The Heart Collector (Under Editing)

Chapter Fifteen: Sheila

Novus could not believe what he saw. He had Fare's phone in his hand while he leaned against the wall. After what had happened, Fare suggested that they reconvene at the library.

He handed the phone back to her, "Any idea what they were after?"

"No. It was hard to tell, but I think it was a file. The records' drawer was almost obliterated."

"Did you happen to hear anything?"

"Nothing that stood out. Everything was muffled in the cooler."

"I see. Well, I'm glad that you made it out okay. You said that you grabbed Kila's file. Let's that a look."

She passed it to him, and Novus went to one of the tables to lay it out. Fare watched him and had an inner debate. She wanted to know if he was aware that Sheila was at the Ninth, but at the same time she was not sure. To her knowledge, Sheila was the only one who could place her at the Ninth and on the lower level. There was also the matter of how empty the place was. It unsettled her.

Fare went to stand next to him, "Novus."

"Hm?"

"Is there a reason for a precinct to look as if no one was their?"

He looked up, "What? Why do you ask?"

"I didn't dwell on it too much at the time. When I walked in, it was a ghost town. No one was in sight."

"That is weird. You didn't see anyone? I know that they are busy, but at least several of the higher ups need to be in the building at all times."

"Well, it's not like I actively searched for their offices, but I did have to ask someone how to get to the lower level."

Novus opened his mouth, but Fare cut him off before he could say anything.

"I know it wasn't the brightest idea, but I was hit by a door, and I needed to find an excuse. I obviously I didn't know the coroner was stuffed into a cooler. What are we going to do about that by the way? That could explain why you've haven't gotten Kila's file until now."

"I'm not sure right this second. I think it would all depend on who you talked to."

Fare sighed, "It was Sheila."

"What?"

"I take it you didn't know she was there."

"Maybe-no I didn't. Where did you see her?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I was distracted by the door in my face. She did seem a little surprised to see me now that I think about it."

"Did you tell her that I sent you there?"

"No. I wasn't sure if you knew or not at the time. I thought it best to say that I was there for an appointment. Do you think she's involved somehow?"

"I hope not. She has access to all my files and my office. She even makes my appointment schedule and several other officers'."

Fare glanced at Kila's open autopsy file, "Does she have access to your emails?"

Novus paled. Fare sighed. Novus may have not wanted to say it aloud, but the evidence started to pile up against Sheila. She knew little about the squirrely secretary, but she skated under her radar. Her calming ability may have played a big part in that. Like other Fae, Fare was affected by her Thrall.

"Involved or not. We obviously need to talk to her. She still at the Thirteenth?"

Novus looked at his watch on his arm, "She should be back from lunch right about now."