Chapter 16

“ I lost my Job. ” He said, his face grim and voice cold.

Raymond looked at the soaked and muddy figure standing in the doorway and couldn't help but burst out laughing. The detective glared at him, clearly annoyed.

"I'm sorry," Raymond said, trying to stifle his laughter. "It's just...you look like you just went swimming in a swamp."

The detective rolled his eyes and hissed under his breath.

"What's the matter?" Raymond asked, his laughter finally subsiding.

"Before we talk, why don't you clean yourself up in the bathroom?" Raymond said, gesturing toward the adjoining room. "I don't want you tracking mud all over my room, and my staff has worked so hard to keep this place clean."

"I don't have time for that," the detective said gruffly.

"I'm afraid I won't listen to you until you've cleaned up," Raymond said, putting on his best stern face. "It's for your own good, really."

The detective sighed and grudgingly made his way to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and let the hot water