Dead Presidents (An Aria Raymond Thriller Book 3) by Thomas Ransom (that summer book txt) 📕

“This is too much food!” Diaz laughed, looking at the spread.

“I bet you are famished after all the hard work you have done. You also have so much snooping around to do for your case. You need energy.”

Diaz was already putting food on her plate, “What?” she asked, distracted.

“You know that murder case…” Mark sat down. “The one that got so much press…”

“How did you know about that?”

“Umm…?”

“How did you know I was working on that?”

“Honey, you mentioned it a few days back.”

“Did I?”

Mark looked at her quizzically. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, yeah. It’s just that I am sure I didn’t mention that case to anyone. I thought I just told you about Aria’s lawsuit.”

“You were under a lot of stress… you probably forgot about it.”

“Hmm... yeah. I guess.” Diaz chewed her food thoughtfully.

“So, have you guys found anything interesting? Cracked the case yet?” Mark smiled.

Diaz rolled her eyes at him, “I wish! Everything is so messed up with that case. Those people are good at hiding things and covering their tracks. I just… I don’t know… there are so many things… I … maybe you can help… you know with your connections. Yes! You can help us…”

“Hold up love. I … As much as I would love to help you out, I don’t think that’s a good idea. With the elections coming up, I really can’t afford to be dragged into something by the press…”

“Oh! No, no I am not saying you have to do anything illegal. Come on. I would never ask you to do that. But yeah. Of course! I am sorry, I know you have to be careful when you are in a high-profile position like this.”

“I am really sorry, Nicole. I really wish I could help. But tell me more about your investigation, I might be able to help somehow… you know a fresh set of eyes can sometimes see something you all might have missed.”

“Yeah. Maybe. Let’s not talk about work now. It has already consumed so much of my life. I want to enjoy these beautiful moments with you and forget everything else for a while.”

Mark smiled, “Of course! Anything you want. But keep in mind I might be able to help. We can discuss what you have found and whatever that sergeant and detective shared with you.”

“Wait… what?” Diaz raised an eyebrow. “How do you know I am working with them?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know I didn’t tell you about them.”

“Nicole,” Mark’s face became serious. “You are being paranoid again. Love, you mentioned them to me. Are you sure you are feeling okay?”

“I am not being paran…”

“I remember you used to overanalyze everything and would make up scenarios in your head. Have you forgotten?”

“No. That’s not wha…”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. As I said, you have been under stress and are forgetting things. I am here now. You don’t have to worry about anything. I will do as much as I can for you, my love.”

Diaz hesitated. She was sure she hadn’t mentioned Sanjay or Jake to anyone but Tanya and Aria… or did she? Maybe she actually forgot, she thought to herself. Mark’s probably right. She had been under so much stress lately. There was and still was so much to do, plus the frustration of not getting anywhere with the case. Maybe she should show him everything. Mark might notice something they probably missed. They had been going through the same evidence and details over and over again. A fresh set of eyes might just be the solution.

“I am sorry. You are right. I have been under too much pressure lately. Thank you so much for offering to help. I might take you up on that offer because, frankly, I still have nothing. You know, you can join me the next time I meet with Sanjay and Jake.”

“I am more than willing to help,” Mark took her hand and squeezed it. “But it’s not a good idea for me to meet them. I just… I think we should keep this quiet for now.”

“What? You are helping me?”

Mark laughed, “No, silly. I meant about you and me. This.”

“But why? I don’t understand.”

“I just don’t want everyone to know for now. You don’t know how much people try to butt in and evaluate each and every little thing in a politician’s life. They will come after you too. We are giving our relationship another chance after a decade. Things have changed so much now. The pressure from everyone might put a strain on our relationship.”

All the happiness Diaz was feeling quickly vanished. There was a pang in her heart. All she wanted to do was introduce Mark to her friends and hang out together like old times. She knew it wouldn’t be the same since they both had such high-pressure jobs, but she was certainly not expecting to completely hide the relationship. She opened her mouth to protest but knew Mark had a point. Instead, she nodded and forced a smile. It was just for the time being, she told herself. He was right. He was constantly under public scrutiny; it might put even more pressure on them. She knew he had a point, but she couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

On the other side of the town, the machines in the ICU room started beeping frantically. Two nurses ran into the room where Wayne lay unconscious. His body was jerking. “His heart rate is dropping!” one of them yelled, “Quick, get the doctor!” The other one ran out to inform the doctor. Within a few minutes, the entire team started working.

Sanjay received a call from the hospital telling him to arrive quickly since he was the one in charge of the case. His heart racing, Sanjay