Finding My Own

17. Main Suspect

I've been working part-time shifts for a while now. Knowing that I have lots of free time has taken a toll on me. I never know what to do and cooking is out of the question. I've been to the grocery store twice in one week. Is this what it feels like to be bored? Do you want to do anything that passes the time? I don't like this feeling.

Going home after lunch is the last thing I want to do right now. I'd rather go after the people on the list, but Maison is the one who likes keeping an eye on people. I couldn't possibly take this opportunity away from him. Looks like this time is going to be an exception.

"Cooper!" I called out. "Are you heading out to lunch?"

"Oh, hey, Roxanne." Cooper smiled. "I was actually about to check on something, but I guess that can wait."

"Oh, no, I don't want to keep you from your work."

"It's fine. I was actually heading to that new restaurant that opened recently."

"Black Dahlia?"

"You know it?" Cooper asked in surprise. "You don't usually go out."

"Ah, Maison treated me to lunch once. The place is pretty good. I haven't had anyone to go with since then." I shrugged.

"...If you want, I could take you. I made a reservation for two, but Blake had something more important to do."

"No, no. I couldn't possibly intrude on your lunch." I fought to keep a smile off my face.

"You wouldn't be intruding. It'll be a little weird eating alone at a place like that. We're both dressed the part, so why not eat together?"

"Well...if you insist."

I am so good at this stuff! I've known Cooper for a while, and he's never had lunch alone with another female coworker. If anyone sees us, then rumors are bound to float around. I can't have that. Sebastian will definitely find out and I don't think I'm ready to see the side that gets jealous. Jealous men make me want to strangle them.

"We can take my car," I said. "I don't have to go back to work."

"Must be nice," he muttered.

"Sometimes. I never know what to do afterwards."

"Why'd Whitlock give you part-time?"

"Chambers did."

"Oh..." Cooper half-smiled.

Yeah, everyone knew about my little 'friendship' with Todd. I know he doesn't want to see my face 24/7, but giving me part-time is harsh. I get to mess with him for less than half my shift. Considering we're all hardworking individuals for a large corporation, part-time shifts shouldn't exist. I swear Todd made that up.

"You're heading out to lunch already?" Maison asked.

"Mhm." I nodded.

"Enjoy it. I have a lot to do before I can eat. Chambers--" He finally noticed Cooper. "Hey, Coop! What are you doing up here?"

"I was delivering some paperwork to the designers. Roxanne and I were about to head out for lunch." Cooper side-eyed him.

"...Oh, is that right?"

"Yeah..."

I don't know why those two don't get along. Is that why Maison put his name on the list? I hope not. That means his list doesn't have real suspects. I can think of a few people on the list who don't exactly enjoy my presence. There's no way I'm putting my job on the line, accusing them of something, because I don't like them. Maison can handle them.