chapter word count: 255

noir heart: eight

He feels Aster's observant, patient gaze burning through the top of his snow-white head as he ponders his next moves. Sure, he could take on the interview and potentially provide the break that the police needs to catch the Ashley Madison Ripper (though he wouldn't get the credit, and he'd be lying if the knowledge of that fact doesn't sting what's left of his pride), and it'd make a great swansong for his career…but then again, being involved in such a high profile case would only give Hans more of an opportunity to be all over his ass like a bloodthirsty tick.

Having said that: busting the Ashley Madison case wide open would be one hell of a big "fuck you" to Internal Affairs.

He thinks and thinks, tosses up the pros and cons, works out the angles and tries to predict the future…and as he slowly, warily reaches up to take the manila folder from Aster's waiting hand and eyes it with caution, he feels a rush that makes his decision for him.

So, he walks past his bewildered ex-partner, swings open the door, and leaves.

"Where the bloody hell you goin'?" the voice of his ex-partner follows him through the corridor.

"To get my Danish, and another coffee," Jack shouts over his shoulder, and as he turns his head back towards the door leading to the detective's office he mutters, "I can't interview a witness on an empty stomach."

sara99: Thank you! I've had to do a little tweaking of the plot but I hope it stands up.
whitelunanight: ahahaha! But if I cut the suspension, what will hold my stockings up? Thank you for reading and reviewing, I hope you continue to enjoy it.
kenzojelsa: I'm glad you like it so far. Here's hoping I can keep your interest.
e-teens: Well, if you do die of curiosity, make sure satisfaction brings you back.
jpbake: bingo. or was he?
heartonfire: yay, I love seeing your reviews. I've got the story pretty much planned out so I don't foresee instances of "derp, wat do I rite", so I shouldn't stop. In any case, I'm thrilled you're enjoying it so much.
stefalove: Sorry! You might feel better about it later, though.
kira: Ah. No, it's a witness interview...but that might change...