“I’m not sure yet. It may be as simple as smuggling you into the employee parking lot in the back of that SUV that your dad loaned her so you’ll be close by in case everything goes to hell. Might be as complicated as getting you inside as an IT guy. We’re working on giving them some network problems.”

“When does she start?”

“Tuesday morning. So I have until then to figure something out.”

Rafe stood, leaning on his cane. “Let me know. Either way, I’m in. She’s charging into danger for Mercy. It’s the least I can do.”

Rafe left and Tom remained, wishing he could take a damn nap. He hadn’t been so exhausted in a long time. Not since he’d been on the hunt for Tory’s killer. It had sapped every bit of life from his soul.

He wondered if the loss of that life from his soul, that feeling of hope, had been permanent.

He wondered what he was going to do about Liza. He wondered if, when he figured it out, it would be too late.

And then he noticed a text on his personal cell phone. Saw the story from last night online. You look tired. Call if you need to talk. Still want to be there for you if you want me to. That’s what friends are for, right?

His whole body relaxed and his eyes actually burned, so great was his relief.

Tom’s hands shook as he typed his reply. I want you to. Thx. Will call later.

TWENTY-THREE

GRANITE BAY, CALIFORNIA

SUNDAY, MAY 28, 7:00 P.M.

Well, I kind of figured that out a long time ago,” Dana said. “Your feelings for Tom have never really been a secret.”

Liza should have realized as much. Her Chicago “big sister,” the woman who’d taken her in after Lindsay’s murder, was insightful. This was one of the reasons she’d finally broken down and called her upon returning to her new apartment from Mercy’s birthday party.

Dana Dupinsky Buchanan had known Liza for seven years and Tom for twenty—ever since he and his mother had escaped his abusive biological father. Dana’s best friend was Tom’s mother, and Dana’s husband was Tom’s hacking mentor.

Dana had both history and perspective, and Liza figured that she’d be able to give her good advice on keeping her relationship with Tom in the friend zone.

Right now Tom needed a friend and Liza was determined to be that for him, even if it hurt her that he didn’t want more. “I’m not sure why I thought I’d be able to keep it from any of you,” she said wearily.

“I’m completely confused by that myself. But it does explain Tom’s behavior lately. He called his mom on Wednesday night and she said he seemed off. Caroline figured it had something to do with you.”

Liza didn’t have the energy to be annoyed. “You’ve been talking about us?”

“Duh.” Dana paused, then asked warmly, “What do you need from me, Liza?”