When I heard nothing more of Mae's footsteps, I opened the folder and was greeted by a pair of pale green eyes.
And a drop dead gorgeous face, I should say.
"Mind you Uncle Roman, I still have my Jane Doe as my priority case. I don't need an Adonis in my life right now. " I said, sounding dead panned.
"Dear god in heaven, where did I go wrong?" He made some dramatic gestures and acted as if he was in distress. I couldn't help but laugh in an unlady-like manner.
Only a handful of people in the office knew my true relation with Chief. We made it clear that it was only appropriate not to mix our personal lives in a professional arena. And in the field of work that we're in, declaring any relations to anyone might put ourselves in a much vulnerable state. Specially for him.
But for now, a little off the tension wouldn't hurt;seeing that my old man needs it more than ever.
I smiled when I heard Chief chuckled and murmured his gratitude.
He then straightened his shoulders and began discussing the profile that I was holding.
"You are going to defend his case of frustrated murder against his wife in Salem, be sure that that brute sticks to his statement. Do not, at any rate, throw your fist on his face when you met him. "
My face must have been contorted with different emotions for Chief raised one of his brows and gestured me to carry on.
"Hold on, please don't tell me you're saying that I need to get this man's ass off the brink of imprisonment because he was framed up? That his neighbor saw his car parked on the sideway of the street and not in their garage? " I asked, aghast by the idea that I'll be flying for how many miles just for this petty ca—
No, wait. I thought. There's more to it than that.
"Do I still need to answer your questions? " Chief asked, seemingly entertained by my change of reactions. I sat up straight, a small grin was plastered on my face.
"Yes, but not those questions. As far as I can recall, I am a detective in the face of the media, and an agent who's doing dirty works for FBI and CIA, but I was never a lawyer, Uncle. So, what's the catch? "
"I'll tell you when you successfully burned the bridge. " he winked and continued, "I'll be giving you seventy two hours for your Jane Doe and your own data gathering for your new case. You can bring Mr. Sanders with you. Just be sure to keep him at bay from the Salem witches. "
I groaned. Yes, sure I could do that. I could also strangle him on the spot.
"He's not that bad of a partner, Tatiana. " Uncle Roman said warily.
I pursed my lips. No matter how asshat he can be, I agreed with Chief's assessment. Sanders may be a little thirsty of women's affection but he's the best partner that I could count on.
I just don't like him risking his life just to save my sorry ass even if we are partners.
"He's not even here. So how can you say that Chief? " I challenged him.
He shrugged before making a reply, " I sent him to run some errands for me. He'll be here an hour or so. And by the way, " he paused and opened a small drawer in front of him. He took a transparent Bishop and handed it to me.
"Happy Birthday my little Elly. " his eyes softened as he said those words. I cheekily smiled at him and said my thanks.
"Now get out of my office before we get too emotional. You can leave out early and hang with your friends or something. " he jokingly snapped. I laughed at his behavior and hugged him before I went out.
I stayed for another half an hour before deciding to bring my work home and rest at the break of dawn. My apartment was not far from the headquarters of the Underground Crime Investigative Commission for it was only ten blocks away. It was favorable on my part because I was not a morning person and I could go to work hassle-free.