93 Mental Breakdown (1/2)

He stiffened and his eyes widened in panic. I noted unsteadily as his eyes moved to the CCTV camera and he kept shaking his head. ”No one was helping me. What makes you say that?” The hand on the table slid away as he fit it underneath. His body was defensive and I realized I had made a huge mistake.

I kept my mouth shut as I waited for someone to show up. How was I supposed to make this situation better? I heard footsteps from behind me. It was Sebastian. He was almost running towards me. He stayed hidden from Dean's side and whispered to me.

”Come out. It's okay.”

”It's okay, Dean. I didn't mean anything by that. I'll leave you for a while,” I said with a slightly stiff smile and closed the door. I quickly moved away as if the doorknob was on fire.

”I messed up, didn't I?” I groaned.

”No. It's okay. It was not part of the plan, it was okay.” He remained relatively silent. ”Let's get you washed up. You never know what kind of germs he is carrying around. He might be a drug addict, too. Wash your hands.” I nodded and followed him.

”But why am I washing up?” I said suddenly, realizing what was wrong with his words. ”What? Am I supposed to get psychopath germs from interacting with him?”

We were already at the little monitoring room when I said it. Sebastian pushed me inside and shook his head.

”Evie,” Detective Nash called. He looked unbothered by the last stunt I pushed but the guilt made me speak.

”I'm sorry for going out of the script. I messed up.” I bowed my head.

”Oh, don't say that! You were such a joy to work with. You followed the signals so well and made so much progress with the suspect. I was astounded.” He smiled warmly. ”As I matter of fact, I am wondering if I should steal you from Sebastian. What are your thoughts on taking the civil service examination, huh?” he joked.

”Well, she might have been better than some other detectives but she was way too familiar with him. While you act understanding and offended on the suspect's behalf, don't make him think that he shouldn't respect you at all.”

”Did I do that?” I asked.

Detective Nash nodded. ”Well, these videos get submitted to the jury, so if they see someone overly sympathizing, it can look bad for the detective. It was a great tactic, especially in this case, but you'll learn to tone it down a little.”

”I'll study this more,” I informed them sincerely.

”I can't believe a suspect asked you out for coffee in the first interrogation,” Sebastian scoffed.

”It's because Evie is a catch and everyone can see how charming she is,” Nash defended quickly.

”I'm sorry. I don't want anyone to ask me out!” Sebastian retorted. ”What's so good about being popular among criminals?” The snort came and Detective Nash looked between the two of us speculatively. I wanted to defend myself but Nash might have already drawn his conclusion.

This was what I was scared about. This misunderstanding. It was okay.

”You don't mind me stealing your assistant, though?” Nash asked, surprised.

”We'll have a three-month school break after the exams and I won't be busy at that time. She can use the time time to productively intern with your team. She'll learn a lot.” Sebastian glanced towards me in question.

”That sounds nice,” I encouraged. It seemed he had planned out my future very well. As we were talking amongst ourselves, I saw Dean's reaction on the monitor.

”What is happening?” I asked, pointing towards the screen.

”You are seeing a human being experience an emotional reckoning so overwhelming while also trying to process of understanding how terrifying his current situation is.”

He was pacing across the room, mewling and wailing. He looked like he was having a breakdown.

”This is unexpected from him. He was so cocky and sure that he had done the right thing...” I trailed off.

”Usually, the ones like him don't cry. They silently stew in their misfortune. But he...” Nash frowned.

”It's because Evie asked me about someone helping him,” Sebastian interjected. ”That put him off-guard.”

”What did you mean by that, Evie?” Nash asked me curiously.

”Something has been bothering me,” I explained. ”I was trying to ignore it, but the glaring evidence has made me unable to look away.”

”What evidence?” Sebastian asked.