Andy rushed to the door, dragging Isabelle behind her. “I won’t leave the city. Contact me through Ms. Diaz any time you want.”
The detective didn’t budge. She stood firm, hands in her pockets, blocking their exit. “I asked you a question, Ms. Templeton.”
Isabelle found her voice as she let go of Andy’s hand. “I was stressed and tired that night. I made a mistake. We all make mistakes. I didn’t dream anything. My studies…they took their toll.” Isabelle tucked a few errant strands of hair behind her ear and bit down on her bottom lip.
“You were convinced you’d dreamed about Horace Gibson’s death before it happened.”
Isabelle let go of Andy’s hand and walked up to Wright, feigning irritation. “You didn’t believe me back then, so why worry about it now?”
She wanted to get out of here and she wanted Andy with her, away from the blond woman who looked as if she wanted to eat her alive.
Detective Wright stood her ground, looking at each of them, a fresh curiosity flaring up in her eyes. “Who exactly are you people? There’s something going on here. Something more than personal protection. Much more than what you’re telling me.”
Isabelle shook her head. “Now you are the one who is delusional, Detective. Dreaming up things that don’t exist.”
* * *
“What the hell were you thinking walking in there?” the blonde snapped once they were inside Andy’s car.
“I was worried about Andy.”
“And you thought it would be okay to just go and find her?”
Isabelle turned to face the woman in the back seat, placing her hand on Andy’s leg as she did, feeling the flinch of muscles under her fingertips. Screw this woman who obviously carried some torch for Andy.
“If I understand this correctly, Andy and I are partners.” Her voice was calm, controlled, anger crowding out the exhaustion. “We are supposed to look out for each other, so stop screaming at me. I don’t work for you. In fact, I don’t work for any of you, so stop ordering me around. My only debt is to Andy. Do we understand each other?”
The blonde sat back, surprise on her face. “I’m sure Kate will love your answer.” She dug around in her handbag and took out her phone. “Tell me how you met Detective Wright. I need to be prepared the next time she corners us. Because there is no way she is going to let go now.”