Chapter 684: Late Night Creeper

"Well, I should really be going now…"

Seven words, a single sentence, I never expected to hear her say. Irene slipped the cover back on over the still remaining chocolate pieces.

"I'll save these for later," She said, rising to her feet. "I could always do with a light snack while slogging through case files."

"Actually leaving?" I asked, standing up after her as she effortlessly navigated her way to the front door through a messy minefield of clings and clangs. "This late in the night? You don't even have a car. Irene, stay." 

"I have my means," She confidently assured me. "All the same, your concern is appreciated."

Before long we were coming back full circle to earlier tonight, with her standing idly beneath the porch, and I holding the door wide open, with the cold winter draft the only thing trying to deter me back.

"You want me to walk with you for a bit?" I suggested. "I'll just put on my shoes, and…"