Unhappily Married by; Rachel N.

Part 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

Joanne was overjoyed when Nikita declined Xavier's offer to get into his car, a wave of relief washing over her. She had been skeptical of Nikita's intentions, but now she wondered if Nikita had been genuine when she claimed to have no romantic feelings for Xavier. Joanne's happiness was palpable as she watched Nikita walk away from the car, but Xavier's expression told a different story.

His face was etched with frustration and anger, his eyes blazing with a intensity that made Joanne's heart race. Maxwell's presence was a constant irritant to Xavier, but his greater concern was Nikita's potential to expose his plans to uncover the identity of the person seeking to harm him.

"Yes officer, were you able to trace the call?" Xavier asked, his voice laced with urgency and concern. He was on a call with the officer in charge of the murder case, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

"No, Xavier," the officer replied, his tone apologetic. "The call came from a burner phone, and right now, the number is switched off. We're trying to trace the location, but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack."

Xavier parked the car by the side of the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. He ran his hand through his hair, feeling a sense of frustration and helplessness wash over him. He had promised Nikita he would protect her, but so far, the police seemed to be getting nowhere.

"But, when has the police ever given the people positive feedback?" he thought to himself, a hint of skepticism creeping into his mind.

"So, what do I do now?" Xavier asked the officer, his voice laced with desperation.

"When this person calls again, get another phone and give us a call. That would be our cue to trace the call and try to keep them on the phone for a while" the officer explained, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Okay, I'll do that," Xavier said, his voice barely above a whisper. He ended the call and dropped his phone on the passenger seat, his head falling onto the steering wheel. He felt helpless, like he was watching a nightmare unfold before his eyes, unable to do anything to stop it.

"What's wrong?" Joanne asked, her voice laced with concern, as she noticed Xavier's slumped posture and furrowed brow. He realized he wasn't alone in the car and quickly sat up, trying to compose himself.

"Oh, nothing," he replied, waving his hand dismissively, but Joanne's keen eyes saw right through him.

"Come on, didn't we promise not to keep stuff from each other?" she asked, her tone gentle but insistent, as she reached out to place a hand on his arm.

Xavier hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I know, but really, it's nothing," he repeated, trying to sound convincing.

Joanne raised an eyebrow. "Ok, have you had lunch? Let's go to my place and grab something to eat," she suggested, trying to change the subject.

Xavier hesitated, his mind elsewhere. "Huh? I'm supposed to have lunch with Nikita," he said, his voice distant.

Joanne turned away, her expression flashing with anger. "Didn't you see her leave with Maxwell? They'll probably hang out together, so let's go and have some fun," she said, her tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Xavier knew she was probably right. Nikita had made it clear she was interested in Maxwell, and it seemed likely he felt the same way. No wonder she had left with him.

"I'm really sorry, Anne, but there's something I really have to do," Xavier said, his voice firm but apologetic.

Joanne stared at him, her eyes narrowing. She knew he wasn't going to budge. The only way to get him to open up was to bring up the discussion she had with Nikita.