If there was something in the lab rat’s background, D would find it. Matt just wondered what it would be.
Another question ran through his mind. One he knew was going to royally piss Kat off.
Glancing down the table to where she sat, he asked her, “How closely did the authorities question you after the fire?”
Dark, perfect brows turned inward. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking.”
Bullshit. She knew exactly what he was getting at.
“Oh, come on, Doc.” Resting his elbows on the table, Matt linked his fingers together in a loose steeple and said, “I’m sure you can figure it out.”
She blinked, clearly taken aback by his not-so-subtle accusation. “You thinkIrigged the chemicals to explode?”
“You tell me.” He leaned back in his chair. “You said it yourself, no one other than you and your team went in or out of the lab that day. And the point of origin was right behind your work area. Not to mention, it’s a pretty big coincidence the place goes up in flames right after you walked out.
A fierce anger replaced the hurt in her eyes. “I can’t believe you’d think I could do something like that.”
Truth be told, he couldn’t either.
He shrugged. “People do all kinds of shocking, totally unexpected things every day.”
“I’m the one who came to you guys, remember?” She slapped a palm to her chest. “I’mthe one who hired you to find out who’s behind all this. Why would I do that if Iwas the guilty one?”
“Criminals insert themselves into investigations all the time, Kat. Just so they can keep an eye on what’s going on. What better way to know whether or not authorities are closing in than to be working by their side?”
Matt could hear himself. Knew he should probably stop, but damn if he could make himself.
“Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if whoever you were planning to sell the formula to encouraged you to come to us. Speaking of which, exactly how did you find us?”
“I can’t believe this.” Kat looked to Jake and the others as if she expected them to back her up. Honestly, so did Matt.
Instead, their focused eyes staring back at her, waiting for her to answer his questions.
“This was a mistake.” Her dark hair swished across her shoulders when she shook her head. “I never should’ve come here.”
Standing, Kat grabbed her purse from the table. After a couple awkward attempts, she shoved her chair back to its rightful place and turned to leave.
“Katherine, wait.” Jake stood. “I apologize for Matt’s behavior. However, while he was much more abrupt than necessary—”his boss shot him a look—“thesearequestions we need answers to.”
With an almost lost look in her glossy eyes, Kat stared up at Jake. “I came here because I thought…” her voice cracked. A tear fell down her cheek.
Matt refused to let it bother him.
Swiping it angrily away, Kat regained her composure and started again. “How I found out about your firm is of no relevance. I came here because I heard you were the best.” Surprising the hell out of Matt, she turned to him. “I know you hate me, and you have every right to. If I’d known you worked here, I would never have come.” Glancing at the others, she said, “I’m sorry to have wasted your time.” And then she walked out.
Mission. Accomplished.
“What the fuck just happened?”
Rather than answer Kole’s question, Jake told the man, “Go get her.”
“Why me?” Kole pointed his thumb at Matt. “He made this mess. He should be the one to clean it up.”
“Fuck you.” Matt glared at his teammate before looking back at Jake. “Boss, I’m sorry, but you don’t understand.”
“No, Matt.Youdon’t understand. I get there’s some bad shit between you two, but that woman came to us for help. And from the sounds of it, she needs it.” Before Matt could say anything else, Jake spoke to Kole again. “Go. Get her back here. Gabe, why don’t you and Zade go with him in case he needs help talking her down.”
Giving Matt a few awkward glances, the other three men did as they were told and left the room.
