Chapter 25: Charmed or enchanted?

When I asked for advice on seeking help from other churches, I was told to turn to Julia. Hearing their response, I automatically turned my head towards her. She didn't miss the moment and stared at my eyes, revealing her smile.

Looking at her smile, I realized that I was sinking deeper into this abyss. It felt like fate itself had thrown her at me like a chip. A chip that might become the nail that closes the question of my reunion with Kate forever. I still love her, but maybe I just haven't come to terms with the fact that she left. But even so, the question is not whether I will betray my love or not, but what Julia herself feels. Perhaps, for her, I am just a conversationalist with whom she can argue.

Since the council approved my request, they left the office first, and then Julia asked me.

"Do you prefer this room or the one where you waited for the council?" she asked.

"Honestly, I'm comfortable anywhere, as long as it's convenient to talk," I replied.

"Then let's go to that room after all, no one will bother us there," she said to me.

I pretended to smile and followed her. She led me to that room at a leisurely pace, just as when I was walking to the council. We only walked a little before we ended up alone in that room again. She opened the door and let me in first, and after she came in, she locked the door.

"Now our conversation won't be disturbed," she said to me with a smile.

"Um... I guess so," I nervously replied. I have been amazed by her since our first meeting. She has not given me peace since then. The opportunity to calm down was killed by her when she locked the door.

"Shall we begin?" she asked sarcastically.

I weakly smiled and said in a mumble, "So, can you help me? I heard there are 15 Catholic churches in our city. If you could provide me with their locations, I won't have to visit each one of them, and I could save time, which is already running out. We never know when the killer will strike again."

"Are you really a detective?" She asked, laughing.

"Yes, of course, I'm a detective. Besides, I already showed you my badge," I replied, glancing quickly at her.

"It doesn't seem like it. You should know that when you're trying to negotiate, you need to look the person in the eye," she said, sounding both seductive and languid. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her lips, feeling as if I were under her spell.

"I apologize. I'm not feeling myself today. So, can you help me?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

"Of course, you said you already obtained the approval of Protestant churches, and our churches are even more united than theirs. You must know that we have centralized power, right?" she inquired.

"To be honest, I'm a Protestant myself. But I assure you, I'm not against Catholicism," I blurted out what came to my mind.

"Ahh, so you're a Protestant," she said, sounding less interested.

"Does that change your decision?" I hurriedly asked, like a schoolboy.

"Of course not. I already promised to help you," she said, with her determination returning to her voice.

"Then can I go now?" I asked.

"Not yet," she said, coming close to me.

"Um," I made a sound.

"I'd like to talk to you about your attitude towards religion," she said, almost at my face.

The proximity she displayed towards me made my head spin. It had been a while since I had been close to anyone, considering I was married, albeit long distance. My heart betrayed me by beating faster, sending adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"Well, I'm not particularly religious, but I try to live a righteous and morally correct life. As you can see, I actively serve the good of our city," I said, stuttering slightly.

"I thought as much," she said shortly.

"Moreover, you're already a detective, which means you're helping the city's residents to the fullest," she added after a while.

"I was just lucky to become a detective," I said.

"I understand, but that doesn't cancel my desire to meet you tonight and share dinner. Do you think you can make it, or will you decline the offer of someone who agreed to help you?" she said softly, seductively.

My conscience and my desires were at war in my head. And with each passing moment, my conscience grew quieter and quieter, while my desire overflowed. It was only a moment later that a thought came to me that calmed me down. She was only asking me to have dinner with her, and that wasn't cheating. Even though thoughts of sin filled me, she definitely wouldn't let me cross the line.

Perhaps, to her, I was just a distraction. It's also important not to forget that she's a member of the church council, and thus should be devout. While I was lost in thought, she let out a sigh. Hearing the sigh, I hurried to respond.

"Of course, just tell me where to meet you. I'll try my best not to be late and meet you," I hastily replied, looking at her face. Seeing her smiling expression, I was convinced that she was just playing around.

"Then, can you tell me your number?" she said, taking out her phone.

"Oh, yes. Right now," I quickly started rummaging through my pockets for my phone until I found it in the inner pocket of my jacket.

"I'm listening," she said, and I dictated my number to her.

"I'll send you a message on your phone with the time and place of our meeting," she said.

"Then, I'll wait for your message," I said.

After that, we discussed everything quickly, when and how I would get the information I requested and access to the cameras. Finishing with the clarifying information, she opened the door and escorted me out of the church. I walked with her straight to the car, where Samuel was already waiting for me.

"Oh? You came with a partner?" she asked, looking closely at Samuel.

"Uh, he's not my partner. He came to our town for some business, and I decided to help him while also working on my own case," I said, coming up with something on the spot.

Seeing her, Samuel got out of the car to greet her.

"Hello, my name is Samuel," he said to her.

"Nice to meet you, Samuel. My name is Julia," she said, extending her hand to him.

Samuel shook her hand, then asked me a question.

"James, I am already expected at work. Can you drive me there quickly?" he asked me, apparently to expedite our departure from here.

"Of course, I just need to say goodbye," I said.

"Since you're in a hurry, go ahead, but don't forget about tonight, we agreed on it, didn't we?" she asked softly.

"Of course, I won't forget that promise," I said, getting into the car.

Emotions overwhelmed me, which I hadn't felt in a long time. It was only like this when I first married Kate. The emotions were boiling over until Samuel spoke.

"I found out..."