Laurel looked back and forth between them. Whatever they’d been to each other, one thing was clear. It wasn’t recorded in the file.

“I don’t think we should continue this conversation until we have more privacy,” Roth said.

“What conversation? This is just a visit from an old friend, right?”

“And a new friend,” Laurel said.

Lance looked at her and their eyes locked. It was the first time that morning he’d given her his full attention and it sent a thrill through her.

“And a new friend,” he added. “And might I say, what a charmer she is.”

Roth said nothing.

“No, really,” Lance said. “You couldn’t have found someone more perfect for me, Levi. Bravo.”

“What’s he talking about?” Laurel said.

“He’s just trying to get under your skin.”

“Am I?”

“Yes,” Roth said.

“Has she seen the pictures, Levi? I swear I don’t know how you do it.”

“What is this?” Laurel said.

“Show her, Levi.”

Laurel felt her blood rise. “Show me what?”

Roth sighed. “This is a waste of time.”

“The hell it is,” Laurel said. “I want to know what he’s talking about.”

“Sweetie,” Lance said, “you got a sister?”

“What is this?”

“I’m not continuing this conversation here,” Roth said. “Lance, we’re at the EconoLodge for another few hours. If you want to talk, find us there.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you, boss,” Lance said.

“Go fuck yourself,” Roth said as he stood.

He made for the door and Laurel said, “Roth, wait,” but he didn’t slow down.

When he slammed the door, the girl, Sam, woke up. She stretched and looked around the room. When her eyes adjusted she saw Laurel.

“Oh,” she said, “sorry.”

“Don’t worry,” Laurel said. “I was just leaving.”

“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.”

“You didn’t,” Laurel said.

Lance got to his feet. He seemed to have enjoyed getting Roth’s hackles up. “You don’t have to leave just because he did,” he said.

“What was all that?” she said.

“You’ll have to ask him.”

“I will.”

“Is that coffee?” the girl said.

Laurel almost rolled her eyes. Whatever the relationship was between the two of them, she knew a girl like Sam wouldn’t be content sleeping on the couch for long.

Laurel stood.

“Really,” Lance said. “Stay. He’ll get over it.”

“Unlike you, he’s still my boss,” she said and gathered her things. On her way to the door, Sam gave her a breezy good bye and Laurel, for some reason, found herself slamming the door even louder than Roth had.

Roth was sitting in the car outside and when Laurel got to it he grinned at her. “You’re even more flushed than I am,” he said.

“Don’t talk to me,” she said as she got in.