Deadly Affairs

Chapter 2

The next morning, Vivian sat in her tiny office, a cup of coffee cooling on her desk as she reviewed her notes on the Brentley case. She tried to focus, but her mind kept drifting back to Liam Blackwell.

Who was he, really? And why was he so invested in Brentley's secrets? She didn't trust him, not one bit, but he had that dangerous allure she couldn't shake.

Vivian sighed, finally picking up her phone and dialing her closest contact on the police force, Detective Grace Navarro. Grace was one of the few people Vivian trusted completely, even though they didn't always see eye-to-eye.

The phone clicked. "Navarro," a familiar voice answered.

"Hey, Grace. Got a minute?" Vivian asked, keeping her tone casual.

"Only if you're not about to drag me into something illegal, Chase," Grace replied, half-joking.

"Would I ever?" Vivian smirked, then added, "Actually, I just need a quick background check on someone."

Grace sighed. "You know this isn't technically legal, right?"

"It's just a name, Grace. Liam Blackwell. Thought you might have heard of him."

There was a pause on the line, then Grace's tone grew serious. "Liam Blackwell? That guy's trouble, Viv. Word is, he's connected to some pretty powerful people. I don't have details, but let's just say he's not someone you want to owe favors to."

Vivian's curiosity flared. "Thanks, Grace. That's actually helpful."

"Vivian," Grace said, her tone almost a warning. "Be careful. Guys like him... they don't play by the rules."

Vivian hung up, feeling a mixture of excitement and caution. If Liam was as dangerous as Grace hinted, he was exactly the kind of case she needed to shake up her boring streak.

Later That Evening

By the time the sun began to set, Vivian found herself at her regular bar, a small, tucked-away place called Eddie's, where she could unwind and think.

As she sipped her drink, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway. Liam Blackwell. He hadn't noticed her yet, so she watched him for a moment. He looked comfortable, as if he belonged there, and the way he scanned the room showed he was always a step ahead, always aware of his surroundings.

Finally, he spotted her and walked over, that same faint smirk on his face. "Ms. Chase," he greeted, sliding onto the barstool next to her. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Funny. I could say the same," she replied, her tone cool. "Though something tells me you don't leave much to chance."

Liam chuckled softly. "I see I've made an impression." He ordered a drink, glancing over at her. "Did you think about my offer?"

Vivian raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I thought about it. But there's something I need to know first."

"Go on," he said, looking genuinely curious.

"Why are you so interested in keeping Brentley's secrets buried?" Vivian asked, meeting his gaze directly. "There's something you're not telling me."

Liam swirled his drink, looking thoughtful. "Let's just say, I have connections, and sometimes people like Brentley get sloppy. When they do, I make sure their mistakes don't come back to hurt... important people."

"'Important people,'" Vivian repeated. "I'm guessing you're one of those people?"

Liam's smile grew, but his eyes were unreadable. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I'm just a guy with a talent for helping people stay out of trouble. Take that as you will."

Vivian leaned back, crossing her arms. "Alright, so what's in it for me?"

Liam looked at her for a long moment, his expression serious. "I need someone I can trust. You're sharp, smart, and you don't ask unnecessary questions. You help me keep Brentley in line, and I'll make sure you're well-compensated—and protected."

Vivian considered his words. It was tempting, and the money would be good. But then again, getting involved with someone like Liam was like playing with fire. "And if I say no?" she asked, testing him.

Liam leaned closer, his voice low. "Then I find someone else. But something tells me you'd regret it. We both know you're looking for something more than just cheating spouses and boring cases. And I think you know I can offer that."

Vivian's heart pounded as she held his gaze. She hated that he was right. She was tired of the same dull cases, and Liam seemed to promise something dangerous, something exciting. But could she really trust him?

Finally, she extended her hand. "Fine. I'll help you—on my terms. I get to call the shots. And if I don't like where this is going, I walk."

Liam's smile widened as he shook her hand. "Deal."

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them thick. Then, without a word, Liam stood, finishing his drink. "I'll be in touch, Ms. Chase."

He left the bar, his confident stride drawing a few curious glances from the other patrons. Vivian watched him go, feeling a thrill she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew she was stepping into something dangerous, something that could turn her life upside down. But a part of her was ready for it.

As she sat there, her phone buzzed with a new message: Meet me tomorrow night. I'll have more details.

Vivian glanced at the door where Liam had disappeared, a slight smile playing on her lips. This case was already different from anything she'd ever taken on. She had a feeling that, whatever came next, it would be a wild, unforgettable ride.