Page 70 of Hard Game

I still. “No one else?”

She blinks at my tone and points at the reception desk down the hall. “I’ll double-check, but I’m pretty certain.”

I nod, and she moves towards the desk, her shoes squeaking on the floor. If Elijah hasn’t had visitors besides his parents and me, does that mean no one from the force has checked on him? Maybe they’d sent flowers, I think bitterly. Do they even care that one of their own nearly died in service?

“No, just you and his parents, as I thought,” the nurse tells me before pointing down the hall. “I have other patients to see; if you need anything else, just ask at the desk.”

I don’t even respond. Instead, I stride to the desk, bypassing the flustered nurse.

“Where are Elijah’s things? Elijah Jonewood,” I say, practically hopping on my feet.

The receptionist frowns. “His things? They will be in his room.”

“No,” I say impatiently. “His gun, phone, and badge. He’s a detective. He’s my partner.”

The receptionist shakes her head. “He’s an officer but doesn’t have a gun.”

“He’s not an officer, lady,” I snap, pissed with her already. “We are both detectives?—“

“Actually, you’re not.”

I flinch at the voice, twisting slowly to come face to face with Carmen Torres, or Satan as I now think of her. But before I can organize my thoughts, she smiles politely at the receptionist and tilts her head, suggesting I move with her. Well, she can get fucked, because I’m not going anywhere with her.

“What are you talking about?” I demand, unable to stop my hands from bunching into fists. I want to beat this woman’s face to a pulp.

“You’re both on desk duty as officers from now on.” Carmen smiles like she’s just delivered the best news. “If Elijah makes it, that is.”

“You can’t do that!” I hiss, stepping forward as she raises both hands defensively.

“I’ve requested you take some time off and have a psychiatric evaluation. I think you’re losing touch with reality, Diess. Go home.”

I gape at her, and she grins widely, knowing I can’t touch her. I’ll lose my job and reputation, and God knows what else if I do. This sick bitch will have me thrown into a cell underground if she has her way.

“I’m not leaving Elijah,” I grit out, my eyes narrowing into slits. “I know what you did.”

Carmen sighs and looks at me with pity. “Do you, though? I don’t think so, Diess. I don’t think you know anything at all.”

“I’ll prove it,” I say, stepping closer to her. “I’ll make sure you all pay. Every last one of you.”

Carmen rolls her eyes and waves dismissively. “You can try, but you have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

A warped smile lifts the corners of my lips as I meet her gaze. “I know exactly who I’m dealing with.”

Carmen gives me a thin smile before regaining her polite composure. “You have six weeks to get yourself back to work. I’ll make sure your new badge is sent to you before you return.”

My cheeks flame. How can she get away with this? I worked hard to get to where I am now. Part of me wants to lunge for her, consequences be damned, but that’s why she’s here, to get a reaction from me. Any reason to get me dismissed from the force entirely? I watch her walk away, willing myself to be calm, but my mouth opens before I can stop myself.

“Why, Carmen?”

Carmen stops but doesn’t turn around, and for a second, I’m sure she will answer me. But then she continues wordlessly, and my hatred for her grows. She couldn’t ever justify her actions to me, so why would she try? Why does anyone do bad shit? For money, usually. For depravations and sick tastes in this case, but yes, probably for money, too.

My temples throb, and I sink back onto the chair, wondering how the hell I’m going to solve this case.

Because I’m not quitting.

38

LAUREN

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