“If there is a city security issue, I have a right to be present,” he said, regaining a modicum of his usual crisp presence. Trent didn’t know what I was doing, but clearly I was trying to include him in it, and despite his probably wanting to put out a contract on me for tagging him, he’d go along with it. All things in their own time, apparently.

The officer and the suit flanking him had a hushed conversation, and when the FIB guy shrugged, Edden sighed. “Damn it, Rachel,” he muttered, squeezing my elbow. “This is not how I do things.”

Tired, I said nothing as I waited for his decision. My thoughts went to Ivy, then Kist.

The squat ex–military man rubbed a hand over his chin and took a firmer stance. “I’m in there with two other men.”

“Just you, and you can cuff him to a chair,” I came back.

Trent’s frown deepened until it showed on his forehead. We all had to press back against the walls as three harried-looking officers carrying boxes of blue paper and envelopes passed. Apparently the room was cleaned up, and I started getting nervous again.

“All right,” Edden said sourly. “Mr. Kalamack, would you please accompany me? Ms. Morgan seems to want to have a town meeting. We’ll get you back to your processing as soon as possible so you can make bail.”

Bail! I thought, not having imagined they would even offer it.

Trent saw my startled expression, and he allowed a hint of smugness to show. “Thank you, Captain. I would appreciate that.”

Jenks flitted into the hallway to hover by the door. “Okay, Rache. They’re all yours.”

Mine, I thought as I steadied myself and followed Edden and Trent. But what by Tink’s little red shoes was I supposed to do with them, now that I had them?

THIRTY-FIVE

Edden escorted Trent into the room ahead of me. Hesitating in the hall, I tugged the lacy collar of my dress straight, tucked a stray curl behind an ear, hiked my shoulder bag up, took a tighter grip on the wrapped present, and wished I could run to the bathroom.

“Charm shop,” Jenks taunted from my shoulder, and I made a rude noise. There was a mild stir as everyone reacted to Trent’s appearance. It wasn’t going to get any easier. Knowing that Ivy was already in there, I squared my shoulders and walked in.