Nari coughed back a laugh. “Hi, Dad. I can’t see your face.”
Her mom moved over and then started. “Oh. That’s Mrs. Edleton at the door, dropping off the leaflets for church. Nari, talk to your dad for a moment.” She stood up and moved away.
Nari’s dad sat and squinted into the camera. “Is that a bruise on your chin?”
She sighed. “Yes. Training. What’s new with you?” Her heart warmed at the sight of his blondish gray hair and deep blue eyes. His face was red from sunburn and his whiskers about a day old. He looked healthy.
“Well, citrine is the new diamond these days. Don’t know why. One of those movie stars must’ve worn it, so now everyone wants citrine bracelets. I’ve been designing a lot.” He leaned in, his mouth getting bigger. “Also, I bought some damn seeds off the internet to feed the squirrels and the animals don’t want them. Don’t tell your mother. She thinks I was brilliant to find the squirrel food. Darn stuff is just seeds. Stupid internet.”
“I won’t say a word,” Nari promised, her heart turning over.
Her dad leaned back. “I kind of heard you talking to your mother, and if this lion fella doesn’t like you, then he’s a moron.”
She sighed. “I think she was talking about Wolfe at that point, and he’s engaged. Angus Force is the one she wants me to date.”
“Who doyouwant to date?” her dad asked, rubbing his beard.
“I’m not sure,” she said, not wanting to go into it with her father. “It’s complicated.”
He smiled then, his eyes warm. “Only if you make it complicated, pumpkin. Sometimes life just is. If you want the guy, get the guy. Unless he’s a moron. If he’s a moron, then kick him to the curb. Life is way too short for morons.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “Plus, nobody is good enough for my little girl anyway.”
“I’ll try to remember that,” she said softly.
“Good. Plus, did your mom tell you we’re coming to visit? Next week.” He smiled, no longer looking charming. “I can’t wait to meet this guy.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Angus sat in the interrogation room next to his attorney, whom he’d had to pay ten grand just to shake hands with. “You’d better be worth the money,” he muttered.
The door opened and Tate Bianchi walked inside with a female detective who was nearly as tall as he. She was built like a model and had brown hair, brown eyes, and a stubborn chin. The woman also moved like she could fight.
Tate studied his lawyer. “Scott? How the hell does an ex-government employee afford you?”
Interesting. Angus watched the interaction, letting his skills as a profiler loose.
The lawyer stood and held out a hand. “It’s good to see you, Tate.” They shook hands as Tate obviously readjusted his approach to the meeting.
Tate motioned to his partner. “This is Detective Buckle and we’re working the case together.”
Scott smiled, all charm. “Scott Terentson from Terentson and Terentson.” He shook Buckle’s hand and waited for her to sit before reclaiming his seat.
Angus watched the lawyer out of his peripheral vision. He had sandy blond hair, intense blue eyes, and a decent physique. However, so far, Buckle didn’t seem impressed. “So, Tate. I guess you can complete our interview now,” Angus said. “Does that mean you think I’m guilty?”
“I just want to find the truth,” Tate said evenly.
Buckle focused on Angus. “Lassiter is dead. You understand that, right?”
Angus liked that. Big-time. “As much as I appreciate your direct approach, Lassiter is not dead. I’m sure of it.”
Tate reared back, his nearly black eyes glinting. “How are you sure of it? Has somebody contacted you pretending to be Lassiter?”
“No.” Angus met his gaze evenly. “I’m sure of it because I was the best FBI profiler they’ve ever had and I know these current kills were made by Lassiter. The question isn’t who’s doing this. The question is how the hell Lassiter is still alive.”
Tate shook his head. “You really do sound crazy, Force. I’ve reviewed everything about the night Lassiter died and I’ve interviewed everyone involved.”
“On his days off,” Buckle said softly, no expression in her sharp eyes.
Angus sat back. Apparently he owed his old friend one. “You didn’t find any clue that he was alive?”
