CHAPTER 9

**JESSICA'S HOME

Ann stood outside Jessica's apartment, tapping her foot impatiently. When the door finally swung open, she was met with a stoic Jessica, a stark contrast to the animated woman who usually greeted her.

"Hey, girl. Are you alright? " Ann asked with concern, filling her voice as she followed Jessica inside. “You look pale. Did a cabinet fall on you or do you require some manly touch?” Ann asks, teasing.

Jessica managed a weak smile, the humor failing to reach her eyes. "Something like that," she mumbled as they walked in.

“But seriously, are you fine?” concerned once again.

"Yeah, I am," Jessica replied, her voice flat. Maybe a little too flat. "Just feel hungry, that's all."  Ann dropped her bag on the couch with a thud, the sound echoing in the silent apartment.

Ann wasn't buying it. Jessica might be able to fool an unsuspecting victim, but her best friend knew her far too well. "Uh-huh," she said skeptically, "and what kind of ravenous beast are you craving tonight?”

“Burnt toast or a quick sandwich?”

Jessica gave a smile. Ann always saw right through her. "Something tells me takeout isn't going to cut it this time," she admitted, slumping onto the sofa.

“Are you getting stressed at your new place?” Ann asks.

“No. Not that. In fact, I think I'd be getting to something more tangible soon.”

"Alright, spill it, what's up with you?" Ann presse further, plopping down beside her and grabbing a throw pillow to hug. "What happened at the Thorne Mansion — I mean, office today?"

Jessica couldn't help but crack a small smile as she launched into the story of Evelyn Thorne's visit, her sharp observations, and the unsettling feeling of suspicion that had settled in the room after her phone call with Ann.

“Nothing much. And yes — when you had called and asked if I found anything, his mother walked in on me…. I was stoned.”

“Oh– shit!” Ann yelled with her palms raised to her open mouth in amazement.

“I'm so sorry Jess — I didn't know.” Ann apologizes sincerely.

“It's fine really. She was going to have her eyes on me either way, Liam said so himself.”

“Oh goodness. I hope you pull this off. But is everything right with you and Liam at the office? Ann asked.

“Yes actuay. And then…….. Things got interesting..” Jessica said, her eyes squinting, forcing a smile from her. 

Ann tugged her pillow more with her eyes bulged out, ready to listen, her face growing serious as Jessica recounted the events. Ann's expressions were priceless at every detail.

“No way! Fifty thousand?”

“Are you serious right now?”

“You know what this means, right?”

“We're rich, baby!” Ann asked and proclaimed in excitement.

“we?” Jessica asks, laughing at Ann's words.

“Yes, we are.” Ann replies but asks further “Are you not going to share with me?” 

Jessica laughed even further. 

“I'm saying the money is not ours. Have you forgotten that the agency has access to all these things? 

I have to account for everything. 

The agency decides what happens to the money and I'd find that out soon.” Jessica replied.

“When do you have to report?” 

“Anytime now. I need to check the phone.”

Jessica hurriedly goes to her bed drawer for it. 

“Shit!” She screamed from inside. 

“What is it?” Ann yells back in return.

Jessica came out with a worried face. 

“Speak up Jess, what is it?”

“The agency has called a dozen times.— I need to get on the call, please be really quiet Ann.”

The call starts and Mr Troy speaks up immediately.

"Detective Miller," Mr. Troy began, his voice clipped, "your account report seems… unusual. It indicates that a significant deposit was made into your account early hours of today."

Jessica took a deep breath. This was it. Show time. "Yes, Mr. Troy," she began, "that deposit…."

She explained how it all went and every office detail she had access to in Liam's office.

A collective eyebrow must have been raised from the board members as she spoke about how she got that money with no strings attached.

 “That was it, sir. I believe it would have raised suspicion or a sense of distrust if I had rejected him, he seems to be keen and observant on such details and for the sake of the case, I obliged.”

“Well, that's thoughtful. But remember he's not buying you and you're not mixing your work for self benefits?”

“Yes sir! _ So, what do you suggest to be done with the money, some charity?” Jessica asks. 

Just then Ann turned to look at her with a weary look and she mouthed quietly to her from where she was seated.

“I – AM – THE – CHARITY.”

Jessica was one breath close to laughing out but she simply held herself through the call.

“No. Not charity. The money cannot be touched because we have to give full evidence of any contact you had.” one of the board members speaks up.

“Is that understood?” Mr Troy asks to make sure Jessica is in line. 

“Yes. Gotten!” 

“Alright then, keep your eyes peeled. We need evidence and actual reports. More insights.”

“Work towards gaining his trust fully. You need that to find anything that could be amiss.”

“Understood sir.”

The agency might be right about getting close to him to gain his trust and all but what if she's not able to?

Are they thinking about the fact that his mother walked around with an eagle eye?

Even if she had to bring reports, she had to be careful. 

Either ways, getting close to Liam was sure at any point.

Ann was going to stay over for the night, which meant a lot of merriment and laughter for both ladies. They enjoyed chatting and eating take-out food they had ordered before calling it a night.

For a few moments before Jessica finally shut her eyes, he thoughts drifted to the scenario where Liam had offered her a seat. He looked authoritative in a really sweet way that she couldn't quite find the words for.

Jessica tugged herself off the thought. 

He was not to be thought of in a way other than a target and that was simply it.

“Good night Ann.” She whispered quietly to Ann but she was already fast asleep.