“You’re not here to be a hacker,” Nari said, smiling. Today the shrink had worn a light pink blouse, dark slacks, and very pretty gray and black sandals, with her black hair tied up in a messy bun. “How are you doing working with Clarence?”
“So far, so good,” Dana said. “I’ve been in the computer room, and he’s been out working with Malcolm, so I can’t really say we’ve collaborated much.” Not that Wolfe was much of a collaborator.
“Tell me about this case you and Wolfe are working that involves leather pants.” Nari leaned forward, her brown eyes sparkling. “That was quite a sight.”
“I know,” Dana said, her voice hushed. “Could you believe it?”
Nari laughed. “No. What’s the case about?”
“I can’t tell you.” Dana didn’t have enough about Candy’s story to share, and she wasn’t going to betray Wolfe’s confidence, either. “Sorry.”
“It’s part of the gig,” Nari said.
“My story isn’t a case for the unit.” Dana reached down and tied her shoelace. The previous month, they’d been attacked and Nari had fought like a warrior before Dana was taken. “I’ve been wondering. Where did you learn to fight?”
“My mom,” Nari said. “She owns a jewelry store in L.A., but she has always trained. It’s something we did together as I was growing up.”
That was so sweet. Dana chuckled. “My mom taught me to fish and play the piano.”
“Cool.” Nari neatly stacked purple file folders on her desk. “I’m worried about Wolfe and think I could assist with whatever case you two are working.”
Dana straightened. “Why are you worried?”
Nari patted the files. “I’m afraid I can’t get into that.”
“Then we’re at a stalemate.” Dana liked the shrink, but work was work. “When are you and Angus going to get together, anyway?”
Nari blushed. “That’s crazy.”
There was a lot of that going on these days, it seemed. “Why are you in this office, Nari?” Dana asked.
“What do you mean?”
Right. “You know what I mean. This is the HDD’s Island of Misfit Toys. You seem to have your act together.” The journalist in Dana couldn’t let the question go. “Oh, I understand you report back to the agency about the group, and the unit knows that, but why you?”
“I wanted a challenge.”
That wasn’t the full truth. Dana’s investigative instincts awakened. “There’s more, I can tell.” She smiled. “I love a good story.”
“As do I,” Nari said softly.
Dana perked up. She and Nari had hit it off right away and were quickly becoming friends. “Is that a challenge?”
Nari’s dark eyes gleamed. “Oh, you bet. I’ll have the info long before you will.”
“I don’t see how.” If she didn’t talk, and if Wolfe didn’t talk, there was no way the shrink would figure out their case. “I, however, do have connections in HDD.”
Nari reached out and gently stroked Kat. “Okay. The bet is for lunch at Gerviani’s in D.C.”
Dana blew out air. “Wow. You’ve got it.” She looked at the shrink’s expensive blouse. “You must do all right with the HDD.”
Nari chuckled. “Government salary? No. But I did invest well a few years back in a beverage company that partnered with a cannabis company to create drinks for the states where cannabis is legal.”
Dana’s mouth dropped open. “No kidding?”
“Yep. Has been quite lucrative.” Nari scratched behind Kat’s ears, and his purring got louder. “The company does a great job, and someday will probably be bought out. My stock should provide a good retirement.”
“Good for you.” The thrill of the challenge went through Dana. “Maybe we should bet for more than lunch.”
