“There are people who can view those files in their entirety.” Rebel stood. “I don’t trust a man without a past.”
“We’ll get to know him tomorrow.” She gave his shoulder a little squeeze, then ran her hand down his arm. “You got some guns.”
“All for you, babe.”
She laughed. “Yeah, not buying that, but I do love your muscles.”
As they headed toward the coat closet, he said, “We need Liliana’s DNA.”
“Oh, snap! Can we use mine? It’s half of hers.”
He helped her into her coat. “Good idea,” he said, shrugging into his.
A shopping bag waited by the elevator. Inside were two toys. “Are these for your niece and nephew?”
He lifted the bag. “They’re for Dakota and Providence’s kids. I thought we’d swing by there first.”
In the elevator down to the parking garage, she glanced over at him. Rebel’s brows were pinched together. Rather than say anything, she ran a comforting hand down his back.
The ride over was quiet. Brit didn’t fill it with idle chit chat, nor did she talk about the case. Chances were pretty good, hewas ruminating over everything anyway. As for her, she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the student Evelyn said had fallen down the stairs… and died.
Did she fall or was she pushed?
Brit’s thoughts were interrupted when Rebel drove into an upscale McLean neighborhood with large estates and sprawling yards. As they pulled up to one of the houses, she spied a second property in the backyard.
“Do you know who lives in their guest house?”
“The kids’ nanny.” He cut the engine. “I’m sorry?—”
“No apology necessary. The case is frustrating.”
“We have no solid leads and very little evidence.” He released a low growl before opening the SUV door.
Providence welcomed them in, gave Brit a warm hug. “It’s good to see you. I’ve been meaning to check in with you.”
“Love the job,” Brit replied, “but progress with the case has been slow.”
A toddler came bolting around the corner, saw Brit and pulled to a stop. When he saw Rebel, he grinned. “Yay! It’s Uncle Wawa!”
Rebel set down the bag, lifted the tyke into his arms. “How you been, bud?”
“Good. I’m building with Daddy.”
“Graham, this is Britain,” Rebel said.
“Hi Graham,” Brit said. “How old are you?”
He held up three fingers. “Four.”
Rebel pulled up a fourth finger. “That’s four. Count ‘em to make sure I’m right.”
As Graham counted, Brit couldn’t help but notice the change in Rebel. The tension he carried in his eyes was gone, his contagious smile brought her a sense of calm… and joy. Without a doubt, he loved children.
Years ago, she decided she wasn’t having any. Her own childhood had left her too scared. Emotion gripped her throat and she forced down the sadness.
I can’t give him what he needs.
Dakota walked into the spacious foyer. “There’s the man who’s making me work too damn hard.”
