Her Christmas Detective - Laura Ann Page 0,8

Especially when he’s already trying to get the whole thing legally?”

Henry’s lips pursed. “Nothing appeared to be out of place in Mrs. Harrison’s room.”

Bella leaned back. “How do you know?”

“I had a look at it.”

“Without me?”

Hank raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know I was supposed to report my every move to you.”

Bella folded her arms over her chest. “As partners, I think I definitely should know what you’re doing. It’s part of the job description.” Calling them partners was a bit of a stretch, but Bella was nothing if not determined. If she wanted something, she went after it. She might be full of scraped knees and twisted ankles by the time she got there, but she wasn’t one to give up easily.

HANK FELT HIS EYEBROWS rise even higher. “Partners? I thought we were just sharing information?”

Bella clucked her tongue. “Isn’t that what partners do?”

Hank closed his eyes for a moment. This is exactly why he hadn’t wanted to give into her demands for information. She didn’t just want to share what she knew, she wanted to be part of the action. “I am perfectly willing to share everything that happens at the end of the investigation, Bella. You can write your story then.”

She slammed her hands on the top of the table, making the water glasses shake slightly. “This isn’t just about the story, Henry,” she pleaded. For the first time since he’d met her, he heard a bit of vulnerability in her voice. Bella was like a raging storm. She burst into rooms and situations without a care for those around her, leaving a mark wherever she went. And she did it with a stunning smile and innocent-looking face. It was going to get her in trouble some day.

The worst part, however, was the fact that he found himself drawn to the storm. There was something decidedly intriguing about her confidence, her smug grin, her teasing, and even those adorable freckles on her nose. Together they created a package that he wanted to get to know on a much deeper level than being partners in solving a crime.

“Then what is it about?” he asked, trying to act cool. He was trying to hide the fact that he was a softie. Hank had a feeling that if Bella knew he struggled to say no, she would take total advantage of it. He might be a good detective, strong and able to separate himself emotionally from a case, but he’d been raised with four younger sisters. Two of which now had their own daughters. Hank knew all too well that it only took a flutter of their lashes and he was under their thumb.

Bella took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, they were much dimmer than before. “Can I level with you?”

Hank frowned, then leaned forward so their conversation could stay more private. “Of course.”

“I know we don’t really know each other, Henry, so I’m trusting the fact that you keep secrets for a living.”

Hank nodded for her to continue. What in the world is she so worried about? Is she hiding the fact that she’s the thief? The thought gave him a start. There was no way Bella could be the thief. Was there? She did seem to like attention, but would she go that far?

“I need this,” Bella whispered. “Things haven’t been going well since graduation. Nobody is interested in the stories I really want to write. I’ve been showing up at police stations all around my home and no one is willing to even talk to me, let alone let me write anything.” She scrunched up her nose. “I’ve been writing stupid fluff pieces just to get by. But it’s not what I want to do.”

“What do you want to do?” Relief flooded his system as he realized this wasn’t a confession of guilt. Nothing would nip his attraction in the bud like her being a criminal.

“I already told you. I want to be a crime reporter. I want to get in on the nitty-gritty. Investigate behind the scenes, see what makes the mind of the serial killer tick and how the victims overcame their experiences.” She took a deep breath. “I want to write stories that intrigue, horrify, and change people.”

Hank slowly shook his head. “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen someone get so passionate about the dark, seedy side of life.” He frowned. “If that’s what you want to do, why the heck are you in