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During the meeting, Chad's apprentice, Donnie, whispered cheekily, "Boss, who was that gorgeous lady just now? If I tell Molly, do you think she'll storm the police station?"
Chad gave Donnie a look that shut him up instantly.
Annie was sitting in the back row, zoning out as she stared at the figure in front of her.
Her colleague nudged her arm, "Hey Annie, what's up? You seem a bit off today."
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing." Annie lowered her head to her notebook, jotting down whatever was being discussed to keep her mind focused and prevent it from wandering.
Her colleagues were puzzled by her behavior.
"Annie, what do you feel like for lunch? I'm quick on my feet; I can run and grab us something."
Annie shook her head, "I'll get it myself. Let's just focus on the meeting."
"Alright."
At lunchtime, Donnie trailed behind Chad. "Boss, now that you and Molly are married, she hasn't visited our unit. Is it because you told her not to, or is she just shy about being married to her 'brother' and facing us?"
Chad side-eyed him, "Why the twenty questions?"
Donnie smirked, "Just curious, boss."
When Chad and Annie bumped into each other at the food station, Donnie immediately greeted, "Hey Detective Annie, I'm Donnie from Economic Crimes, nice to meet you."
Annie nodded slightly, "Hi, I'm Annie from Homicide."
Chad shot Donnie a look, "You're talking too much."
Donnie: "Boss, what do you mean?"
Annie smiled, "He means you're wordy."
Donnie: "Boss, hanging out with Molly has really sharpened your wit."
Chad didn't pick anything, telling Annie, "Go ahead and order."
"Not hungry?" Annie asked Chad.
Chad glanced at his plate, "I'm good." He walked past her.
Donnie: "If you're not eating, I will. Detective Annie, you go first, ladies first. I'll follow."
"Thanks." Annie didn't hesitate, picking up her plate to get a serving of chicken and potatoes.
Donnie noticed Chad’s seat, "Detective Annie, let's sit with him."
Annie looked at Chad's retreating figure, shaking her head, "No need, I have colleagues waiting for me."
She walked over to her colleagues with her plate, "Annie, do you know Officer Chad from Havenbrook? I heard he single-handedly took down several big shots. Is that him? If so, he's really something—powerful and the youngest captain. I couldn’t even speak when he was scolding his apprentice."
Annie calmly ate, "Yeah, that's him."
Donnie also sat opposite Chad, "Boss, at least save me some face. You can scold me when we get back."
"Private scolding doesn't seem to teach you anything."
Donnie shared some of his extra chicken and potatoes with Chad, "Do you know Detective Annie?"
"Eat your food."
Donnie internally complained: Boss has no heart.
During the afternoon break, everyone was networking and making new acquaintances.
Chad took the opportunity to drive back to the station, ensuring everything was in order, then drove to Chade Inc. In his uniform, he didn't get out; instead, he called Molly, "Hey, Molly, are you at the office?"
"Not there, what's up Chad, did you come looking for me?"
"Just asking, have you eaten?"
Molly found it odd; he must have come to the office. "Chad, wait for me, I'll be right back."
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