The Witches on BellaRow Street

22. It's Not What You Think... Or Is It?

My Ancestors maneuver in the deep. Can you feel it? *:･ﾟ･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ:*

Detective Cree's words slither within my mind like a snake in the grass. He's testing me, seeing if I'll snap. And if he's not, then his words, actions, and his mere presence feel like an attack.

"Don't you agree?" He asks again.

His question stops me from moving. I need to say something or risk putting my sisters and me in danger or worse, labeled as NIWP top suspects in an attempted homicide investigation against the City Councilman aka the 'not so dead guy' currently in a coma. Anyway, what can I say?

"I don't pay attention to human politics," I add, hoping I sound convincing enough.

Detective Cree snickers, "Says the one with the human boyfriend..." He pauses, letting his statement intensify the moment. "Tell me, does he know you're a Witch?"

My breath hitches.

I want to say, I don't think it's any of your business, but I have to remain calm, move smarter, and not draw attention to myself.

And with my back turned away from him, I feel defenseless. I wish I could use my magic and watch him choke to death on my water, but I'm a lady, and we're in a public restaurant.

I peek back at him, uttering, "No," as he stares at me from behind.

The truth is Zion doesn't know I'm a Witch, hell, I'm not sure how he'll respond to it. However, if or when I tell him, then he'll become bound to me whether we stay together or not. And I don't want to put that type of pressure on him or myself.

Detective Cree grins again, "So you don't trust him..." He's enjoying whatever verbal battle that's happening between us in the hallway. But as long as he's asking about Zion and not the Councilman, the case or the crime scene, then I'm good. Right?

I whip my body around, facing Cree, knowing I'm five minutes over the standard bathroom time, and I don't want Zion to think I left, but the Detective needs to know my personal life is off-limits.

"I trust him." My voice wavers.

"Are you sure?" Detective Cree, approaches me, closing the gap between us. Once he's at his ideal distance, he leans forward, whispering, "because you don't sound convincing."

What is that supposed to mean?

I take a step back, unsure of what's happening.

"Stay away from him," I declare, feeling my nerves race out of control. I don't know what's gotten into me, and I must be crazy for challenging someone who's connected to the investigation.

Just when Detective Cree was about to utter something to counteract my stance, Roger, the waiter, creeps up the steps, staring at the both of us.

Roger stops abruptly, looking at me. "Oh! Umm, your boy--" He glances at Cree, hesitating. "Your food is ready."

Perfect. That's my cue. Without giving Detective Cree another moment of my time, I walk off, making a beeline down the steps and back towards my booth.

I'm not entirely sure what Detective Cree wants from me, but posting up by the ladies' bathroom, interrogating me with questions and insinuating that Zion can't be trusted, unnerved my spirit.

All I want to do is tell Zion about his new buddy, but that would lead to more questions. And I already have enough on my list.

Such as: Is Detective Cree lying about Zion? Does he suspect my sisters and I are involved in the crime? And should I reconsider telling my boyfriend about what happened?