To Lola: 13 years later

Chapter six

Rosie felt a pit in her stomach as her red eyes scanned over his features, his sinister smirk and teasing eyes, in one quick motion he grabs his pistol and aims it straight at her.

"Now you and I both know how people around here feel about folks like you. I'd be doing this country a favour putting you in a hole."

His tone was dark but a small hit of a twisted smile could be heard as his eyes lock on hers. The barrel of the gun aimed right at her chest as their deep breaths are the only present noise in the office.

"Aren't you scared?"

Williams voice filled with playfulness and confidence. He lets out a deep sigh and chuckle before lowering the pistol and slipping it back into the top drawer of his desk. His eyes hit hers again and his smile turns from sadistic to a bit more genuine.

"You knew it wasn't loaded, didn't you?"

Rosie nods, looking away from him. "I did, you wouldn't have pulled the trigger either way, would you?" Her eyes narrow with an expression which he cannot explain.

A look of admiration or confusion drawn over her eyes bringing him a sense of comfort and euphoria, like watching the leaves of trees move with the summer breeze from his office window. William felt a sort of comfort in her presence which he cannot describe. He sighs and rests his elbows on his desk.

"You a good woman Rosie. I can see it in your eyes, go home for the night. It's getting late"

Rosie smiles, standing from her seat as William gets up, walking around his desk to the door of his office and holding open for her.

"Don't forget your little 'pet'"

Rosie gently picks up the tiny gnome from the windowsill and placing it in her purse. She makes her way to the door and stops to look at him, a small yet tired smile on her face. "By the way, happy new years, in case you forgot."

William chuckles softly, rolling his eyes and leaning against the door frame. "Very funny."

Rosie's expression goes a bit more serious. "Our conversation today hasn't been really professional so I just wanted to ask how your making out with the case? Have you found anything?"

William thinks for a minute then his expression goes a bit darker. "I know this case means a lot to you and you miss your sister very much. I have found something but you're gonna have to wait till tomorrow when we can discuss it properly. But I will warn you, you're not gonna like what I found. But don't let that keep you up. Goodnight Rosie"

"Oh. Goodnight William"

The gnome gives a little wave as she walks away, though the halls of the building before being greeted by the cold winter night and sounds of fireworks coming to a close and people leaving the streets.

"What could he mean?"

Standing in her shower feeling the hot water running down her hair and back contemplating those last words from her boss.