24. Our muses are detective partners — and best friends.
“Jae.” Hillary threw a packet of juicy fruit gum towards his direction over the hood of the car as they walked, Jaejoong catching the small carton like reflex before he unlocked the doors and coolly stepped inside the driver’s seat with a brief click of the seat belt.
“We’re meeting Mr. Oh, the head chef of Tuscany.” Jaejoong informed before unwrapping the gum and place it on his pursed lips, slowly tilting his head up to slid it in while inserting the key in to turn on the engine.
“Do you think he’s going to spare time with his busy schedule?” Hillary bit her lower lip and titled her head slightly to the side facing front, fixing her hair towards the right side of her shoulder. “We went there last week and we didn’t even have a chance to face him. We’re going to waste time —”
“Well, not this time.” Jaejoong cut her off while unlocking the hand break and changing gear to drive. “Hil, your seatbelt.”
“Right.” Hillary shook her head with a small smile before extending an arm, reaching behind to get the strap. “By the way.” She started after the sound of a click was heard. “How did you manage to get an appointment?”
“With Mr. Oh?” Jaejoong glanced towards Hillary with a smug smile before stepping on the gas pedal. “My ways, Hillary. Connections make it easier you know. Barging into someone’s territory without any back up – just like what you did the last time - is not so professionally well done, my dear.” He sounded more like teasing her, which only made Hillary roll her eyes and direct her gaze towards the side window. Hillary didn’t have any intention to argue back, for she knew what she did and truly, it was embarrassing no matter how much she reasoned out.
“Hyah. Do you know silence is far more worst than arguing when it comes to you? Now, you’ve been working with this case far too long that’s why I was appointed to help you. Don’t treat me coldly now. You need a break too. Do you hear me? After this case is done, go on a break.”
“You sound like you’re going to nag instead of helping me, Jae.” Hillary huffed and crossed her arms lightly, sighing tiredly with droopy eyes and the dark shade under her eyes apparent. “But I really appreciate you for volunteering to help this time. This murder case is far more complicated than I thought. Too many politicians involved.”
“And you thought you’d be able to handle the case alone.” Jaejoong smirked while focusing on the road, turning to look at the sleepy female when the vehicle stopped at the red light. “Should we stop by to get coffee?”
“Bright Idea.” Hillary faced him with a grateful yet lazy smile, running a hand through her uncombed hair. “Thanks.”