“Go ahead,” Sebastian said, distracted. “Answer it.”

“I can call him—”

“No, it’s fine.”

Ellie had learned to read the tone and rhythms in his speech. His tone said, Do it. Don’t argue with me.

It was against the law in California to speak on a phone while driving, except for hands-free calling. She took the call, and spoke before Max could say anything.

“I’m in the car, and I’m working,” Ellie said sharply. “Make it quick.”

Max knew all her calls were being monitored and possibly recorded. He played the role of the aggrieved boyfriend perfectly. “I’m sorry to bother you,” he said, sounding disappointed and miffed. “My friend Cody is coming into town, and I was hoping the three of us could get together, grab some dinner, and hang.”

Ellie’s heart surged in equal measures of joy and dread. Max was telling her he had arranged a call, maybe even a visit, with Cody. As much as she wanted to see him, she needed to stay on target, keep close to Sebastian.

The main reason for the call was that Roland wanted a status update. He wanted her to get together with Max and share information about the investigation. Ellie never spoke about operational matters on the phone with Max, only in person.

“When?”

“Tonight,” Max replied. “I know it’s short notice, and I know you’re incredibly busy, but it would really mean a lot to me. He really wants to meet you.”

Ellie didn’t get a chance to answer; Sebastian answered for her.

“She’ll be there.”

Ellie opened her mouth, about to protest, when he held up his hand to quiet her. Sebastian said, “What time?”

“I’m sorry,” Max said. “I didn’t know Faye was—”

“No apology necessary. In fact, I should be apologizing to you, having kept her so busy. What time do you need her?”

“I was thinking around seven? Eight? Does that work for you?”

“Seven it is,” Sebastian said. “I’ll make reservations for you at Belle Âme, in Chinatown. Fantastic French restaurant. Dinner, everything, is on me. Afterward, you and Faye can spend the night at the Four Seasons. In fact, make it two. I’m giving Faye the day off tomorrow. Enjoy.”

Max terminated the call. Ellie took in a deep breath.

“You’ve been working hard, doing a good job, and you deserve a break,” Sebastian said. “To live your life.”

Ellie didn’t want to be away from Sebastian—especially not now, given whatever was happening. “I’m thinking of breaking up with him,” she began.

“So go and have a nice dinner and sleep in, and we’ll talk tomorrow.”

A lot could happen before then. “I’m more worried about Paul,” Ellie said.

“I’ll be fine.”

Another call came through, this one from Sebastian’s sixty-two-year-old secretary at the real estate office, Mary Jo. The woman called Ellie because Sebastian’s number kept changing.

Ellie answered the call, and Mary Jo’s cheery but raspy voice echoed over the speakers: “Paul called.”

Sebastian straightened in his seat, leaned closer to the console.