With everything hung up, it was easier for my mind to map out the next most logical step. There were multiple tips hung, all from the same source. She’d laid out many pieces of the story for the FBI, and I planned to look into every detail. I found the name of the submitter next to one of the tips I’d placed on the wall.

My next step needed to be Lenore Calder.

4. Lenny

4

LENNY

“Lenore,” Francis called out into the back room. “Someone is here for you.”

Her tone sounded impatient. I knew she hated visitors during working hours, and I didn’t blame her. They were a distraction.

“I’ll be there in a moment,” I called, hurrying to save my work I was typing up, but she’d already walked away before my words reached her.

I stood from my desk chair and smoothed out the linen pants I wore. The museum was kept much colder than the scorching weather outside, and finding a balance between not melting on my walks home and not freezing at work was the current biggest debacle in my life.

I walked out into the exhibits, glancing around for Francis.

She stood nearby with a tourist, who held up a brochure, pointing to parts. She caught my eyes and nodded over to a nearby exhibit. I saw a single person standing in the area she motioned to.

A tall man dressed in slacks and a vintage style, short sleeve button down stood admiring the exhibit on our town’s annual clambake. We were approaching the thirty year anniversary. It was only a few weeks away, so Francis had us set up an exhibit on it, hoping it’d lure more tourists back into town.

“Francis said you were looking for me,” I said, interrupting the man and watching his rich brown eyes settle on me.

He pulled out a wallet and opened it to flash a badge at me.

FBI.

I crossed my arms, the intensity of his stare making me shrink back into myself. He was handsome—definitely not what I pictured for an FBI agent.

“Are you done?” he asked.

“Done with work?” I asked, thrown off.

“Done deciding  whether I fit the criteria you’ve predetermined makes an agent,” he said, frowning.

“I-” I started but shut my mouth. I tried to hide the blush darkening my cheeks, but it was no use. “I’ve just never met an agent,” I muttered, my eyes lowered.

“Everyone does it,” he said. “If that helps.”

Was he trying to cheer me up after he’d so quickly flustered me?

“Where can we go to discuss?” he asked, his tone straight to the point.

“To discuss?” My cheeks darkened a shade, and I felt warmth filling my face.

“The tips you sent,” he said, raising a brow. “You were the one who submitted the tips on the Coastal Killer, right?”