For now, the agent staring at him so directly needed to be defused. Heath forced his most charming smile. “You must be Special Agent Frederick Reese. My Anya has told me all about you.”
She stiffened slightly beneath his arm at the possessive tone, so he pulled her into his warmth for effect. The woman had brought him into this mess and could just play along. Plus, even through his jacket he could feel the chill from her coat. She needed a thicker coat. He held out his other hand for the agent. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
Frederick Reese had a strong hand and firm handshake. He held on a second too long, his gaze piercing and seeking. “I’d like to interview you about Loretta if you don’t mind.”
“Any time,” Heath said smoothly. “We formed a friendship while exchanging information about this case during the last several months. I respected her greatly.” Too bad Ryker wasn’t dealing with this agent—he was the most cop-like of them. At least it wasn’t Denver caught in this disaster. “She was a hell of an agent.”
“She was,” Reese said, emotion in his tone he tried to hide.
Ah. Was it personal? Either way, they had been partners. Heath lost his smile. “She seemed very dedicated, and I admired her upon meeting her.”
Reese nodded. “Agreed. So you discussed the case?”
Heath slid his hand down Anya’s arm, pushing snow off her soft coat. “Yes, and we sort of bonded over rotten coffee. Her mind was amazing. I was hired by the family of the fourth victim to find her, and I crossed paths with Special Agent Jackson. She was open-minded enough to work with a private detective, and she was determined to find the killer. To bring him to justice. She was my friend.” The words were true, and his gut ached. She should still be alive.
Reese’s face cleared. “She was a good friend to many.”
Had the guy been afraid he and Loretta had gotten busy? Heath turned his head to press a kiss to Anya’s temple to dispel any such fear.
Anya sucked in air.
Heath fought an inappropriate grin at her discomfort. She had no clue what she’d unleashed.
The blond frowned. “I’m Carl. Up until recently, Anya and I were dating.”
Heath gave the man his bestYou’re about to get your ass kickedlook and then smiled. “Anya and I dated last year and broke up. My fault. I wasn’t ready for a commitment, realized my mistake, and have been working hard to win her back.”
“You cheated on me?” Carl hissed.
The FBI agent watched the exchange with sharp eyes.
“No,” Anya said, pressing her hand to Heath’s chest. “Heath and I have been talking only. After I discovered you in bed with a student, he, ah, found me and we decided we belong together.”
What? Heath burst out with a short laugh and then remembered he should probably already know about the situation, considering he was her fiancé. “I can’t believe you were stupid enough to cheat on a woman like this.”
Anya smiled up at him.
Carl took a step toward her, and Heath reacted, instantly setting the redhead behind him. “Put your hands onme, asshole. Try it.”
The agent moved between them, facing Heath. “I’d like to interview you tomorrow in my office. Where are you staying tonight?”
“The Morningstar,” Heath said smoothly. Well, he was now.
“Excellent. Be at FBI headquarters at nine in the morning. Are you capable of keeping Anya safe for the night?” Reese asked.
“I can keep myself safe.” Anya grabbed Heath’s coat from behind.
Heath kept the agent’s gaze. “Yes. She’ll be safe tonight.”
“Good. We’ll talk long term tomorrow if I don’t arrest you,” the agent said.
Anya moved to stand at Heath’s side. “Why would you arrest him?”
“We’ll see.” Reese’s gaze encompassed them all.
“When are you returning to Snowville?” Anya asked.
Reese shook his head. “Shortly.” He gave Heath a hard look. “It’s a bit of a coincidence that you just opened up an office there. You need to be interviewed, Mr. Jones, and then I want you to stay out of my way. Leave the case to the FBI.”
