Had Friday night been a test? To see if she spoke about the case outside the task force? Did he think she was stupid or maybe wasn’t taking this seriously? Or worse…did he suspect her of being complicit in some way?

“All settled into your new place?” His tone was clipped and professional. Had she imagined the warmth and humor of Friday night? Had the attraction been an act designed to get her to tell him things she wasn’t supposed to, and maybe get her kicked off the task force?

She gave him a curt nod.

“Your friend made it home safely?”

She cleared her throat. “Yes.”

To her surprise he came around the table and pulled out the chair beside her. Sat.

Her mood took another nosedive.

“Exactly when did you find out you were on the task force?” she asked out of the side of her mouth while Ashley went about setting up various workstations.

“Friday morning,” he admitted.

“And you didn’t think to mention it?” She didn’t bother to conceal the tartness of her tone.

He crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat. “I didn’t think it would make any difference to our conversation.”

“Why not?”

“I didn’t think you’d believe me for a start. Not without verification.”

“I wouldn’t have.”

“Good. That’s why I didn’t bother saying anything.” He started reading through the handout Ashley had given him and Yael exhaled slowly, unsure what to think.

Alex Parker strolled in with a guy wearing an elegant three-piece suit who swept the room with an icy blue gaze. To her surprise the stranger locked onto her and came over with his hand held out. She scrambled to her feet.

“Lincoln Frazer. How are you enjoying your new place, Ms. Brooks?” His hand was warm, belying his cool expression as he gently squeezed her palm.

It clicked then. “Oh, you’re the previous owner. I love it, actually. Thanks for the great deal on the place. I’m now worried there’s something wrong with the foundations.”

Frazer laughed. “Nothing wrong with the foundations. We found the perfect spot for us and wanted a quick sale. Apologies for any remnant smell of wet dog. My fiancée’s mutt likes the river and has a particular fondness for rolling in dead fish.”

“Seems fair.” Alex smiled.

Yael wasn’t quite sure how to respond. “It’s great. No wet dog odor.”

“ASAC Frazer,” Ashley commanded in full-on scary mode. “You’re over here.” She pointed to one of the workstations.

Frazer sent Yael a wry look and stage whispered, “Ashley thinks I’m an idiot when it comes to computers.”

“She’s not wrong,” Alex muttered.

“I have other skills.” Frazer smirked. “Like keeping secrets.”