Page 75 of An Eye For Illusion

We turn right, going around the back side of the community shelter and toward the highway. Moore increases his speed, racing past cars and a fence surrounding the backyard of the shelter.

I slow down as I pass the fence when I notice a large group of people congregated in the yard. My curiosity gets the best of me as I make a split-second decision to pull over across the street instead of following Moore.

I quickly open the app connected to the tracker I put on Moore’s car when I first started following him and activate it. It’s small and makes my job a shit ton easier. Once I put my car in park, my eyes scan the yard, looking for one woman in particular.

Jade.

It takes me a moment to find her, but when I do, I see her talking to an older woman. The two of them are laughing and smiling together. They look like they know each other well.

I watch a few more minutes as Jade walks around the yard, speaking to several women and even playing with some of the children. To say I’m a little shocked would be an understatement, and I realize even more that I severely underestimated Jade Foster.

I only watch for a few more minutes before checking Moore’s location. He’s on his way across town and headed to his favorite hole in the wall bar. I start to feel like a creeper, so I pull the car into drive and follow Moore’s path to the bar.

The whole time I can’t help thinking there is more to Jade Foster than meets the eye.

Me: Did you know that an octopus is a master of disguise?

I smile when I watch the dots appear on my screen, indicating she’s typing. They disappear and reappear just moments later.

Jade: Did you know the males die after mating?

I bark out a huff of laughter. Leave it to her to firmly put my ass back in my place.

Jade: Are you trying to say you’re an octopus?

Me: I mean, they also have three hearts and can regrow limbs. So maybe I’m not an octopus, but I’m definitely a master of disguise.

Jade: Pshh. You talk a big game, but I’m still waiting.

Me: You gotta have a little faith, woman.

Jade: That’s a hard one for me, but I’m trying my best to trust you.

The conversation starts to turn serious. I want so badly to end this situation for her today, but if we don’t take the time to get what we need now, it’ll all fall apart in the end. I’ve seen too many cases implode because the time wasn’t taken to build the case. It’s all in the fine details. That’s what makes and breaks cases like this.

Jade doesn’t need circumstantial evidence. She needs the kind of evidence that will land Moore behind fucking bars.

Me: I don’t break my promises, Princess.

Jade: Pinky swear?

My heart squeezes at the reminder of how much she needs me, of how hard it is for her to trust people.

Me: Pinky swear. Cross my heart and hope to die.

Jade: Now you’re just being silly.

Me: Never. I’m serious as a heart attack.

Jade: Bahahahaha, now I know you’re lying.

Me: What? I can’t be serious?

Jade: I don’t think I’ve ever seen it… What does serious Colin look like?

Me: Like a man hell bent on getting you out of marrying a man you hate. I hate him, too.

Jade: Oh, shucks. You sure know how to make a girl swoon.

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