CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN – ROMANTIC DISTRACTIONS

Of course. It all tracked now - the perception that Jasmine and Gordon were growing closer, the blurring of professional boundaries with undeniable chemistry. No wonder the other detective was threatened and lashing out. Well, that simply wouldn't do. With a deep, grounding breath, Jasmine ruthlessly shoved aside her own complicated feelings about Gordon for the moment and focused on the task at hand - dismantling Laura's antagonistic power play. "You know what, Detective Simmons?" Jasmine straightened, marshaling an aura of unflappable dignity. "I think I understand exactly what's going on here." Laura narrowed her eyes, visibly bristling at the insinuation that she was being seen through. Jasmine didn't give her the chance to retort. "Your behavior of late, the comments, the jabs...it all stems from your own attraction to Gordon, doesn't it?" She held up a hand to silence the other woman's spluttering protests. "Don't bother denying it. The insecurity, the need to undermine me a