And actually, she couldn't believe she was doing the same.
But there was something very comforting and comfortable about this woman's presence.
"Ah, but I do know you. And we are going to be very good friends."
Sam raised her eyebrows. "So, basically, you're the crazy member of the family?"
"No. The clairvoyant. The future is my playground."
"I'm betting it isn't always a pleasant one."
Her bright eyes briefly shadowed. "No."
Sam sipped her coffee, then, in an effort to get onto a safer topic, said "So, he's actually having me tailed because…?"
"Because he believes Hopeworth is after you."
If last night was any indication, they were. And they didn't particularly care if she was dead or alive. Goose bumps skated beneath the small hairs along her arms.
"What makes him think that?"
Jessie shrugged. "I don't think he's got anything substantial.
It's just a feeling."
Feelings were often more reliable than hard evidence— she'd learned that during her years as a cop. "And as the clairvoyant, what are your feelings?"
"That he could be right."
"Then he should have talked to me, not arranged all this behind my back."
"Would you have allowed him to arrange it?"
"No."
"Which is probably why he didn't bother asking."
No probably about it. She smiled wryly and glanced at her watch. If she didn't get moving soon she'd be horribly late for her appointment with O'Hearn. She sipped more of her coffee and said, "If I get you pulled, he'll simply replace you with people I don't know."
Jessie smiled, and tucked several dark curls behind her ear. "I dare say."
"Who else has he coerced into this?"
"My husband, Alain."
Sam raised her eyebrows. "Just the three of you? Doesn't he intend to sleep?"
"Obviously not. As I said, you mean more to him than he's willing to admit."
She'd try to remember that the next time he was giving her hell over something stupid. "Next time you're on watch, why not give me a call? If I'm off-duty, we might as well be bored together."
Jessie nodded. "Are you going to confront him over this?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." If Gabriel had the feeling Hopeworth was after her, she wasn't about to knock back any protection he offered, however covertly. Not when her instincts suggested she'd need all the help she could get.
"Good." Jessie paused, brown eyes suddenly intense. "Give me your hand."
Sam frowned and didn't move. "Why?"