“I don’t know. How are you doing?”

“Horrible. I miss you. Why don’t you come back to me instead of Tony?”

She sipped her apple juice. “Fine. But first you have to do me a favor. I need to eavesdrop on an apartment. I need three bugs, and a transmitter with enough power to go through lots of walls. A recorder with high storage would be a plus. The equipment has to be top-notch. Not that shit you see on the Internet.”

“Why don’t you request it through the usual channels?”

“This isn’t for official business.”

“You mean it’s for illegal business?”

“Sort of. But the end result could be legal.”

“Does this have anything to do with Tony?”

“Maybe.”

Charlie snorted. “That’s a great way to restart a relationship.”

“A girl’s got to do what she’s got to do.”

He gave her an eye. “You saw Banks.”

She was staggered. “How did you know?”

“I have my ways. Don’t worry, I’m the only one at the office who knows.” He paused. “Why?”

“Haven’t you heard of the therapeutic value of confronting old demons?”

“Talking to that monster is not therapy. It’s sick. What were you trying to do?”

“I don’t want the bugs for Banks. This is another matter.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“I’ve had nightmares. I was hoping if I saw him they would go away.”

“Did they?”

“No. Can you get me the equipment without going through the usual channels?”

“Sure. But I have to know what you want it for.”

“I can’t tell you. I need you to trust me.”

“Trust you? I don’t even know where you live these days.”

“I don’t want you to know. Don’t follow me or try to find out through any other means. I want to be left alone for two more weeks. Then I will tell you the whole story. That’s a promise. How long will it take you to get the equipment?”

“Is this what they call an ‘assumed close’? Three days.”

She stood and set down her juice. “I’ve missed you too. Let me tie up a few loose ends and I’ll be back to work.”

He was concerned. “Just don’t hang yourself with those loose ends.”

He didn’t add: again. She was grateful.

Later that day—late that night actually, when everyone was gone—Kelly drove to the office and went to her desk. Charlie had exaggerated. She had grabbed her tampons and chewing gum when she had split. She had not emptied her desk. Vicki expected her back soon, and maybe that would happen.