Mandy ran her eyes over Lamar slowly, her head cocked slightly to the side. “You’re out of uniform. Does that mean that you’re here on pleasure?”
Lamar gave up and let the sigh waft out. “Could we speak somewhere privately?”
Mandy inclined her head and Lamar caught the glint of laughter in her eyes as she spun to lead him down the hall to the now familiar office.
“Aeren was at my house yesterday,” he said without preamble as soon as the door closed. “When he left without telling me, I became concerned. I just want to be sure that he’s okay and I don’t have his phone number.”
Mandy studied him from under lowered lashes before sliding a small card from a holder on her desk and scribbling across the back, presenting it to him with a flourish.
Lamar accepted it and felt his skin burn, wondering for the first time if it was possible for a black man to blush hard enough for it to be visible. “I, ah, appreciate the offer, Ma’am, but I really can’t accept gifts. It’s, ah, a direct violation of policy.”
Mandy’s laugh was low and musical. “Think of it as a hall pass, detective,” she suggested. “County regulations require that everyone in the building be a member. So, unless you want to pony up seven thousand dollars, the standard guest pass is the only way we can legally let you in.”
“I see,” Lamar said tightly, trying not to clench his teeth. “In that case, I appreciate it, Ms. Clauneot.”
She nodded. “You’re quite welcome, and please call me Mandy.” She pressed a button on her desk phone and Marco reappeared. “Please escort Mr. Cooper to Aeren’s private quarters.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Marco turned back to the door. “If you’ll follow me, sir?”
