The Return Of Ruby

TWO

Nathan.
"Why are we at your sister's place Nathan? Oh I know,you brought your entire family here so you can gang up on me again, right? You didn't have enough of hurling insults and calling the filthy stripper names huh? Well let me tell you I won't hear any of it. We were done a long-"

"My goodness, you're such a pain. Just shut it for a minute,I don't know why we're here," I turn off the ignition and get out.  As expected, she's out almost immediately after and pokes into my back with her finger.

"Listen here Mr fancypants, I didn't miss a class just to have a session with your annoying sister. So if you don't mind,take me back to the bus station so I can catch my bus before I'm even later." When I don't respond and continue up to the patio,she makes a 'hmph' sound and starts retreating. Before my mind makes sense of what I'm doing,my hand wraps around her wrist and I pull her to me. Her head hits just below mine and she holds her body away from mine by flattering her palms against my chest. Her hair smelled of bubblegum and cotton candy,and I inhaled to my fill,knowing we wouldn't get that close anytime soon. She twists her wrist in my arm,trying to push me away but I hold on to her.

"Seems like you forgot the nature of your job this morning," Cole says behind us.

"I'm not-"

"Evie," I mutter to her before letting go and walking into the house after Cole. A few seconds later, I hear the door bang. Good,I knew she'd stay.

"Shall I offer you anything, Jasmine?"

"No thank you,I don't have the whole day," she replies coldly. "Why am I here?"

"I need to talk to you. About your daughter's father." I watch her face and don't miss the troubled look that crosses her face for a second before she quickly masks it.

"I don't think that's any of your business,detective miss."

"Actually it is. Look,this has nothing to do with your previous relationship with Nathan. I would have looked for you even if you two had never met."

"I don't understand." Cole pushes an envelope across the table,and she walks carefully and picks it up,her eyes never leaving hers. She takes out a bunch of pictures and stares at about three of them before looking up angrily. "What's this? You had me investigated? With all due respect, this is just rude and disrespectful!"

"Rude is what you've always been," my sister says calmly.

"Nicole," I reprimand her. She sighs and leans forward.

"Will you have a seat? It's uncomfortable talking like this."

"What is this,an interrogation? I can't believe the two of you." Her gaze lingers accusingly on me.

"Cole we already went through this before. If anyone should have an issue with the little girl,it should be me. What's this about?"

"The kid's not hers. Biologically,that is. According to my investigations,she's adopted. Belongs to a certain Ruby West." Jasmine flinches at the mention of that name,and I look at her questioningly. "Ruby had an affair with a guy,Hanson,right?" Cole continues.

"Why are you doing this?"

"My son was kidnapped. He's five,here's a picture," she slides the photo of my nephew across the table. "Name's Phil,Phil Hanson." Jasmine looks up at Cole,shock covering her face.

"What? And you think I took him? Just because I have an adopted child? You know what I've had it. I don't want anything to do with any of you ever again!" She spits and gives me one last look then gets up to leave.
If what they're saying is true,then I had no reason at all to be mad at her, let alone break up with her.

"Jas-"

"Fuck off! You never let me explain anything before and I don't plan to do so now."

"You're a mother too Jasmine. You know how it would feel to lose your baby. I just need to know more about your late friend's relationship with my husband,and if you're really sure that she did pass away." This stops her in her tracks.