Chapter 2

2.

Cade was Sienna's first love.

His name was the unspoken ghost haunting our five-year marriage.

I thought she had moved on. I didn't realize she was busy clearing a path for his return.

At the Monday morning meeting, the Chief officially introduced him.

"Cade is an Ivy League doctor. He's spent twelve years studying anatomy. His skills will bring us the results we need!"

"Unlike Jace, who thinks a little bit of knowledge gives him the right to show off and embarrass the department!"

Sienna held Cade's hand, her eyes sparkling.

"Chief, Cade isn't the kind of monster who hides behind a badge. His character is beyond reproach."

They stood together like a couple who had been in love for years.

And I, her husband, stood outside the room in a security guard uniform.

Cade's eyes were full of malice. He tossed a stack of old files at my chest.

"Take me to the victim. I'll show you what a real professional looks like. I don't even need to touch the body to profile the killer."

His arrogance was enough to make anyone sick.

Under Sienna's threatening gaze, I simply gestured toward the morgue.

"Sure thing. Let's see this miracle of yours."

Inside the lab, Cade walked around the body a few times.

He looked at two scratches and started spinning a wild story about the killer's methods.

I shared a look with the other two junior examiners. We almost laughed.

As Sienna praised him, my assistant couldn't stay quiet.

"Captain, don't you think this is a bit far-fetched? How can he be sure without an internal exam?"

"Besides, Jace mentioned this case looks like the one from six months ago..."

Sienna cut her off with an impatient look.

"Cade studied at the best schools in the world. Jace? He probably went to some backwater community college."

"If the Chief and I hadn't protected him, he'd have been fired for his lack of credentials years ago."

My degree wasn't as fancy as Cade's.

But that was because I joined the force right after graduation.

I had more hands-on experience than any PhD candidate.

The fancy paper on his wall didn't mean he knew how to catch a killer.

I smiled and shrugged. "A high degree doesn't give you field experience. His guesses today are pure fantasy."

"Sienna, if you're going to stake your reputation on him, then we should get a divorce."

We'd had our share of fights over the years. But every time I saw her dedication to her job, I fell for her again.

I loved her focus and her integrity.

But now, I realized it was all a lie.

She knew better than anyone that you couldn't profile a killer based on surface scratches.

Yet, she chose to believe Cade's nonsense anyway.

Sienna narrowed her eyes, looking annoyed.

"Are you threatening me? Jace, you think our marriage is worth more than my career?"

Cade gave a cocky laugh. "Is this because I took your job? Are you feeling so insecure you have to play the husband card?"

"Just admit you're not good enough, Jace. Let the Chief decide whose theory is better."

Sienna didn't say a word to defend me. She just looked at me with pure contempt.

In her eyes, I was just a jealous, untalented loser.

I nodded slowly. "I'm serious. If you choose his side, I'm out. Let's get the papers ready."

"Fine! Let's do it! Cade is back, and I don't need you anymore anyway!"