, as he most likely has a day job to keep up appearances, so having him here in full regalia is a surprise. As I am trying to be more accepting—and he gave me an awesome coat—I will call this a pleasant surprise, though the office stops working and starts gawking.
His masked face scans the bullpen, stopping when he sees me. I muster a smile as he approaches. I will be nice. I will be nice. “Good morning, Det. Fallon.”
“Justice.”
“I see you received my gift. Does it fit well?”
“Yes. Thank you. Is it really bulletproof?”
“Bullet resistant, yes. It’s made of the same material as my uniform. Wear it in good health, though do please wear it.”
This rankles me, but I keep my smile on. “I will. So what can we help you with today?”
“I saw your press conference regarding Stuart Moore. Are you confident regarding your findings?”
“Yes. It was a Swiss bank account in his son’s name.”
Justice opens a packet on his belt and pulls out a small zip drive. “Here is all the data I’ve complied on Stuart Moore. Telephone records, known associates, his entire life. I have reviewed it, but found nothing useful. Perhaps you will have more luck.”
I take the drive with a nod. “Thank you. I’ll have a look.”
“Have you made any other progress?”
“No. Have you?”
“No,” he says, emotionless, “and I am getting worried. I know this man. He will never be content living life without causing others misery.”
“So you don’t think he’s on a beach drinking tequila and laughing at us?”
“Laughing at us, definitely. Left the city? Not a chance in hell.”
I do a double take. I’ve never heard him swear, not even in the heat of battle. “Do you think he’s sticking around for you?”
“It’s entirely possible. I’ve been trying to be more visible, giving him ample chance to confront me, but he has not taken the bait. He’ll strike when I least expect it, I’m sure. I’m almost looking forward to it.”
“Yeah, you haven’t had a real nemesis since you put him away. How boring it must be being you, what with all the epic battles with all the other supers.”
“Point taken, Det. Fallon. All I meant was I will enjoy the moment when I finally apprehend that monster once again.”
“I may beat you to it, you know. I’d enjoy slapping the cuffs on him just as much as you would.”
He steps toward my desk, almost looming a foot away with his hand on his hip. I know this pose, I used to practice it in the mirror with my Justice shirt on. It’s his, “I’m ready to kick your ass in five seconds” stance. He is intimidating, no question, but damned if I’ll let him know it’s working on me. I fold my arms across my chest and tilt back in my chair. “Det. Fallon I have never doubted your ability or dedication with regards to this job.”
“O-kay,” I say, not sure where this is going.
“You are one of the finest officers on this force.”
“Thank you.” Okay, now I really have no idea what is going on. Is he going to ask me out or something? That’d be rich.
“James Ryder is a monster. An actual monster, one who has no remorse, compassion, or possibly even a soul. He is more dangerous than you can fathom.”
“I know his history. I’ve seen firsthand what he’s capable of. I’ve smelled it, okay?”
“And he will do that to you without a second thought. Possibly worse.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I know you don’t like me.” My cheeks heat up, but he keeps talking. “Because he wanted you and your partner there the night he escaped. Because I know you’re stubborn and hate asking for help, especially from supers. In this case, you’ll have to. If he is cornered, he will not hesitate. He will harm as many innocent people as he feels is necessary to get what he wants. And better it be me than you. If you or anyone on your force locates him, or think you have, you need to contact me personally.”