“At the moment, my priority is finding the person who’s disrupting your life. Let’s get inside.” He took her arm and urged her toward the door, his professional demeanor back in place as he scanned their surroundings.

The discussion was over for today.

And he was correct about maintaining perspective. Closing the case had to be their top priority for the immediate future.

But once the threat hovering over her was contained, there were other important issues that had to be addressed.

If Brent was reluctant to revisit this discussion . . . if he required convincing that his emotions were up to the task and his heart was ready for romance . . . she was just the woman to tackle the job.

For now, though, she’d let him close out this case. With Steve in the crosshairs, it shouldn’t take long. In fact, if all went well, by next week this chapter of her life could be history.

Because once Steve was out of the picture, there would be no more looking over her shoulder or worrying about danger lurking in the shadows.

Al

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:52 a.m.

Been quiet. Status?

Dan

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:54 a.m.

Too quiet. Need another incident. Will handle.

Al

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:54 a.m.

What about main event?

Dan

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:55 a.m.

Instructions to follow. Keep next weekend open.

Al

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:56 a.m.

Part of other event?

Dan

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:56 a.m.

Yes.

Al

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:57 a.m.

Smart.

Dan

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:57 a.m.

Why I’m paid the big bucks. J

Al

Fri., Sept. 7, 7:58 a.m.

Standing by to make ER history.

16

MS. JACKSON . . . may I speak with you for a few minutes?”

As the familiar male voice addressed her, Meg jolted to a stop and swiveled around, pulse hammering. Steve had been right. The detective on Eve’s case had, indeed, sought her out at the office.

What a way to end the week.

Somehow she managed to call up the facsimile of a smile. “Good morning, Detective Lange. I have to let my boss know I’m here and see if he wants me to handle any urgent matters.”

“I’ve already spoken with him. He said he didn’t mind if you were delayed for a few minutes.”

The man had covered all the bases.

But Steve had told her not to talk with anyone from law enforcement.

“I, uh, have a ton of work to do.”

“This won’t take long.”

She shifted her weight. Squeezed the strap of her purse. “Steve doesn’t . . . he prefers I not talk with you.”

“Why is that?” The detective’s tone remained cordial.

“He said he already answered all your questions.”

“We always like to get several perspectives. I won’t detain you long.”

Other arriving staffers cast curious looks their way as they skirted past in the hall, and her cheeks warmed. The middle of a busy corridor wasn’t the best place to have this discussion.