This was exactly why Felicity and I had spent the past two weeks residing in a tiny, unfamiliar apartment in a secure building instead of our own home. We were in hiding, and it was starting to get on my nerves.

“So, the victim is male?” I asked

“That’s what they said. I just got the call a few minutes ago.”

“So where is the scene?” I pressed again.

“No way. Stay put, Row. Let us handle this.”

“You know I can’t do that, Ben.”

“You don’t have a hell of a lotta choice now do ya’?” he shot back.

“I’ll just show up,” I told him calmly. “I can find out where the scene is without your help.”

“And I’ll fuckin’ arrest your sorry ass if you do.”

“Ben…” I just allowed my voice to trail off.

“You know, Rowan, we ain’t just a bunch of bumblin’ idiots. Cops solve murders all the time without your help.”

“I know, Ben, but this is different.”

“Yeah, I know you think it is, but it’s not. Why can’t you just stay put where I know you’re safe, and let me handle this?”

“Because I want my life back, Ben.”

“Gettin’ yourself killed would kinda defeat the purpose now wouldn’t it?”

“We’ve had this discussion before, Ben.”

“And I don’t recall bein’ convinced that time either.”

“I need to do this,” I appealed.

He huffed out a heavy sigh after an extended silence. “Fine. Jeez. Okay. At least if you’re with me, I can keep an eye on ya’. I’ll swing by and pick you up. But listen, Row, you’d damn well better tell Felicity before I get there. I don’t have time for an argument like last time.”

“Don’t worry. She’ll be coming with us.”

“Both of you?” he groaned. “Sheesh. Lucky me.”

“Hey, it’s not my idea.”

“Are you willin’ to stay home and let me handle this?” he queried flatly.

“I thought we’d already established that as a no,” I replied, somewhat confused by the question.