The dizziness was starting to lessen as Josey headed to the breakroom. Her head and nose still hurt, but she didn’t dare take the day off. Opening the fridge, she went back to wondering who the woman was and why Tarrin was so affected by her., even though it was none of her business. “Just worry about yourself, Josephine,” she whispered and grabbed a bottle of water. As she walked back to the office, Tarrin opened the door inward and wouldn’t look at her, “I’m heading out for the day. If any calls come in, forward them to Mara if you can’t handle them. Also, email me a copy of the notes you typed up, and I will review them and send back my response to anything needed.” Josey nodded and handed him the water. “You keep it,” was all he said before heading to the elevator. Josey stood there for a moment facing his office door and then returned to her desk. Trying to focus on work, she opened her email and noticed she had over thirty emails from just 20 minutes ago. Taking a de

Josey lay in the living room late into the night. Her sister had come home and needed to study for a test, so Josey gave her the bedroom, figuring she couldn’t fall asleep and Emily would end up passed out with her nose in a book. The coat thing was still bothering her, so she checked the time and decided it wasn’t too late to text Jared. “Thank you, but you don’t need to buy me something so expensive. The coat is beautiful, but I could never afford to pay you back, so please swing by and pick it up when you can.” Before she could set her phone down, it chimed with a response. “?? Sorry, what coat?” Josey sat up and decided to call him. When he answered, she quickly said, “The coat you left on my doorstep, Jared, it’s too much. You don’t need to buy something as an apology. There isn’t anything to apologize for.” Even though he had been weird lately, she didn’t think an apology gift was necessary. “Sorry, but I didn’t buy you a coat. I had stopped by to bring flowers as an apo

Tarrin had full intention of explaining to Josey that she was foolish in assuming he was acting that way because of his personal life. However, after he followed her through the plastic flaps, and stopped in his tracks. The sight of Josey crouched down petting a little dog as the sunlight coming through the glass panes around them took his breath away. His vision was keener than usual, and while the sunshine hit her face just right when she smiled, Tarrin couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked like an angel, with her hair dangling loosely and the smooth edges of her white teeth noticeable as she laughed playfully with the small dog. Tarrin noticed the shade difference in each eyelash as the light danced on her smooth porcelain skin. Josey cooed at the dog, “Oh my, you’re just so stinking cute. What are you doing out here alone?” “Dumb dog doesn’t know to find somewhere to get warm.” Tarrin watched as she rolled her eyes and stood up. “Dogs aren’t dumb. Sometimes they don’t kn

“Sorry, he’s normally not as useless,” Mara said to Josey, smiling at her innocently. Linux huffed, picking back up the syringe and vial before extracting a tiny amount of clear liquid into the syringe. “Is it going to hurt him?” Josey asked. “No, he’ll barely even feel it. Now, the thing is, it has to be injected in his, um, bum. So can you reach down and try to loosen his belt for me?” Mara didn’t react, but Josey stared at him, unsure of what he had just asked. “Do what?” Linux cleared his throat, “I need his belt loosened so I can pull his pants down. The injection has to be done in his,” Linux pointed to a butt cheek, “I’m sorry.” Josey shook her head, “No, find another way! I’d rather stay like this than do, do THAT!” “Look, if I could do it, I would. I’m just asking you to loosen his belt. I’ll pull the pants down.” Josey shook her head, “No, even if you ARE pulling his pants, er, down, he will still be laying against me, but pant less!” Mara snickered and covered her

Looking at the number he didn’t recognize, Tarrin answered cautiously, “Hello?” “Ah, Mr. Stormway? This is Detective Ranier from the homicide division. I was asked to call you if I had any development in the case regarding Robert and May Hathens. Detective Ombre gave me your number. Are you available to meet today?” Tarrin shot Linux a questioning look, and his friend nodded. “Yeah, today will be fine.” “Good, I’m down at the precinct. Let’s do 2:30?” Tarrin nodded and answered into the phone, “That works.” Hanging up, Tarrin looked at the time. He had an hour to meet the detective. “Do me a favor, head over to my office, and keep an eye on Josey. I’ll have Mara take me.” “Awe, you never let me join in on the exciting stuff, and WHY do I have to keep an eye on your secretary? She can keep an eye on herself!” Tarrin finished pulling off the medical tape from the IV and replied, “Just do it. This is serious, if that homicide detective has anything useful in finding Bob and Ma