Several heads in the cubicles watch as Agent Ryland crosses the room. I stand in the doorway to the conference room, arms crossed. I appreciate the agent offering his Saturday morning to meet, and I want his perspective, especially considering recent findings, but I also need him to understand ground rules. If Arrow is involved, we play my way. Some agents think they own the world, thanks to the three-letter acronym in their job title.

“Special Agent Ryland.” I offer my hand. “Thank you for coming out.”

His grip is firm, solid, and he looks me straight in the eyes. He’s about six feet. Not too far off Alex’s height.

“I’m Ryan Wolfgang.”

His hands rest on his colorful blue-and-green belt buckle. White golf balls decorate the band.

“Did I hear correctly? You’re working with Dr. Rolfe?”

“She’s right here.” I guide him inside the conference room. Alex rises from her seat and holds out her hand. Ryland blatantly scans her up and down, and I don’t like it at all. As quickly as the rush of anger floods me, it dissipates when I observe surprise is Liam’s dominant response.

“You were expecting my father, right?” The green in her eyes is stronger. Is it the room’s light, or is that defiance?

“I’ve met Dr. Rolfe before.” Ryland grins. “He’s your father? He’s given lectures at Quantico.”

“He’s my dad.” She smiles good-naturedly, and her shoulders lift slightly. “But I’m also Dr. Rolfe.”

“Well, your dad is a legend. Is he here?”

“No, lives in Edinburgh. I live here in Santa Barbara.”

“She’s assisting us on the Sophia Sullivan case,” I put in.

“Got it.” He points at a chair. “Can I sit?”

“Of course. Can I get you something to drink?”

“No. Thanks. I’m hoping to make this stop quick. I have brunch plans. I know yesterday you said you wanted my perspective, but as I told you on my way in this morning, it sounds like you are about to have the full services of the FBI at your disposal. We’re pulling together a child abduction response team as we speak.”

“That’s good. I suppose you heard about the spliced video?”

“Agent Makowzki mentioned it. He’s the one out of the San Diego office who called me. My supervisor knew I planned to come talk to you. Hear you out. But I doubt I’ll be assigned to the case. It’ll run out of the San Diego office.”

He scratches his jaw. His gaze travels back to Alex. She is admittedly an attractive woman. Even on a Saturday morning with her dark hair pulled back into a braid. But his extended gaze has me wanting to rip him out of his seat and send him on his way. The irrational desire is a new one for me. I’ve never considered myself the jealous type.

“Are you assisting from a criminal profile perspective? Like your dad?” Ryland asks Alex.

“I believe the person who took Sophia knew her. The spliced video and the cleaned home do not speak to a random kidnapping. We can apply the standard profile of a kidnapper, but it’s not highly relevant at this juncture. To answer your question, Agent Ryland, about why I am involved?” He gives a perfunctory nod. “I am a family friend of the Sullivans.”