He leaned close, needing to get through to her. “You went to see a potential suspect in a woman’s disappearance. What the hell were you thinking?”

“We met in a public place. And for what it’s worth, I don’t think he’s a suspect. He doesn’t strike me as the type.”

Brandon shook his head.

“There’s definitely a profile, and Cooper Collins doesn’t fit,” she went on. “Trust me. I deal with these assholes every day. They’re sadistic and controlling and extremely manipulative. Cooper doesn’t fit.”

“Do me a favor. Don’t talk to any more potential suspects, okay? You’re putting yourself and the investigation at risk. The last thing we need is you tipping someone off before we get a chance to talk to them.”

“Fine. You can handle the other one.”

“What other one?”

“One of her friends told me about another guy she dated last spring. His name is Jason . . . something. Hang on, I wrote it down.” She went to her desk and flipped open a notepad. “Mandrapilias. I haven’t talked to him.”

“Don’t. Let me handle it.”

She wrote something on a yellow sticky note and brought it to him. “You’re welcome.”

“Thanks,” he said.

She sank into the armchair again, this time tucking her feet under her.

Brandon just looked at her, both impressed and annoyed as hell. He couldn’t believe all the details she’d unearthed in a few short days. He also couldn’t believe she’d had the nerve to go talk to all these people.

Brandon’s phone buzzed with a text message. He pulled it out to check.

“Work calling?” she asked.

“Yeah. I need to go.”

But he didn’t move. He just sat there, staring at her, mesmerized by her sharp green eyes. Even with all the leads she’d given him, he still didn’t know whether he should have come here tonight. She pushed his buttons, and he could tell she knew it. She seemed to enjoy it, in fact. Usually, he was better at shielding his reaction.

Leigh’s gaze softened as she watched him in the dim light of the desk lamp. He needed to leave. They’d crossed some sort of line into personal tonight. He felt it, and he had a feeling she did, too.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Yeah.” He stood up and tucked his phone away. “I should get back.”

She stood, too, putting her at eye level with his neck. She wasn’t as tall as usual in her bare feet.

She stared up at him with those catlike eyes.

“So, listen—”

“Don’t.” She held up a hand. “I already know what you’re going to say.”

“What?”

“You appreciate my help, but you can take it from here.”

“You need to stop talking to people.”

“That’s not going to happen.” She smiled. “But I can assure you I’ll be careful.”