‘Of course. This is a beautiful spot. Although it must hold difficult memories for you.’

‘It does, but you can’t change the past. This is one of my favorite places.’

‘Even though your fiancé was murdered here?’

‘Maybe I come here to think about him. Did you consider that?’

‘Yes, but I don’t think of you as the sentimental type.’

Caprice frowned. She wasn’t accustomed to people playing games with her now. ‘I’ve been keeping tabs on you,’ she said. ‘And on this new investigative agency of yours.’

‘I’m flattered,’ Cab replied. ‘You’ve had a lot on your plate these past few months.’

‘Well, you didn’t give me much choice. I have sources who tell me that you’ve been scouring through my past. Talking to people who know me. Digging up college and law school friends. Finding staffers and volunteers who worked on Birch’s campaign. Not just you but Peach, too. I’m used to reporters looking for stories and background, but when I saw your name, I couldn’t help but wonder exactly what you were doing.’

Cab shrugged. ‘You hired me.’

‘And then you quit, as I recall.’

‘Oh, I never really quit after I start something. I just change allegiances. I’m like a politician that way.’

‘Funny,’ Caprice said, but she didn’t smile or laugh.

‘I can’t help but wonder why you hired me in the first place,’ Cab said.

‘You already know that. I suspected there was a threat against Diane. As it turns out, I was right, even if I didn’t realize the danger was inside our own organization.’

‘Yes, I saw your press conference,’ Cab said. ‘How you added security, hired a detective. Very noble.’

‘I believe I credited you with saving Diane’s life,’ Caprice reminded him.

‘You did. Thanks. That’s good for business.’

‘So what’s the problem, Cab? The job is done.’

‘It is, but I’m a little like a dog with a bone. I just keep going back to it when I should leave it alone.’

‘That doesn’t explain why you’ve been doing all this research on me.’ She smiled, and she made love to him with her eyes. ‘Why, I would almost think that you’ve become obsessed with me, Cab.’

‘That would be easy for a man to do,’ he acknowledged.

‘Do you want back in my life? The door is still open.’

‘Even now?’

‘Even now,’ she said. ‘Nothing has changed for me as a woman. I’m still attracted to you.’

‘And you always get what you want,’ Cab said.

She grinned. ‘Most of the time.’

‘Look at Ramona Cortes. She was an enemy. She had the upper hand against Common Way in the election, but then she was neutralized. Destroyed. No charges, no crimes, just clouds of suspicion.’

‘Charges can be proved or disproved,’ Caprice said, ‘whereas suspicion lasts forever.’