Chapter 26
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Quinn makes it back with the ice cream, and she and Cassie discuss different topics over their full bowls. Even though I give the appearance of being present, I am mentally far away from the table.
My mind keeps playing over and over the conversation with Cassie. Just partners. I hate the sound of that. There is no other way to do it, no way where no one gets hurt.
I remember the look in her eyes when I brought up the conversation. It seems I haven’t spared her from the hurt as much as I thought I would.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, and my hand freezes as I read the text message splashed across the screen: Hello, Lincoln. It’s time for old debts to be repaid.
My heart sinks. I knew it was coming, but I thought I might have more time to prepare.
“Everything all right?” Cassie looks at me like she knows exactly what’s happening. Part of me wishes it would be safe to tell her about my dealings with Phineas. It would be nice to have someone to share the burden with and help me find a way out of it. But I made this mess on my own. I need to find a way to get out of it on my own, too.
“Everything’s fine.” I look at my phone, typing as fast as I can without thinking about the words I’m writing.
What do you want?
The answer comes almost immediately. Meet me at the laundromat, 6 p.m., Friday night.
I’ll be there.
Trying to ignore the knot in my stomach, I turn my attention back to Quinn and Cassie. I knew this day would come when the mistakes of the past would come calling. My gaze falls on Cassie. No matter what I must sacrifice or what danger I have to go through, keeping Cassie safe is my biggest priority.
“I’m heading home now,” Quinn says, standing up from the dinner table. “Lincoln, you may make some dumb decisions, but I’m glad you’re here with us. We came really close to losing you. I just want you to know how much I appreciate working with you.”
It’s rare for Quinn to get emotional, but it’s nice to know what she’s thinking. “I like you too, Quinn.”
She shakes her head, and her defensiveness returns as she gathers her things. “If we’re all going to be working on cases together, hopefully, the two of you can work out how to be less confrontational and more focused.”
If anything, she looks playful instead of stern. She may not like to admit it, but Quinn likes our bickering; I’d almost guarantee it.
Cassie stands up and hugs Quinn quickly.
“Thank you for everything, Quinn. I really am looking forward to working with you.”
“Welcome to the team, Cassie.” Quinn pulls back with a grin and then heads out of the house and into the night.
After she’s gone, the room is uncomfortably quiet.
“So, what do we do now?”
Cassie smiles. “First off, I’m gonna need you to put a lock on the door to the garage. I need privacy and don’t want you popping in whenever you want.”
“So now you’re gonna start changing everything?”
She nods. “Now that you mention it, this place and the office could use some redecorating.”
“Redecorating? The office does not need any redecorating.”
“It certainly does. Have you seen the curtains?”
I open my mouth to reply with a witty remark when my phone rings. “Hello, Love and Suco PI Agency speaking, how can I help you?”
Saying that sends a chill down my spine. We’re back in business, and it’s perfect.
“I need your help. Somebody’s been in my house.”
“Are they there now?” I’m thinking this person should call 911 instead of me.
“No, everyone thinks I’m crazy. But I know somebody’s been in my house. Things are rearranged and different. I noticed them. I’ll pay you $3,000 to figure out what’s going on, half up front, half when you figure it out. Can you come?” The woman on the other end of the line sounds scared.
“We’ll be there first thing in the morning. What’s the address?” I ask with a grin. When I scribble it down and hang up, Cassie is staring at me, a look of excitement on her face.
“Who was that?”
“Our next client. So, what do you say, partner? Are you ready to solve another mystery?”
She smiles, one of those all-encompassing smiles that I can’t look away from. “Sure am. Want to make a bet on who will solve it first?”
I shake my head with a chuckle. It’s been a while since I had a partner, but I could get used to this.
THE END…