The Devil's Daughter

Unwelcome Back

Working on a report that had no information was absolutely maddening. The amount of rough drafts that were trashed was unbelievable, but I managed to turn in a final copy. Since I got nowhere last night, I figured that I might try out somewhere else. However, something about that bar was puzzling. I couldn't figure it out, but I felt this need to go back. No, you just want to go see Cassie. That's all. Though that thought may be true, I still had questions that needed answers.

After discussing my plan with the other detectives, I managed to make my way back to the bar, keeping back-up on speed dial in case of an emergency. After spending fifteen minutes on the road, I pulled up to the same bar from last night. Everything looked the same, except that a few cars were different and there were no security guards blocking the entrance. Leaving my badge on and keeping my gun attached to my side, I began to walk inside.

The same type of people managed to stop what they were doing to get a good look at me before returning to their same activities. Looking ahead, the same head of hair that I had my hands on only hours ago was busy cussing out drunks and filling drinks just like last night. Taking a seat at the bar, I let my eyes travel over her, almost as if I were seeing her for the first time.

"What are you doing here?" Cassie said without turning her head.

"I just need to ask you a few questions, please?"

She side eyed me as she finished serving the round of drinks she had in front of her before returning to me. I opened my jacket slightly to flash her my badge, watching as a glint of realization and betrayal flashed through her eyes.

"Oh...I see."

She pursed her lips into a tight line and she cast her eyes on the ground. She shook her head as she began to walk away.

"Sorry, I don't talk to cops."

Cassie began to pick up empty glasses from the counter as she threw them into the sink. I tried to follow her, but she managed to always turn in the opposite direction.

"Then don't think of me as one. Think of me as just Michael. Or Casanova."

I tried to lighten the mood in hopes that it would break the tension, but I was wrong. She stopped what she was doing only to look at me indignantly.

"See, here's the thing Casanova, I don't trust cops. Never have, never will."

I didn't understand what her issue was, but I had a gut feeling that it may have something to do with the owner of this place.

"Cassie, please. Just give me five minutes. That's all I'm asking for and then you'll never have to see me again. I promise." She set down her tray before turning to me with a unreadable expression,

"Five minutes." I nodded my head, feeling a pang of joy fill my insides. STOP IT!

"I need to ask you about Parker Chandler." She threw her head back in laughter as she began to wipe off a nonexistent stain on the bar.

"You're not the first." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm that it was practically staining the spot that she was wiping.

"Can you just tell me something about him?" She scoffed loudly,

"Like I said, you're not the first person to ask. I don't know what you expect to get out of me." I huffed softly, watching as she began to walk back towards the bar.

"Something. Listen, Cassie. Whatever you tell me could be what helps save several people,"

She eyed me harshly, coming close to my face, instantly giving me flashbacks from the night before. How do you expect to get anything out of this with your head in the gutter? Clear your fucking mind!

"Those people you speak of, are nothing but cheats and thieves. I see the same ones come in and out of this joint. They all are high off of their asses and taking what's not theirs. You may think you're helping, but all you're doing is subjecting them to continuing their games that does nothing but harm."

My ears perked at her words.

"So these people have stole from you?" She rolled her eyes, showing me an unreadable expression.

"However you take my words is your decision. All I'm saying is that you're only stepping into territory that is not one to reckon with. You're a nice guy, I'd hate it for you if you got hurt."

She said seriously.

"Is that a threat?" I highly doubted my words, but the way she was speaking made me think otherwise,

"No, it's just a warning."

She began to walk away from me again, only this time towards the back of the bar. The same place I followed her last night.

"Cassie, wait."

I softly grabbed her arm to prevent her from walking away. She jerked her arm out of my grasp, staring at me wide-eyed. I stepped back, realizing that I took it too far.

"Look, last night was fun but it was a mistake. I don't get involved with cops and I would like to leave it that way. Your five minutes are up, anyway. So would you please, respectfully, get the fuck out."

She eyed me once more before disappearing into the back without giving a single glance back. I felt a pain begin to form in my heart as realization set in. This was my wake up call to never getting involved with anyone again.