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"Out," I tell them.

They leave immediately. Evander starts to rise.

"Not you," Elena says, and he stops.

I look at him. "Out."

"She'll only drag me back."

"Evander."

"Fine." He stands and points toward Elena as he passes. "For the record, I knew nothing."

"Liar," she says.

"Prove it."

"Give me time."

He leaves and closes the door. Elena sets the empty box on my desk with deliberate care.

"Where are my files?"

I lean back. "Which files?"

"The ones from the locked cabinet in my apartment."

"They're here."

"Why?"

"Because you need them."

"That isn't what I asked."

I say nothing. She stares at me.

Yesterday's argument had anger in it, but there was still humor around the edges. She threatened to investigate me. I negotiated her security down to two men. We both walked away irritated and strangely satisfied.

There is nothing playful in her face now.

"Did you have my apartment emptied?"

"No."

"Interesting answer."

"It's the accurate one."

"Did you have things removed from my apartment without asking me?"

"Yes."

Her jaw tightens. "How much?"

"Anything important."

"Define important."