Page 32 of Win a Date with a Detective

“No secret underground fight club?”

“No.”

“No elaborate conspiracy you’re secretly investigating?”

“Not currently.”

“No collection of evidence boards covering every wall of your apartment?”

“Rachel.”

“What?”

“I think you’re going to be very disappointed when you discover how boring I actually am.”

“Oh, Detective.” She grins. “I don’t think boring is going to be a problem.”

And the look she gives me makes it abundantly clear that she’s not talking about my hobbies.

Fuck.

I want this woman. Badly.

A cleared throat at the door draws our attention. Derek approaches.

“Sorry to interrupt.”

Rachel immediately straightens. “Did you find the ring?”

“Not yet.”

She deflates. “Oh.”

“But we found something interesting.”

I look up. “What?”

“Vanessa’s fiancé called his insurance company.”

I frown. “Already?”

Derek nods. “Apparently, he was very concerned about getting the claim started. ASAP.”

Rachel tilts her head. “That’s weird.”

I glance at her. “Why do you think?”

“Well, if somebody stole my engagement ring, I think I’d be considerably more interested in finding it than figuring out how much money I could get for it.”

Derek and I exchange a glance. She’s right. That is interesting.

“Did you get a copy of the policy?” I ask.

“Working on it.”

Rachel looks between us. Then slowly grins.

“Oh my God. Did I just solve your case?”