They drew closer to the office, and he went through his favorite drive-through, buying drinks for the entire group, even though it was after supper time. He even bought a couple for the new puzzle lady and the British chap, just in case they were in the office. If not, he’d save the drinks for later tonight.

He pulled up to the office, noting the number of cars. “Looks like everyone is here.”

“Uh-huh,” Dana said, turning pink.

He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, so he enfolded her hand with his. “Listen. I’d like to get this settled here and now, before we go inside.” Arguing in front of everyone else just wasn’t his style.

“I’m not arguing with you, Wolfe.” She curled her fingers through his.

His trapezoids relaxed marginally. “Okay. Good.” It was nice when she decided to be agreeable and make things easy for him. “I appreciate it.”

“Well, don’t. I’m not arguing because I’m not going into hiding. That would make me not only a crappy journalist but a rotten friend to Candy. She deserves better.” Dana tilted her head in a purely challenging way.

He didn’t want to tick her off again, but he wasn’t going to relent. “Let’s go inside.”

“Sure.” She removed her hand and opened her door.

He did the same, helping Roscoe over the seat. The dog landed on the pavement and immediately ran over to the trees to take care of business. He might have puked a bit, too. “I told you a burger on a hungover stomach wasn’t a great idea,” Wolfe called. At least for a dog.

Roscoe barked back and quickly returned, looking spritelier.

Wolfe surveyed the parked vehicles. “Why is everyone working on a Sunday?”

“How should I know?” She pressed her hands to her hips. “I’m going to say, once again, that you should have your entire team after Gary.”

“Not a chance.” He turned and strode to the front door, opening it for her. Sometimes things were so clear he truly didn’t understand how everybody else got it wrong. The elevator was a little tight with Roscoe in it, or maybe it was the anger coming off Dana that made the harrowing ride uncomfortable. He tried to think of a way to gain her cooperation without being too bossy.

Nothing came to mind.

The door opened and he gestured her inside after the dog.

Brigid, her red hair wild around her head, immediately emerged from case room two and rushed over to the dog, dropping to her knees for a full hug around the German shepherd’s thick neck. “I’ve missed you.” Her voice was muffled in the fur. Then she stood and made a beeline for Wolfe. “I’ve missed you, too.”