C.E.O x C.E.O

Ch. 20 - Relationship Status: Complicated

It seems the secretaries have their own little affair going on. To think Dmitri thought his case was the more scandalous one. Because what could be more scandalous than pulling strings to investigate a case in which the key character of said case doesn't even know about to begin with? What's more scandalous that doing something illegal to prove that something else is illegal?

Well, that's kind of typical for a vigilante detective, isn't it? Sherlock Holmes type stuff, and Sherlock's never been much of a peacemaker either.

(Dmitri's never read any Sherlock books. He doesn't read.)

And of course, where there is a detective - amateur or otherwise, there is the foil getting in their way. That's where Dmitri comes in. He's not usually one to reprimand Tamara, despite his role as her boss. If anything, she's the one who'd normally reprimand him for just having some fun. Not that he ever listens.

But this time, he has to put the foot down.

"Tamara," He starts, as she sits in the passenger seat of his car in silence. She's been silent since Dmitri's discovery at the club, pouty and arms crossed. But not for long. "I need ya to drop this case."

Tamara glares at him, her mouth shut, but he knows she wants to say something.

"It's too dangerous," He adds. "I know yer capable of defendin' yerself. I'm aware those heels can kill. But I doubt you'd have any luck usin' them heels on cops if they find out what you've been up to. Snoopin' around properties ya ain't allowed to be in, manipulatin' yer way through confidential information, dealin' with devils..." - he sighs, grip on the steering wheel tightening - "What if this culprit finds ya too?"

"You said you know I'm capable of defending myself," Tamara at last speaks, firmly and just. "Yet you doubt me at the same time?"

"I'm just scared!" Dmitri exclaims. "Ya may never know what can come hittin' ya. Be careful."

"I am careful!" Tamara tosses her hands in the air. "I lasted this long, haven't I?"

"And how much longer could ya keep that up? I betcha it ain't for long."

"Stop acting like you know any better."

"I'm yer boss!"

"And I'm your friend! Why're you so worked up about me just trying to hunt down the pursuer of the man ya love?"

"What, I am-! I don't love him. What are ya talkin' about?"

"Don't play dumb, Dmitri. It's clear as day. And if I don't do this then you're never gonna get a chance to tell him how you feel!"

"What makes ya think I wanna tell him how I feel?!"

The car stops abruptly. The jolt held back by the seatbelts, as Dmitri catches sight of the red light. He takes a deep breath, taking in what just happened, what had just been said, what Tamara knows and what he knows. All the yelling has died down now, falling into a sad silence, unresolved tension in the ventilated air. Dmitri's eyes fall.

"You knew?" Dmitri asks, in a much calmer tone. He doesn't need to specify what he's talking about, knowing Tamara could deduce it in seconds.

"Maybe I'm not that bad of a detective after all," Tamara smiles lightly, a somewhat proud smile, yet there's little happiness in that smile as well. "Or maybe it's just the world's worst kept secret."

Dmitri's face heats up. He knew he should've tried being more subtle about it. But he couldn't help himself. "And the case?" He then decides.

Ultimately, Tamara falls silent again. She's been refusing to elaborate about the case, but she doesn't need to. Dmitri saw and heard everything. From the wad of cash Tamara gave to the bartender to the fact that James is being targeted by Maximilian Hart.