Stevens and I scowled at each other.
“I’m done here.” I stalked back toward the witness room.
Special Agent Rockwall stopped me before I got to the door. “Isabel, please, think about it. You’re right, we have no evidence that would indicate you need watching but at the same time we don’t know that for certain. We’re going on a hunch, so please try and see our side of it. We do this on a daily basis and we’re good at it. Please be reasonable,” he said, with a pleading expression.
I closed my eyes and sighed, “Okay, but I’m not going to like it and y’all better not hover.” I instantly regretted agreeing.
I went back inside the witness room, Jill followed. We had to explain why the trial wasn’t going forward today. Jill did most of the talking, telling them everything except about Tori getting murdered. I reminded mom and victim to continue with therapy and not to forget that teen group therapy begins next week on Thursday. Tori was supposed to be starting then too, I told myself, feeling sad and confused. I just couldn’t wrap my head around what had happened.
This was a long and taxing day to say the least. I wanted to mourn Tori’s death but it seemed like there was no time for that right now.
3
My victim and her mother left, leaving me in the witness room answering messages and writing down a few notes. Agent Rockwall walked in with his coat and what looked like his gun, back in its holster. I could tell the way his suit jacket was bulging again like it did earlier this morning. I could also see the handle of the gun peeking out.
“I’ve been assigned to you,” he said, beaming and smiling a boyish smile.
“You assigned to me? What a surprise,” lots of acrimony in my voice.
“Actually, Stevens was supposed to be with you but I told him he should probably go with Jill, especially after the way you practically bit his head off in the hallway earlier,” he mused. “I thought he might fight me on it since he noticed your hypnotic eyes, but thankfully he didn’t. Besides, I think he’s crushing on Jill,” he said, grinning.
Huh, I wondered if Jill knew this. “Okay, let me just go find her to let her know I’m leaving for the day. I have to get home to my baby anyway.” I started for the door.
Rockwall grabbed me and spun me around. “Your baby?” He eyed me, confused and angry, “You’re married?” he demanded.
Wait a minute, this was the FBI and he doesn’t know everything about me? He was my sitter, he carried a gun and had access to every bit of information on me and he didn’t know about Samson? This was fabulous! I was going to roll with it. It was going to be a fun ride home tonight!
“By heavens no, I’m not married,” I replied with a chuckle. “I just have a baby. A big baby.” I was smirking, not saying anything more.
“Well,” he said agitated, “Stevens already took care of that for you. We were told to get you both home and secure your houses.”
“Fine then, let’s go. I’m assuming you’re to be my chauffeur as well as my sitter?” More sarcasm in my voice. He didn’t seem to mind though, probably because he was still on the baby comment. Ha! “Do you need my address, Agent Rockwall?” I asked smugly, already knowing the answer.
“Nope, I got that,” he remarked, looking somewhat annoyed.
“How about this,” I suggested. “I know you have to chauffeur me around and all but why don’t I take my car, you can follow me home. I promise to drive the speed limit and this way, I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to tote my big baby around.” My smirk was more pronounced now—he looked thoroughly confused. I could see in his eyes he was trying to recall everything he probably read on me. Was there a mention of a baby? Was I married at one point? Or perhaps I just had an ex-boyfriend who could possibly be the father? Was this other man going to be a problem? I could read so many questions on his face. I wanted to giggle.
“It’s okay.” He was confounded. “I don’t mind toting your baby around with you.” He stuttered a bit, his voice monotone, pausing for a moment, then shaking his head. “What am I saying? Of course, I’ll drive your baby wherever you need! It’s your baby! I mean it’s a baby! It’s your baby!” His voice grew a pitch higher. This was way too easy.
We headed for his truck, all the while assuring me he would take care of my car and fix all the damages from this morning’s accident. I smiled and batted my “amazing” eyes at him. He was probably feeling guilty for rear-ending me this morning now that he learned I had a big baby.
He had a nice truck. It was clean and it didn’t smell. “Let’s stop for some beer and pizza to go, please. The Cowboys are playing Philadelphia tonight and I’d like to eat, drink and watch the game, if you don’t mind,” I kind of half asked since he was supposed to be my babysitter.
“Do you think beer’s a good idea if you have to take care of your… baby?” he asked.
“I think beer is the perfect remedy for a day like today. I have wine if you prefer that?” I was loving this game. “You know, you’re right,” I said in agreement. “Just get me home to my baby, he must be starving. I have plenty of beer and wine there and we can just order pizza.”
