Chapter 26 - Set me ablaze (1/2)
The hot water ran on my sore muscles it did help me relax, a little. When I came back to the room, I could hear loud male voices on the other side of the door. I quickly got dressed in a pair of jeans and an extra-large brown shirt. I couldn't do anything about the wet hair. The voices rose and fell, pulling me towards it. I couldn't clearly identify Demos' bass one. I yanked the door open and the three men standing in the middle of the living room turned to stare at me.
”There she is,” called Mr. Ramdin standing next to the evaluator, Benedict Dims. Demos gave me a tight smile. I quickly crossed the room to join him, he wrapped his arm around my waist. The two men gave us a curious look before averting their eyes to my modest living room decoration.
”Wh-what are you two doing here?” Mr. Ramdin cleared his throat his eyes darted from me to Benedict Dims.
”You see, we were alerted of Jay Dawson's arrest. When I heard that you were involved, I kind of dragged Dims along with me,” the evaluator stood rigidly next to him, face blank of all emotion. ”You were sick and now this. I'm really sorry. I thought I would come to pay you a visit,” I nodded at him.
”Thanks,” I muttered a bit harshly.
”I'm here to check if you're ok,” added Dims with a business smile on. ”We bought you some collation,” he tipped his head to the basket of exotic fruits laying on the low coffee table. I frowned at him.
”A man just tried to kill me and one of my companion is damaged. How should I feel?” his professional smile faded.
”I can offer my assistance,” he reached to his inner vest pocket and pulled out a golden card that he extended to me. I just stared at the VIP letters printed over it.
”I can't afford your services,” both Mr. Ramdin and Dims shifted on their feet. Demos reached out and took the card. He slipped it in his pocket.
”Thanks, we'll think about it,” he turned to face me. ”Your boss was saying that you have a week off and you need to rest,” I frowned at Demos. What was that all about? Since when did he decide on my behalf?
”I don't think I need one week. Sognare will come to pick Grant tomorrow, plus I need to drop by the police—” I turned to Demos for confirmation. ”Don't we need to fill in my testimony or something?” he shook his head in agreement.
”The inspector told me you can take your time. However, you'll need to fill a proper report,” added Demos. I pressed against him for support. He stroked his fingers over the fabric on my shirt. I had to take a deep breath to focus on other things than his hand. Unlike Grant, his touch made my knees weak. Now was no time to get turned on.
”I'll go back to work as soon as possible. I need to get back to my routine,” I said out of breath. Demos gave me a side-glance. Was he doing it on purpose or was he completely clueless of the effects he had on me?
”Are you sure?” Mr. Ramdine twisted his fingers together, concern written all over his face.
”Yes,” I said in a dry voice. I focused on my anger to push away that sweet sensation wiggling it's way up my spine.
”Ok, then” Mr. Ramdin gave the evaluator a knowing nod. ”We should be on our way. Sorry for the disturbance. I hope to see you soon at work, Miss Kerry,” he extended his hand to Demos who gave it a firm shake. ”Happy meeting you, Demos,” Mr. Ramdin gave a playful smile to us then moved to the entrance. Dims tipped his head at us without a word and followed Mr. Ramdin out. Demos let go of me to make sure the door was closed. I let out a soft sigh both because Demos wasn't in contact with me and them being gone.
”What did they really wanted?” Demos tilted his head.
”They seem to care about your well-being,” I frowned at him, was he joking or something?
”He's my boss and that other one, a high-class shrink. Why would they care?” one corner of his lip curled up.
”Not everyone is against you, Liliane,” I rolled my eyes at him. Like I would believe that, just hours ago, some psycho wanted to butcher me with some crazy knife out of hell.
”Right!” I marched to the fridge and pulled it open. Somehow, that little conversation got me hungry. There were eggs, frozen veggies, leftover cheese. I turned to the cupboard and found rice, noodles and two tomato cans hiding in the shadow, only items that needed to be cooked. I groaned in frustration. Grant, I miss you terribly, I thought.
”Where is instant food when you need them?” I slammed the door shut. I turned around and spotted the basket of fruits. It must have cost a fortune.
”You want me to cook you something?” I crossed the room and grabbed a palm-size red apple in which I eagerly sunk my teeth in. I groaned at the delicious taste. It's been a while since I have eaten one. I waved at him then noticed the stains on the front of his t-shirt. He followed my gaze.