She clenched her jaw and balled up her fists, and her vision blurred at the edges from the anger she was trying to contain. Because she was 100 percent sure that this was bullshit.
Someone was trying very hard to make it look like Lucas was a murderer. He didn’t kill Thomas Dixon and he didn’t kill Alfie Fraser, and she knew it not because she was sleeping with him. Her detective’s instincts were telling her something was very wrong with this whole scenario.
Besides, she knew Lucas already had a solid alibi. He was at that party for his sister and then he came to her place. But she just knew Lucas could never do such a thing.
It was early yet, and they weren’t even sure if the body was Fraser or whose blood was on the shirt. It might take a couple of hours still for the ID on the body. She glanced over at Bushnell’s office. Sharpe was still in there talking to the captain.
Wait and see. This whole thing might be a big coincidence anyway. And she was worried for nothing.
When Bushnell and Sharpe finally finished talking, the captain led the detective out of his office and began to walk him around, giving him a tour. Sofia turned to her computer, trying to ignore that dreaded feeling in her stomach.
“Detective Selinofoto.”
She nearly jumped out of her chair at the captain’s voice. “Sir?”
“Detective Sharpe will be taking this desk.” He gestured to the empty one beside her. Derek’s old desk. “I know you’re not leading the investigation on the D.B. from the church, but I hope you’ll help him out any way that you can.”
“Of course, sir,” she said. “I’d be glad to help in any way I can, Detective Sharpe.”
“I appreciate it,” Sharpe replied. “Thank you.”
As Sharpe settled into his new desk, Sofia turned back to her computer, trying to concentrate on her other cases. Of course, she kept on eye on the other detective, waiting to hear for news on their D.B. It wasn’t until it was late in the day that he got the call.
“And you’re positive?” Sharpe’s brows were furrowed together as he scribbled on this notepad. “Okay, thanks.” He put down the phone.
She waited with bated breath as Sharpe turned to her.
“It’s definitely Fraser. Fingerprints confirm it.”
Her blood pounded in her ears, and a pit in her stomach grew. There was a definite link now between Dixon and Fraser.
What she should do was give all her previous evidence to Sharpe and tell him about the connection. But what she wanted to do was get to Lucas. Now. Someone was trying to frame him. She knew it, and she almost fell for it the first time. If she could warn Lucas first, then he’d at least know he had an enemy.
Her fingers drummed on the table, thinking of what to do. She had to protect Lucas. But at the same time, her own involvement could put him in further jeopardy.
The best thing she could do right now was tell Bushnell her suspicions, then remove herself from the case. Though he was always by-the-book, the captain was a smart man and always considered all sides and possibilities before making a decision.
“Detective?” Sharpe cocked his head at her.
“Sorry, I have to talk to the captain.” She stood up and walked over to the captain’s office, not even bothering to knock when she strode in.
“Detective?” Bushnell put his pen down. “What’s wrong?”
“Sir, I need to tell you something.” And she told him everything. About the connection between Dixon and Fraser and about Lucas, including sleeping with him. She tried to be as objective as possible, but she knew this wasn’t going to turn out well.
Bushnell’s jaw tightened and his blue gaze bore into her. “Detective, I don’t even know where to begin. We’re talking about a massive conflict of interest here, not to mention possible misconduct on your part just by being at the crime scene.”
She flinched. “I know, sir. But I didn’t know the connection of the two cases until we got positive I.D., and I assure you my … personal involvement with Lucas Anderson isn’t affecting my work. But still, I’m going to remove myself from the Fraser case.”
“This is extremely disappointing. I like Sharpe, and I was hoping you would get along and you could be partners.” He sighed. “You’ll be removed from the Fraser case, as well as Dixon’s.”
“But we’ve already proven Lucas didn’t do it! He’s being framed.” She bit her tongue when the captain scowled at her.
“He was your prime suspect, and now you’re sleeping with him!” His face was red and blustery. “Selinofoto, you’re the last person I’d expect this from.”
His disappointment in her stung. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“You really don’t think it’s him? What if the shirt is his?”
If it was, then that made her even more suspicious. Someone as careful and smart as Lucas wouldn’t leave around evidence like that. “I can alibi him for last night, sir.” She winced when he let out a curse. “And before that, he was at a party surrounded with family. Lucas—Anderson’s got round the clock bodyguards. You know that yourself. I’m sure if you call Fenrir’s security team, they can confirm his whereabouts and have GPS logs.”
The captain leaned back in his chair and massaged his temples. “All right. But as of right now, I’m putting you on a couple days’ leave.”
“Sir!” she protested. “You can’t—”
“It’s a paid leave,” he said. “You can’t be here. At least, not until we’ve totally cleared Anderson. This is the best thing you can do for him.”
Fuck. He was right, and she knew it. Any hint of impropriety could jeopardize the precinct, the captain, even the entire case. “Fine.” She stood up. “Is that all?”
“Yes, Detective.”
It took all her self-control not to storm out of his office and slam the door
