91 Hard to Resurface (2/2)
”No, I couldn't.” He retrieved his hand from under mine and pressed it against his face, hiding as tears poured out.
”You should call him by his name. Earle Desmond,” Dean said firmly. ”When you don't say his name with the crime he committed, you let him get away with it.”
”You're right. Earle... how did you talk to him without feeling anger and disgust?” I scrunched my nose to imitate the emotion.
”It was hard... it was really hard. Whenever I saw him, I wanted to puke. He was so charismatic and carefree. He acted like it was no big deal and I had to smile and stay silent.” He shook his head in disbelief.
”Why did you stay silent?” I asked. ”If it were me, I would have turned him away. I wouldn't be able to stand being near him. You're really a strong and excellent person. You didn't deprive him of your services even though he was a horrible person.” Dean looked up and then smirked.
I felt like a breakthrough had happened. I had confirmed that he was above average. That was what he was looking for. To appease me and make me think more highly of him, he would brag. Only, I would have to coax him a little. That was okay.
”Do you think I wanted to talk to him? I was hoping someone would end him.” Okay, that was progress. He admitted that he wanted Earle dead.
”Why didn't you beat him up, though? Like those other guys? You could have punished him.” Dean stiffened slightly and he stared at me, trying to find something. ”You're admirable. You aren't scared that these scumbags will press charges against you. How can they when they were the ones doing the wrong?” I looked up at the ceiling. ”When you have the job that I do, you see people worse than you can imagine. It makes you look at people differently. When you dive into the swamp, it is hard to resurface. Sometimes...” I trailed off. I glanced at him and realized that he was fascinated.
”I...” he trailed off. It had been a long time since Detective Nash had left. As if on cue, he entered.
”I'm back. I've been working late nights so I have stomach flu, I think,” he chuckled. I remained silent as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Dean looked at me with confidence that I wouldn't reveal anything much.
Now, I was wondering how we would bring out the actual news. I was too amateur to make him confess following procedure, which was why Detective Nash had intervened, probably.
”Did you guys talk about anything fun?” Nash asked casually and Dean shook his head.
”We were just talking about life in general. I would love to grab a coffee with Detective Lewis after I tell you everything I know. Detective, you're single, right?” My heart skipped a beat but a smile bloomed on my face.