“Thank you for the coffee,” she said instead. It was bitter and needed way more milk and sugar, but it was an excuse to change the subject. “Anything from your friend about Deuce?”

“No, nothing yet. He’s working on it and if he finds something, he’s going to let me know as soon as possible.”

Deven took another sip, straining in the awkward length of silence that followed. She could tell Paul was itching to say something but was refraining from doing so. The respect thing. She had to admire his chivalry.

Deven gathered her courage and risked looking at her phone. Four missed calls, two text messages, and two voicemails. Paul was right. Someone was definitely trying to hunt her down. She opened the phone and scrolled to the call log. Sure enough, Justin was the top contender with three of the calls. She started to check the messages, already figuring they were also from Justin, when the last missed call number caught her eye.

“What is it?” Paul asked, obviously sensing her anxiety.

Deven’s fingers fumbled over the keys as she punched in the number and extension. “Police department,” she relayed. “I asked Officer McKinney to look into some stuff about Amber Wright. I think she found something.”

Paul waited, just as eager, while Deven listened through the various prompts before the officer’s voice came through the receiver.

“McKinney,” she greeted with a professional urgency.

“Hi, Officer McKinney. It’s Deven.” Deven flicked fearful eyes at Paul as he crossed to sit next to her. “I saw I missed your call.”

“Yes, Ms. Reynolds. I told you I would let you know when I found something.”

“Yes?”

“I did get a hit on that the Amber Wright name and information you gave me.” She paused and cleared her throat. “Ms. Reynolds, I think you better come down to the station and see for yourself.”

“I’m on my way.” Deven hung up, already jumping to her feet. “I have to go.”

Paul rose with a nod. “I know. I’m coming with you.”

“Paul, no. I need to—”

“Not argue with me so damn much.” He grinned as he cupped her face, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. “You’re not doing this alone, okay?” He moved closer and Deven’s eyes closed, expecting the kiss. She felt his lips graze her forehead and she had to swallow the disappointment. Complications, she had to remind herself. As if the cop’s call wasn’t proof of that. She would go down to the precinct and see about the new development. Her feelings for Paul would have to take a backseat.