Chapter 11

Zoey ordered five mouth-watering dishes and two big bowls of pasta.

Robert raised an eyebrow, "You don't do main courses?"

Zoey shrugged, "I do."

"So, the pasta's all for you?" Robert couldn't help but be impressed by Zoey's appetite. "Is your department that slammed? When's the last time you had a decent meal?"

Zoey looked up calmly. "I had a pretty big breakfast."

Robert went quiet.

The waiter took their order and headed off. Robert glanced at Alexander, then back at Zoey.

"Alright, eat up. You need the energy to catch those bad guys!" Robert said casually.

Zoey always had this cool, detached vibe, like nothing really got to her. But she agreed with Robert. Because of that, Robert's image as a balding middle-aged guy suddenly seemed more dependable to Zoey.

She was about to say something when Alexander cut in, "Robert, back in school, Zoey was all about proving girls could do anything guys could. She beat a bunch of boys at arm-wrestling!"

"Really? Did she beat you?" Robert asked Alexander, clearly intrigued.

He always felt like Zoey and Alexander, despite not seeming super close, must have had some good times back in school.

Alexander chuckled, "I ate a lot back then, so I barely beat Zoey because I was bigger."

"I thought you lost too," Robert laughed, looking at Zoey again. "But hey, no shame in losing to Alexander."

Zoey was speechless. She could've eaten another bowl of pasta, but now she had totally lost her appetite!

Just then, the food arrived.

Zoey ignored him and focused on her meal.

After everyone was stuffed, Robert paid the bill and planned to take Zoey back to their place to get her familiar with the area.

Robert was pretty tired and immediately climbed into the back seat, yawning. "I've been up all night with this case. I'll crash in the back, wake me when we get there."

"Got it," Alexander said, sliding into the driver's seat.

With Robert snoozing, Zoey naturally took the passenger seat.

Alexander started the car and glanced at Zoey. "Seatbelt."

Even though Zoey wasn't a fan of his, she buckled up.

Alexander kept his eyes on the road, driving smoothly.

Feeling a bit bored, Alexander tried to chat with Zoey. "Got a driver's license?"

"What do you think?" Zoey shot him a look, her tone dripping with annoyance.

Alexander grinned, "I remember you always wanted one. Did you pass?"

Zoey found him irritating and turned to look out the window, her body angled away.

Seeing she didn't want to talk, Alexander wasn't fazed and kept smiling. "Since things are slow now, maybe you should get your license. It'd be handy for work."

Cops had to know how to drive; it was a survival skill these days.

Zoey snapped, "You're so annoying!"

Alexander frowned, feeling a bit hurt. "I'm just looking out for you."

Catching her disdainful look, Alexander sighed. "Do you really hate me that much?"

"Isn't it obvious? I don't want to talk to you. Can't you see?" Zoey shot back, closing her eyes to rest.

Alexander grumbled, "I get it, but driving is boring."

Zoey retorted, "That's your problem."

Alexander argued, "How can it be just mine? You're in the passenger seat. Shouldn't you keep me company and chat to keep me awake?"

Zoey shrugged, "If you crash, that's on you."

Alexander insisted, "No way, I have to think about your and Robert's safety."

Zoey went silent, really wanting to smack him.

From the back seat, Robert, trying to sleep, groaned, "Come on, for God's sake, be quiet, okay?"

Robert's words did the trick. The car went quiet.

Robert closed his eyes again, using his jacket to cover his face, and fell asleep faster.

Worried they'd start up again, he lifted his jacket and warned, "I'm serious! No more talking!"

Zoey nodded. "Okay, don't worry."

She rolled her eyes at Alexander, her disdain clear.

She turned slightly and tried to sleep.

About an hour later, Alexander pulled up to the station.

Zoey got out of the passenger seat, immediately captivated by the grand entrance of the criminal investigation department. The decor was similar to their department but way more impressive.

Zoey thought, 'I bet the food in their cafeteria is amazing too.'

When they arrived, officers from the criminal investigation department were getting off work.

The station was bustling, people constantly moving around. Zoey observed the scene, noting how different it was from their station. At this time, if their station had no urgent matters, everyone would have gone home.

The criminal investigation department seemed busier at night than during the day. Made sense; criminals didn't usually work 9 to 5.

Robert led Zoey inside and brought her to their office.

As soon as Zoey walked in, she was struck by the chaotic atmosphere—it felt more like a farmers' market than a criminal investigation department.

People were frantically discussing cases, everyone preoccupied with their own tasks.

Zoey looked around, feeling gloomier.

What a mess! The noise was giving her a headache. How could anyone focus on discussing cases in such a place?

Robert returned to his desk, glanced around, and realized there was no place for Zoey. She wasn't part of their team, so no one had prepared any office supplies for her.

He quickly thought of a solution and instinctively looked at Alexander.