Wolfe finished his second beer. “Speaking of which, I need to get home and check on her. Sometimes she forgets to eat when she’s working, and although I’m sure Pippa has been cooking, she’s not pushy like I am.” He looked around the spacious apartment. “This is a great place, Professor. It’s even in the middle of an industrial complex, so there aren’t other people living around here. Nicely done.”

“Thanks,” Jethro said.

Wolfe grinned. “Where’s the control room for all those cameras you have mounted around the place?”

Jethro returned the smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Any cameras are probably owned by the businesses that keep warehouses here by the railroad tracks.”

“I counted seven,” Wolfe said cheerfully. “If I had more time, I’d find your hideaway.”

“I counted nine,” Angus said, turning back to his board. “There are two on the west side that you can only see if the sun hits them just right.”

Jethro might’ve sworn something uncomplimentary under his breath.

* * *

Nari stayed in the bedroom to make her calls while the guys worked by the murder board. She finished the arrangements with the attorney, inwardly wincing at the exorbitant retainer. They might have to rob a bank just to get the guy in the same room as Angus. She glanced at her watch and hurriedly sent a video call.

“Hello,” her mother answered, squinting while pushing buttons on her phone. “Nari? Is that you?”

Of course it was her. They chatted every Sunday. “Hi Mom.”

“Oh, hi, sweetie.” Her mother set down the phone, facing her. “I found a new holder for the phone. Isn’t it convenient? The Dixon boy next door brought it over when he saw me trying to put the phone on the porch to talk to my friend, Diedre. He’s such a nice boy. Teenagers are better than ever these days if you ask me.”

Nari didn’t have anywhere to put her burner phone, so she sat on the bed and held it. “You look well.”

Her mom’s hair was long and straight, pure black and beautiful. Her eyes were brown and soft. “Thank you. So do you.” She reached for something on the table and brought back glasses to perch on her nose. “I need readers now. Can you believe it?” She studied Nari. “Is that a bruise on your chin?”

Darn it. Nari had thought she’d covered it. “Just a little one from training. You know.” Lying was wrong, but worrying her mother was worse. “Have you been training at all?”

“Of course. I knocked your Uncle Boahi on his butt twice yesterday. Ticked him off, too.” She smiled. “He’s dating a girl I don’t like. I guess at forty she’s a woman, but she giggles like a twit.”