“I know Rockport. He’s a big powerhouse attorney. He’s done some business with my firm, but I actually met him at a party. In fact, it was that event fundraiser for your father that Pocher put on. The one where you wore that red dress.”

I ignore his reference to the red dress. I’m focused on the connection which is not welcome but also not unexpected. “Does he do work for my father or Ted Pocher?”

“I have no idea. You think your father has something to do with this?”

“I think there are a lot of people connected in this town,” I say, not about to go down the rabbit hole that is my father with him, at least not now. “I need anything on Emma and the men in her life you can get me.”

“You need a lot of things,” he says dryly.

“Yes, Lucas, I do. I also need to know about Danica Day, the new medical examiner. And Officer North, who just transferred from the city to work for Andrew.”

“You want me to hack the government, Lilah?”

“Yes. You have my permission. I’ll protect you.”

“Fuck, Lilah. Who protects you?”

“Me, and I’m damn good at it.”

“What do I get out of this?”

“My love and devotion,” I say sweetly. Yes, I can do sweet. People would be surprised how well and those people include me.

“Which would be enough,” he says, “but we both know that was never going to happen.”

“Obviously,” I say, “we aren’t talking about the same kind of love and devotion.”

“Nope,” he agrees. “What do I get out of this?”

“Steak prepared by a master chef for Thanksgiving dinner.”

“No shit? You got a chef off the TV show?”

“Hell no,” I quip. “I don’t do TV show bullshit. He’s a real master. And yes, there will be mac ‘n’ cheese made three ways.”

“I think I’d better leave my inappropriately basic diner-made coconut cake at home.”

“If you do, you won’t be let in the door.”

“Well, if Kane has his way I won’t be let in anyway.”

“True,” I concur. “But he does like all things coconut.” I firm my tone. “Get to work. I need to know everything you can find out tonight.” I’m about to hang up when I hesitate and say, “Look for connections to me, Lucas.”

“You? What the hell, Lilah? Are you in danger?”

“No, but you are if you don’t hurry up and get to work.” I hang up.

And I lied before I did. I am in danger. I have to go home and tell Kane that Lucas is coming to dinner.

CHAPTER ELEVEN