“Acting settled, but not really being settled. She’s trying to play Bronwyn. Which hasn’t gone very far, but Agent Takano is a different story. She’s not paying close attention because she doesn’t want to be here. It’s affecting her job a bit.”

Tess blew out a breath. “I was afraid of that. What do you think her endgame is? Chevy, I mean. Will she refuse to testify?”

“That I can’t say. She’s built a protective wall around her emotions, not surprising. But I truly think we’re dealing with an eighteen-year-old going on thirty with the emotional makeup of a thirteen-year-old.”

“What about Counselor Peel? What’s her take?”

“She thinks Bass is pushing the girl too hard too soon. Think of what she’s been through in the last three years of her life. Now, overnight, she’ll be a credible witness in a high-profile criminal case? Against a guy like Beck?”

Tess sighed. “I can’t say you don’t make sense. I’ve tried to keep my distance from the girl, Faith’s Place, and Takano because the trial is not my rodeo. And Beck is still stonewalling. His lawyers are filing motion after motion, trying to delay or derail the case. In my opinion it was a mistake for the judge to release him on bail, even with an ankle monitor. Chevy and Takano might have to be here a while longer. If I—”

Squealing tires sounded, and Tess looked over his shoulder, her attention drawn to the market parking lot.

Oliver turned to see what had interrupted her train of thought and saw a car come to an abrupt stop and FBI agent Mia Takano jump out.

“Speak of the devil,” Tess said as she stood. “What is she doing here and where is the fire?”

“I take it you’re going to go ask?”

Tess nodded, leaving her half-finished lunch on the table. Oliver followed, realizing that he was just as curious as Tess was. Takano was supposed to be low-key. Her entrance to the market parking lot just now was anything but.

Takano was looking all around the lot as she walked toward the entrance of the market. She must have caught sight of Tess because she stopped, changed direction, and hurried toward her.

“What’s the problem, Agent Takano?” Tess spoke in a formal cop tone that told Oliver she was not happy with the agent.

“She’s gone.”

Tess stopped, and Oliver felt his pulse surge as he wondered if he’d really heard what he just thought he’d heard.

“What do you mean?” Tess asked.

“That girl. I was on the phone, Nye was out, and Bronwyn was dealing with a minor animal emergency. She slipped past everyone. She’s gone.”

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