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"Inspector," he said, nodding at e of the table, his features caught in a tide shifting between e sideways on his bench, taking up the entire thing, so I scooted over to allow the young officer to join us He did, but his movements were disconnected, uncertain

"Officer Lancaster, this is ht And vice versa"

Russell held out his hand but, no big surprise, Derrick didn’t take it Even with his gloves on he never shook hands Instead he gave the young officer a sharp half wave I could all but hear Russell’s teeth grinding from the perceived insult, but it wasn’t my place to reveal that my partner yrd

"Anyway, here’s the issue," I said and then laid out a very brief explanation of anted to know about Vicky the waitress’s heels

He looked doubtful, and I wasn’t sure if that stemmed from a lack of faith in his own ability or if he just couldn’t picture the bright young waitress as guilty Still, he didn’t argue but nodded when I finished and closed his eyes so he could concentrate

After several long moments he shook his head "There are a lot of charht also be a little too close to you, Inspector Your arsenal is a little overwhelht about that

"You’ll have to get closer to her then Why don’t you go flirt with her?"

Russell gave me a stunned look

"Maybe it’s just the smile, but she is very pretty," Derrick added

"Not as pretty as you," Russell said turning large chocolate-colored eyes and his own sh behind a cough I shot my partner a scowl, but I wasn’t insulted I was very aware of how ordinary I appeared I used it to e as often as possible And while I was flattered by Russell’s attention, there was business to be done

"You’re cute, but you’re what? Nineteen? Trusthim a moment to accept my words "Now, there is a job on the table, and I’ll pay you, but don’t think a heart is up for grabs"

The disappointment played across his features, but after a h for using an ability I can’t turn off anyway I’ll be right back"

He headed for the waitress in the fetish heels and I sippedshake Derrick and I both watched as he approached and her already brilliant sree Now those tould make a cute couple If she wasn’t evil

Russell returned after a few ive a report of some sort--he was an officer, after all--but he sat there for a longat the empty tabletop in front of him

"Are you injured?" After all, the creatures could wound with no physical trau like that She was nice Very nice I just" His face scrunched, his lips pursing and his brow crinkling "You were right--the shoes are spelled, but for the life of n for the waitress

"You did well Here You said you wanted dinner?" I passed him the menu, and then sat back in the booth as I considered what to do next

The waitress wasn’t currently hurting anyone, so no need toher out in front of the patrons I’d wait until the diner closed Also, just because her shoes held a co enough that I’d have my crossbow at the ready when I approached her

Russell’s food arrived and the table fell into silence as he ate, Derrick thought about whatever the hell was bothering hiht It wasn’t exactly companionable silence, but it could have been worse Then Russell’s fork fell onto his plate, food flying off it and skittering across the table

"So subtlety, he lifted a shaking hand and pointed

Right at the waitress