As Bella stepped into the bathroom, she took a moment to collect her thoughts, her mind still buzzing with the findings from the morgue. She splashed some cold water on her face, hoping to wash away the tension that had settled in her shoulders. Meanwhile, back in the precinct, Lucas and Leo continued discussing the case.
"She's really onto something with those connections," Leo said, glancing at Lucas. "I think Bella might be able to help us crack this wide open."
Lucas nodded, appreciating the compliment but feeling a bit distracted. “Yeah, she’s brilliant. I’m lucky to have her on the team.” He hesitated, his thoughts drifting to their personal connection, but he quickly refocused on the task at hand.
Just then, a sergeant named Jenna, known for her confident demeanor and striking features, approached them. She had been eyeing Lucas since he joined the precinct, intrigued by his military background and charm. This was her opportunity.
“Hey, Captain,” Jenna said with a playful smile, leaning against the doorframe. “I couldn’t help but overhear you two discussing the case. Need any extra hands?”
Lucas glanced up, surprised. “Thanks, but we’ve got it covered,” he replied politely, his tone firm but not unkind. He was focused on Bella and the case, not interested in distractions.
Jenna's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. “Are you sure? I could help analyze some of the data or—”
“No, really,” Lucas interrupted, shaking his head slightly. “We appreciate it, but we’re good. Bella is handling the forensics, and Leo and I are taking care of the intel.”
Undeterred, Jenna straightened up, her smile shifting to a determined look. “Well, if you change your mind, I’m just a call away. I could bring some fresh perspective to the case—or something else.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow, recognizing the flirtation in her tone. “Thanks, but I’m really busy right now,” he said, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice. “I’m focused on the case.”
As Jenna stepped back, feigning casualness, she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “No harm in asking, right? I’ll be around.” With a wink, she sauntered away, leaving Lucas feeling a mix of relief and annoyance.
Just then, Bella re-entered the room, sensing the tension in the air. “What did I miss?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.
“Just a little interruption,” Lucas replied, his tone dismissive. “Nothing to worry about.”
Bella tilted her head slightly, observing Lucas’s body language. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” he assured her, though his mind was still partially on Jenna’s advances.
“Alright then,” Bella said, moving back to the table where Leo had spread out the case files. “Let’s get back to business. We have a lot to cover.”
As they delved back into their discussion, Lucas couldn’t shake off the feeling that Jenna would not give up easily. But at that moment, he pushed all distractions aside, focusing on Bella and the case that mattered most. He was determined to protect what he had with her, no matter the challenges that came their way.
As they wrapped up their discussion about the case, Leo turned to Lucas and Bella, his expression serious. “Alright, here’s the plan. Lucas and Bella, you’ll take the lead on talking to the witnesses. My team and I will handle interviewing the family members of the victims.”
“Sounds good,” Bella agreed, her eyes meeting Lucas’s. There was a sense of determination between them, ready to tackle whatever came next.
“Make sure to gather as much detail as possible,” Leo added, jotting down notes on his notepad. “These witnesses might have seen something we overlooked, and we need to connect the dots quickly.”
YOU ARE READING
An Unforgiving Love
RomanceCaptain Lucas Morani has just returned home after five grueling years of military service in Iraq, his mind constantly occupied by thoughts of the woman he left behind. But when he arrives to find his girlfriend has moved on with his own brother, th...
