1142 A.M. — Thursday, September 13
PETRA
Luka
So far, nothing but dead ends here. Whatever is going on, they are keeping a tight lid on it. Anything there?
Two developments: First, the captain of the yacht called an air ambulance two days ago. Apparently some sort of domestic situation, but it calmed down quickly and the captain canceled.
Luka
So the police weren’t called? Just an ambulance?
Yes, very strange. Whoever was in trouble didn’t want the authorities to get involved.
Luka
What’s the second thing?
Someone from the US Embassy called a few minutes ago. A very rude man. The Director is still talking to him.
Luka
That would suggest to me that the victim is American.
Or the murderer?
Luka
Could be, yes. See if you can find out anything about that call.
I’m definitely doing what I can, but I’m afraid The Director might figure out what I’m up to.
Luka
Act natural. You’re not doing anything wrong. Remember, the public has a right to know what’s going on. Gotta run. I’m tracking down a lead.
She stared at their exchange. Excitement.
Intrigue. Protectiveness. He didn’t want her to get caught, which made her heart soar.
Also, he was ‘tracking down a lead’ which brought to mind his whole ‘eat what you kill’ philosophy.
Luka was a man’s man. He was her man. And he was right.
The public should know if there was some murderer out there running free, possibly about to kill again.
And just because they were rich doesn’t mean they’re above the law.
If anything, she was doing a public service by helping Luka to get the word out, and wasn’t that what she had promised to do when she took this job? Serve the public?
Well, in reality, she had agreed to answer calls, keep the files updated, and complete any other administrative tasks as requested by her boss. But still, the very fact that she was working for the police meant she was there for the people.
She was so busy staring at their exchange that she didn’t notice her boss standing on the other side of her desk watching her until he cleared his throat.
She dropped the phone on the floor, and instead of picking it up, she stared up at The Director with what she hoped wasn’t a guilty look.
Right or not, she was going to get fired.
Letting out a little laugh, she said, “I’m so jumpy today. What can I do for you?”
“I have to go out for a while. If any calls come for me, forward them straight through to my mobile phone. You don’t need to screen people out today.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but he shook his head. “Just put them through.”
“Something big must be going on,” she answered in a breezy tone.
“It’s certainly not ideal.”
“Is it one of those things that will ruin your entire weekend?” She followed that quickly with, “I hope not because if anyone needs some downtime, it’s you.
” Petra let out that strained laugh again, hating the fact that she was definitely screwing up the whole ‘act natural’ thing.
Instead, she was acting so guilty, he might as well put her at the top of the suspect list.
The Director stared at her for a second, his expression impossible for her to read.
Then he said, “You know, one of my favorite things about you, Petra, is your complete lack of curiosity. A lot of people wonder about things. Why is the sky blue? Why do my fingers get all wrinkly when I’m doing the dishes?
What was that phone call yesterday all about?
But not you. It makes you invaluable at your job.
You’re not interested in the news or politics or HR gossip.
You keep yourself in this nice little box, doing your work diligently, minding your own business, then making your way home. ”
“Thank you, sir,” she said, even though she was pretty sure none of what he was saying was actually complimentary.
“We make a very good team, you and me,” he said, rapping his knuckles on her desk in a friendly way. “My last assistant was a real gossipy sort. Endlessly curious. All sorts of questions all the time.” He clicked his teeth. “I think she’s a cashier at a grocery store these days.”
Threat received. Petra swallowed hard. “That sounds like a real step down.”
“Oh yes. If you think the pay here is a joke…”