It was twelve-fifteen when I looked at my watch. I had to hurry.

===OO=OOO=OO===

I spotted Ryan through a smal window in the morgue's back door. He was sitting on the steps, one long leg outstretched, the other raised to support an elbow as he spoke into a cel phone. Opening the door, I could hear that his words were English, his tone agitated, and I suspected the business was other than official.

'Wel, that's the way it's going to be.'

He turned a shoulder when he saw me, and his answers grew terse.

'Do what you want, Daniele.'

I waited until he had disconnected, then joined him on the porch.

'Sorry I'm late.'

'No problemo.'

He flipped the cover and slid the phone into his pocket, his movements stiff and jerky.

'Problems on the home front?'

'What's your pleasure for lunch? Fish or fowl?'

'Nice dodge,' I said, smiling. 'And about as subtle as a ful court press.

'The home front is not your concern. Subtle enough?'

Though my mouth opened, no words emerged.

'It's just a personal disagreement.'

'Have a lovers' spat with the Archbishop of Canterbury for al I care, just don't treat me to the performance.' Heat flamed my cheeks.

'Since when are you curious about my love life?'

'I couldn't care less about your love life,' I snapped.

'Thus the inquisition.'

'What?'

'Let's forget it.' Ryan reached out, but I stepped back.

'You did ask me to meet you here.'

'Look, this investigation has us both on edge.'

'But I don't take cheap shots at you.'

'What I don't need is more browbeating,' he said, lowering the shades from the top of his head.

'Browbeating?' I exploded.

Ryan repeated his question. 'Fish or fowl?'

'Go fowl your own fish.'

I whirled and lunged for the doorknob, my face burning with anger. Or was it humiliation? Or hurt?

Inside, I slammed then leaned against the door. From the lot I heard an engine, then the squeal of brakes as a truck arrived with twenty more cases. Roling my head, I saw Ryan kick a heel at the ground, then cross to his rental car.

Why had he made me so furious? I'd spent a lot of time thinking of the man during his months undercover. But distancing myself from Ryan had become so routine, I'd never considered the possibility that someone else might enter his life. Was that now the case? While I wanted to know, I sure as hel wasn't going to ask.

I turned back to find Larke Tyrel regarding me intently.

'You need some R and R.'

'I'm taking two hours this afternoon.' I'd requested the break so Ryan and I could search the area where I'd found the foot. Now I'd have to do it alone.

'Sandwich?' Larke tilted his chin toward the staff lounge.