"Elise, what was all that about?" Kai had been waiting for the correct time to ask her and he finally did when they were far away from the twins.
"What are you referring to?" Elise feigned ignorance as she drove the car steadily. They were on their way to the police station to meet Derek and Daniel to enquire about the case and assist them in further investigation.
"Elise, did you seek help from the Sephyr twins?" Kai didn't beat around the bush and waste time. He didn't believe the twins. They were famous for their mind games and none of the people they targeted had escaped their manipulation and deception. They were brilliant at it.
But he couldn't help but suspect Elise. How did she get all the information about Boris in one night?
"Would you believe me if I told you I didn't?" Elise darted a glance at him as she continued driving.
"I believe you, Elise."
"Then, trust me. I didn't seek their help. It was they who butted their noses in our business." Elise felt bitter every time she thought about the twins. They were like gum stuck to her shoe. She was unable to get them out of her life whatsoever.
Elise was astonished by the impact the two men had on her. It had been just a few hours, not even a day and she was close to losing her mind. It was a first for her and Elise didn't know what to make out of it. What power the twins had that they could piss her off until she wanted to kill them?
"Elise?" Kai was careful as he looked at her.
"Hmm?"
"Is there something I should be knowing?" Kai questioned. He didn't know why but he couldn't ignore the weird feeling in his heart. It was as if he was about to lose something very important to him.
"About what?" Elise glanced at the rearview mirror as she took a right.
"About the Sephyr twins?"
"What about them?" Elise didn't know where this was going. She had already said all that she had to.
"I don't know." Kai shrugged lightly when he met Elise's confused eyes. "Why didn't you tell me the twins sent you Boris' information?"
"I didn't know how to tell you, Kai." Elise sighed as she slowed down when she approached the police station. "I got their emails after we returned home yesterday. I didn't know what to make out of them or their intentions in sending the information. It still creeps me to think they knew what we were up to when not many knew about it."
"Why didn't you tell me in the morning?" Kai was still not satisfied and probed for answers. He was displeased and he didn't do anything to hide it.
"Look, I'm still trying to come to terms with the twins getting involved all of a sudden. I needed some time to process everything. I apologize for not coming clear. I was confused." Elise understood where this was going. She parked the car outside the police station and turned her body until she was facing Kai completely.
Elise felt guilty about hiding the truth from him. So, she apologized to him right away. It was not her personal life to maintain secrets. It was her work and Kai was her colleague. He had the right to know everything related to the case and she had broken the work ethic by hiding the truth from him.
"I'm so sorry. Please forgive me, Kai. I just..." She sighed softly and licked her lips. "I just didn't know what to do at that moment and thought of keeping the matter a secret until I found out the twins' intentions."
"It's fine, Elise. I understand you. Maybe I'd do the same if I were in your place."
Kai eventually gave up holding the matter against her. He more or less understood her predicament. Being his senior, she had more responsibility than him. She must have had her reasons to hide the truth from her. He thought and pacified his heart.
Elise smiled at him gratefully. "Are you done or am I still being interrogated?"
"I'm done."
"Good, 'cause we have a lot of work today, and, prepare yourself with some Advil. It will be a long, stressful day and we're bound to get a headache by the time we are done." Elise mumbled as she thought about what would be happening in a few hours. The day hadn't even begun properly and she was already having a headache. Amazing!
'I should probably have some Advil soon or chug down three mugs of coffee. Otherwise...God help me!' She got out of the car and Kai followed suit before they entered the police station.
"Officer Blake, Officer Lewis, Good morning." Elise greeted the two men who were busy sorting some papers which she had no doubt were related to the explosion.
"I wish I could say it's a good morning, Officer Winslow." Derek gave her a look of defeat before nodding at Kai.
"Is it that bad?" Elise noticed how unkempt the two men looked and she had no doubt they hadn't gone home for the night. Their bloodshot eyes said it all.
"Worse, I'd say," Daniel answered and let out a groan in frustration. "This shit is eating our minds. Who the fuck bombed the warehouse? If they wanted to do it, couldn't have done it secretly? Without anyone knowing? Why did they have to make it high profile and involve all of us in this crap?"
Elise let out a helpless laugh. An explosion happening in secret? Tough luck! She understood his sentiments though and felt bad for him. But she felt terrible for herself. The case would soon be hers. She knew it and it would be her turn to complain and curse.
The police would soon hand over the case to the NCI and her dickhead of a chief would push her to handle it. What a menace! Her hatred for the twins surged and she thought of numerous ways to torture them for putting her through such misery.
"Did you get any leads?" Kai enquired as he looked around.
"None so far. We are still trying to decipher who the deceased are. We have identified some, there are quite a lot though. Some seemed to have migrated illegally. It'll take us some time to identify them." Derek started to sort the documents before him again before giving up again.
"How would you like us to assist you today?" Elise quirked her brows as she looked at the messy place.
"We have got the warrant to view the CCTV footage in the club. We'll need your help with that." Daniel handed her warrant and Elise glimpsed at it while her smile vanished.
Just what she feared!
"When are we leaving?"
"In a few minutes."
"Fine." Elise closed her eyes and started to meditate. She needed to conserve her energy to deal with the men who were anticipating her arrival. Otherwise, a few Advil pills or three mugs of coffee would not be enough for her. She would need something stronger which she doubted existed in the world.