Thirty Four

CHAPTER 34

A calm atmosphere enveloped the police station as Cassandra stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee and ink greeting her. She adjusted her coat, shielding herself from the lingering chill outside. As usual, the station was bustling; officers and staff moved back and forth, their voices blending into a familiar background hum. Her eyes quickly found Alexander at his desk, his slightly tousled hair a testament to his focus as he rifled through a pile of files.

Noticing Cassandra’s arrival, Alexander’s face lit up with a warm smile. Without saying a word, he rose from his chair and headed toward the small pantry in the corner of the station. Cassandra tilted her head, watching him curiously. Moments later, Alexander returned, holding a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

“Here, for you,” he said, placing the cup on the edge of Cassandra’s desk as she took a seat. His tone was gentle, like a small ritual he enjoyed every time Cassandra visited.

Cassandra stared at the cup, her hands wrapping around the ceramic warmth that felt comforting against her palms. “Thank you, Alex,” she said, a genuine smile gracing her lips. But as she lifted the cup, Jessica’s words from their recent conversation echoed in her mind.

"Sometimes, you need to draw the line, Cass. If he keeps giving you things because he likes you, and you keep accepting, you’ll just make him hope for something more."

Cassandra paused, slowly lowering the cup. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak. Her eyes flickered toward Alexander, who was now seated in the chair beside her desk.

“Alex… I need to say something.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his smile fading slightly. “What is it?”

Cassandra tightened her grip on the cup. “I think… you should stop giving me hot chocolate all the time.”

Her words hung in the air longer than she intended. Alexander blinked, his expression betraying disappointment before he quickly masked it with a small, forced smile.

“Oh,” he said with a soft laugh, though his voice hinted at unease. “I didn’t know it was a problem.”

Cassandra turned her face away, guilt gnawing at her. “It’s not that. I mean… I don’t want you to feel like you have to do this all the time. You don’t need to go out of your way for me.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “It’s not going out of my way. I like doing it.”

Cassandra looked down, unsure of what to say. She hated how his once-warm smile now felt hollow. Before she could explain further, Alexander stood, brushing off his jacket as if to distract himself.

“Well,” he said with a more upbeat tone, “we’ve got work to do. Hope you’re ready.”

Cassandra blinked, startled by the sudden change in topic. “Work? What work?”

Alexander grabbed his notepad and twirled his pen between his fingers. “We’re heading to Cale Callaghan’s house. It’s time to talk to his wife and kid.”

Cassandra’s stomach tightened. The name Callaghan wasn’t unfamiliar—Cale Callaghan was a suspect in a case linked to Antonio. She frowned, unsure if she wanted to be involved. “Do I have a choice?” she asked hesitantly.

“Nope,” Alexander replied cheerfully, flashing her a teasing grin. “You’re stuck with me.”

Cassandra sighed, rolling her eyes. “Fine.”

They exited the station and approached the patrol car parked near the curb. Alexander unlocked the vehicle, gesturing for Cassandra to take the passenger seat. She climbed in, adjusting her coat while fumbling for the seatbelt.

“Let me,” Alexander said, leaning over her to grab the seatbelt. The closeness made Cassandra freeze for a moment, her breath hitching as their faces were mere inches apart. Alexander’s expression softened as he fastened the belt with a soft click, his hand lingering on the strap briefly before pulling away.

Their eyes met, and time seemed to slow for a moment. Cassandra quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing under his.

“All set,” Alexander said, his voice softer now, almost hesitant.

“Thank you,” Cassandra murmured, staring at the dashboard as if it held some hidden secret.

Alexander returned to the driver’s seat and started the engine. The car vibrated softly as it roared to life, and they pulled onto the road.

The silence between them felt heavy as they headed toward their destination. Cassandra glanced at Alexander from the corner of her eye, noting the tension in his jaw. For the first time, she wondered if her refusal of the hot chocolate had hurt him more deeply than she’d intended.

But there was no time to dwell on it. The Callaghan family home loomed ahead, and whatever awaited them there wouldn’t be easy.

The patrol car stopped in front of a grand house with a well-manicured lawn. Cassandra stepped out first, smoothing her coat and taking a deep breath. Alexander exited from the driver’s side and walked toward her. As Cassandra stepped onto the stone pathway leading to the front door, her heel caught between the paving stones. She stumbled forward, nearly falling.

“Cassandra!” Alexander called out, swiftly catching her before she hit the ground. His hands gripped her arms firmly, pulling her upright.

Their eyes locked again, this time even closer than before. Cassandra’s breath caught, while Alexander gazed at her with a mix of concern and something deeper. The silence between them felt heavy but not entirely uncomfortable. Cassandra’s cheeks turned crimson, and she quickly looked away.

“Thank you,” she whispered softly.

Alexander gave a small smile, but before he could respond, a polite cough broke the moment.

“Excuse me,” came a woman’s voice, formal yet slightly sharp.

Both turned to see a woman in her 40s standing at the doorway. Her dark brown hair was neatly styled, and her elegant face bore light makeup. “I’m Maria Callaghan. Are you here to speak with me?” she asked, folding her arms.

Alexander released Cassandra, nodding politely. “Yes, Mrs. Callaghan. We’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.”

Maria glanced at Cassandra with mild curiosity but said nothing. “Come in,” she said, stepping back and opening the door wider.

The living room was adorned with a classic style—expensive wooden furniture, large paintings on the walls, and a chandelier casting a warm glow. Maria gestured for them to sit on a plush sofa facing a small coffee table.

“Wait here. I’ll make some coffee,” she said before disappearing into the kitchen.

Cassandra sat at the edge of the sofa, feeling slightly awkward. She glanced at Alexander, who sat beside her with a relaxed posture, though his eyes keenly scanned the room.

Maria returned a few minutes later, carrying a tray with two steaming cups of coffee and a small plate of pastries. She set it on the table and nudged one cup toward Cassandra.

“Please, have some,” Maria said with a faint smile. “It’s my special blend. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Cassandra reached for the cup hesitantly. The coffee’s rich aroma was laced with something else—something that made her brow furrow. Almond. There was a distinct almond scent to the coffee. Her instincts immediately sounded an alarm.

She glanced at Alexander, who had already picked up his cup and was about to take a sip. Without thinking, Cassandra moved swiftly, knocking the cup from his hand, spilling the coffee onto the table.

“Cassandra!” Alexander exclaimed, startled.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” Cassandra feigned clumsiness, grabbing a napkin to clean up the spill. As she wiped the table, she leaned closer to Alexander and whispered, “Don’t drink it.”

Alexander looked at her, puzzled, but something in her tone stopped him from questioning further. He set the cup back on the table, watching Cassandra with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Maria, meanwhile, remained calm. She picked up another napkin and helped Cassandra clean the spilled coffee. “It’s okay,” she said softly, though her eyes held a flicker of suspicion. “Just a small accident.”

Cassandra offered a tight smile, but unease churned within her. She knew something was wrong—she just didn’t know what yet.