The CEO Above My Desk (Mckenzie Shinabery) novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Violet

They don’t apologize.

That’s the first thing I notice.

Calder’s boss-Captain Morales, according to the badge clipped to his belt-stands across from me with a file tucked under his arm and a look that says

damage control, not regret.

“Ms. Pierce,” he says, voice even, professional. “You’re being released.”

I don’t relax.

I’ve learned better.

“This investigation is ongoing,” he continues, “but Detective Calder has been instructed to cease direct contact with you. Any further communication will go through your legal counsel.”

Calder stands a few feet behind him, arms crossed, jaw tight.

I don’t look at him.

“Do you understand?” Morales asks.

“Yes,” I say.

Rowan is beside me-silent, immovable. I don’t look at him either, but I feel the shift when Morales’s eyes flick to him, measuring.

“There is one more thing,” Morales adds. “We’ll need your phone.”

I don’t hesitate.

I reach into my bag and pull it out, holding it loosely in my hand. I glance once at Rowan-not asking, just confirming.

He nods.

I hand the phone over.

Morales accepts it, surprised. “You’re cooperating fully?”

“Yes,” I say. “I have nothing to hide.”

Calder scoffs quietly.

Morales ignores him. “Your carrier records will be subpoenaed. This will help establish your timeline.”

“Good.” I reply.

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09:51 Tue, May 5

Chapter 15

That seems to throw him off more than resistance would have.

“Alright,” Morales says after a beat. “Let’s get you out of here.”

He gestures toward the door and walks with us, positioning himself between me and Calder like a physical barrier. Cameras follow us. Conversations stall. I can feel eyes on my back.

The lobby doors are in sight when Calder finally snaps.

“Don’t leave town,” he says loudly.

Too loudly.

Every head turns.

“I will get to the bottom of this,” he adds, staring directly at me. “You can count on that.”

Morales stops cold.

“Detective,” he says sharply. “That’s enough.”

Calder doesn’t look away.

My stomach tightens, but I lift my chin anyway.

Morales exhales through his nose. “Ms. Pierce is released. That includes theatrics.”

He opens the doors himself.

Cold night air hits my face like a shock.

Outside, Camille moves immediately.

I nod.

Theo opens the car door. Camille guides me inside, her hand still firm on my arm like she’s afraid I’ll disappear if she lets go.

As we pull away, I watch the station recede in the side mirror.

Calder is still standing there.

Watching.

The station lights blur behind us, swallowed by traffic and distance, but the weight of the place doesn’t lift. It clings to me, settling in my chest like something solid and unwelcome.

I don’t feel safe.

Not really.

But I don’t have a choice.

There’s no space to grieve. No pause. No room to sit with the fact that my brother is dead. Everything is still moving-investigations, paperwork, assumptions-and I’m being carried along with it whether I’m ready or not.

Camille slides closer in the backseat, shoulder brushing mine. She doesn’t ask questions. Doesn’t push. She just stays there, present in the way only someone who knows you well enough can be.

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The CEO Above My Desk