A/N – So, a little shocker in this chapter. At least I hope it's something you all didn't see coming. And keep the speculation coming. I've gotten several guesses and they all make me happy because it lets me know you all are enjoying!
Chapter 11 – The Truth About Lying
Lulu
"You know, it strikes me as odd that you would know immediately you had to be taken off the case," Cooper noted, looking up from his notes.
"I told you my reasoning," I said simply.
"I didn't buy it then and I don't now," Cooper informed me.
"That's not my problem," I retorted.
It was my problem. I just couldn't admit that. I couldn't admit anything.
"Alright, so why don't we talk about our first questioning session," Cooper suggested.
"Okay," I agreed...
"Did you hear or see anything suspicious?" Cooper asked me.
"No," I answered.
"Did you see Dante tonight?" Cooper wondered.
"I noticed him leave earlier," I muttered. "But I was paying attention to other things most of the night."
I glanced sideways at Johnny and saw him suppressing a smile. He knew I meant that I hadn't taken my eyes off of him all night. But he had only watched me as well.
"Okay," Cooper nodded. "That should be it."
"I'll stick around in case you think of anything else," I offered.
Johnny frowned slightly at my words, but it didn't matter. I wanted to speak with him again and I wasn't leaving until I got the chance.
"You," Cooper said, turning to Johnny. "What's your name?"
"Johnny," he responded.
"Do you have a last name?" Cooper sighed.
"Zacchara," Johnny answered.
That was the last thing I expected. My mouth had fallen open, but I couldn't put my thoughts in order enough to close it. Johnny looked at me, probably wondering how I would react. I didn't know how to.
"Well, I guess I don't need to question anyone else," Cooper said, looking at Johnny. "You killed Dante."
"No he didn't," I spoke up, before I even had the chance to think about it.
"Lulu, don't get involved," Johnny ordered.
I fixed my eyes on him and he let himself smile, only for a moment. He had to know he needed my help and that I was going to help him whether he wanted me to or not.
"Johnny and I have been together since he came in," I said, looking at Cooper. "He couldn't have killed Dante."
"No need to stand up for your boy toy, Lulu," Cooper growled in frustration and I felt Johnny tense.
"Don't speak to her like that," Johnny warned.
I was the one to smile this time. How could I not? Johnny looked very sexy defending my honor. Cooper laughed once and looked at Johnny.
"Did you hear anything suspicious tonight, Zacchara?" Cooper asked.
"No," Johnny muttered.
"Didn't see anything either, huh?" Cooper questioned.
"Sure didn't," Johnny said, smirking.
"I can't believe you're vouching for this guy," Cooper said, rolling his eyes and looking at me.
"I'm telling the truth," I snapped.
"Don't leave town," Cooper warned, looking at Johnny. "We'll want to speak with you again soon."
Cooper turned and walked toward Maxie. I glanced at Johnny and he finally met my eyes. I asked him with my eyes what I couldn't aloud.
"Zacchara," I muttered.
"Common criminal right, DA Spencer?" Johnny asked.
I was shocked. How did he know my last name?
"You knew who I was this whole time?" I questioned.
"No," Johnny replied. "I realized it when you were talking to the cop."
"Oh," I nodded.
"I guess you're glad he got here when he did," Johnny said softly.
"Not exactly," I replied, a smile coming to my face.
I wasn't at all glad Cooper had shown up. If he hadn't, Johnny and I could be wrapped in each other's arms right now and I still wanted that, despite my new found knowledge about who he was.
"I can't believe you don't hate me for my last name," Johnny whispered.
His thoughts mirrored mine and I couldn't help but feel like we were connected.
"Do you hate me for mine or for my job?" I asked.
"Not at all," Johnny answered.
"Good," I whispered.
I let my hand run across his arm as inconspicuously as possible. I just needed to touch him.
"You should go home," I muttered. "Before Cooper decides to take you in for no reason."
I didn't want him to leave, but he did need to go. And I wasn't worried about not seeing him again because I would make sure that I did. I wasn't going to let our first opportunity to be together be the last.
"Alright," Johnny agreed. "Goodnight."
"Night," I said, grazing his hand with mine again.
He hesitated before turning and walking out the door. I watched him go and sighed to myself. He made me feel something I hadn't before. I realized that finding out details about him would be difficult. The PCPD didn't even have a file I could use to get contact information from. But I could do anything I set my mind to. I was a Spencer.
I looked up and noticed Maxie staring at me. Spinelli was being interviewed and she was watching me like she wanted to read my mind. It dawned on me that she had seen Johnny and me kissing all night long and she probably saw me get the key from Coleman. She was probably itching to know all about our relationship.
I decided it was best if I left, so I waved to Maxie, signaling that I was leaving. She waved back and I headed for the door. I walked slowly to my car, wondering what would happen. Would Cooper or the forensic team learn anything? I reached my car and climbed inside, wishing I had left with Johnny. What if tonight was our only chance to be together? I had let him leave without thinking about things that were out of my control. Like Cooper learning the truth.
"Learning the truth about what?" Cooper asked, cutting me off.
"I was afraid once you found out that I was quitting as the DA, you would make me the number one suspect," I lied.
"You thought that I would see your resignation as a sign of guilt," Cooper nodded in understanding.
"I wasn't far from right," I pointed out. "I wasn't on your suspect list at all until I resigned."
"It was interesting timing," Cooper shrugged. "What else did you expect me to do?"
"Nothing," I answered. "Like I said, I knew it would happen."
"Then why not wait until after this investigation?" Cooper wondered.
"Because I made a decision and I didn't want to wait to start a new chapter of my life," I replied.
"Lulu, if you quit to draw attention to yourself and away from Zacchara, you will be tried as an accessory," Cooper sighed. "I don't want that. Just tell the truth. Protect yourself."
"I don't need to protect myself from anyone," I said firmly. "Unless you plan on railroading me or Johnny when you have no proof."
"What makes you think I don't have proof?" Cooper asked. "Did Zacchara tell you it was a clean job?"
"Maybe a leading question like that would be effective with someone who doesn't understand interrogation tactics, but I do," I snapped.
"The more passionate you get, the more you tell me," Cooper smiled.
I hated that smile. It made me wonder if maybe Cooper really did know who killed Dante.
