Page 30 of Power of the Mind

“No.”

“Are you saying that to be disagreeable, or do you mean it?”

“It was a coincidence. The girl was on drugs.”

“They didn’t find any in her system. Would you slow down. Are we in a hurry?”

He did not slow down.

“Diem, there were no drugs.”

“And you’re going to take the word of a sixteen-year-old?”

“Um… yes. Why shouldn’t I?”

“Because he has shit for brains, yo.” Diem, mimicking Mackie, made a gang sign on the last word, and I laughed.

“Wow, that was…sonot you. Don’t do that again. Not a good look.”

Diem aimed for the passenger side of the Wrangler and forcefully tugged the door open, holding it ajar. “Shut up and get in.”

I pretended to stumble a step as I clutched my chest. “My gracious. Diem Krause, did you just open the car door for me? Swoooon.” I fanned my face with a hand and batted my lashes. “Careful, sweetie pie, I just might fall in love. All that chivalry. Mm. I like it.”

“Fuck’s sake.” He slammed the door and stormed to the other side of the Jeep, got in, started the Wrangler, and revved the engine, in case I didn’t know he was in a mood. He would likely not wait if I didn’t hurry my ass up.

Laughing, I got in and buckled the seatbelt as he burned rubber away from Mackie’s building.

“You’re so testy sometimes.”

Nothing. No response.

I waited until we were a few blocks away before asking, “So what next?”

“Not my case.”

“I know that, and I’m flattered that you put me in charge, but I value your opinion. Partners work together.”

“We’re not partners.”

“Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night. I think we should talk to Allan’s neighbor, then maybe make a date with Madame Rowena’s hypnotist ex-husband.”

Diem muttered something incomprehensible as he took a corner too fast and changed lanes.

“Say again.”

He dashed a questioning look across the middle console. “What?”

“You’re grumbling under your breath, which isn’t helpful. We’ve discussed it. Use words.”

He drove another block before spitting, “I have a contact.”

But he didn’t elaborate.

“Okay. Good. Who?”

“Kelly Woodsman.”

Another long pause where Diem refused to explain.