>part three<
Leon muttered lowly as he pushed past her, clearly making for his desk and the bit of safety it inspired in him. But she followed on his heels, smiling all the while. Nearly throwing himself into the chair, he finally stared up at her.
�I know. I�m so sorry, Jill.� He hoped it was enough to appease her, she could be a banshee when the monster served her. The last thing he felt up to was an intense word-play. And he *did* feel sorry.
�I�ll accept that apology�when you tell me what happened,� She leaned against his desk, making it clear that she wasn�t moving until she heard what she wanted. Leon debated on telling the tale he had constructed this morning in the shower, but knew he wouldn�t get away with it. By the way her nails tapped listlessly at her elbows�it was clear she was in no mood to pick apart one of his many stories.
�I�was questioning Count D about the Alissa Owens case�and time kind of slipped away.�
Jill�s face softened, a smile settling on her lips. �Good boy, but tell me�what did you learn? For certainly you must have learned something in the *hours* you questioned him.�
�O He�s definitely involved, and I think with a little more questioning I might be able to get her whereabouts out of him.�
She rolled her eyes with a grin. �You always say that.�
�Don�t you start in on me now!� He let out a low, half-hearted growl. He began sorting through the mess of files on his desk, shoving various papers aside and flinging random pens to the floor.
�Looking for this?� Jill dangled a manila folder before his eyes then dropped it upon the disaster still happening. He snatched it up then grinned at her thankfully.
�God, Jill�what would I do without you?� He flipped the file open then froze.
�O, I don�t know, Leon. Perhaps find yourself a new slave?�
�Umm, Leon?�
Leon shoved the picture in his breast pocket and gifted Jill with his most dazzling, �it�s-just-your-imagination� smile. �I gotta go,� he cooed.
�Leon, I can�t cover for you again!� she stamped her foot, knocking a few folders to the floor in the process. Leon grabbed at them futilely.
�I�m not going to see the Count! I�ve got an appointment with Catherine Owens!�
�Is that Alissa�s sister?�
�None other. I�m supposed to meet her at Alissa�s apartment in an hour. So�� he glanced at the wreckage on his desk then turned pleading, boyish eyes up to her. For a moment she didn�t seem to understand what he was saying, then sighed.
�Consider it done. Now get out of here!�
�Thanks, Jill!!---�
�Hey!� she snapped, pushing away from his desk. �Don�t talk like that! You *are* going to pay me back!!
Leon waved her words away. �Of course, of course. Don�t I always?�
Jill watched him go, crossed her arms over her breast. �Was I supposed to answer that?�