Daniel reached past the smiling family photo to grab the frame that held his younger self with the older man, hair graying around his temples and flowing behind him. A hippie stuck in time.

“No, that was old Howard Jones. He started this practice and brought me in fresh from earning my master’s. He gave me a gift I’ve shared with many people since. He’s been gone three years.”

Monique’s eyes sparkled, almost reflecting the sheen on her lips. “I’m so glad I’m now part of your team. We help a lot of people.”

“It’s great to have you on board, Monique. You’re a terrific addition to the Crossroads family.” Daniel settled into the conversation. It was nice to talk without scanning for an agenda behind any given sentence.

Monique reached across for another photo frame, showing Daniel in the middle of a group of schoolchildren. A waft of perfume followed her. “Is this the school counseling program?”

The photo represented Daniel’s contribution to Milly’s school, to assuage the guilt from not having time for hockey practice or mind-numbing school board meetings. Free counseling for at-risk youth.

Her blond tresses bounced inches from Daniel’s nose as she ran a finger across the photograph. “You give so much of yourself.” Her milk-chocolate eyes connected with him over the top of the frame. “Considering that, who looks after you?”

The base of Daniel’s spine tingled, a long-lost memory of teenage days and the thrill of the chase.

From the corridor a phone rang, and Monique touched her Bluetooth headset. “Welcome to Crossroads Counseling!”

A polite knock at the door was followed by a brunette head with a burgundy streak in defiance of early gray.

Monique’s fingers twinkled as she sashayed out the door. “There’s a waiting list to see Mr. Whiteley, but . . .”

The owner of the burgundy streak took a seat and studied him. Anna Potts—Howard’s second recruit. “How are you after the funeral, Boss?”

“Good. I held it together during my eulogy—just. And we’ve talked about this Boss label.”

Anna grinned. “I’m sure it will be no surprise when I tell you it’s okay to let out your feelings.” She eyed the empty gift box and then the flash of gold on his sleeve. She raised an eyebrow. “Nice cuff links.”

There was no point defending the gift. A towering intellect packed into a slight frame, Anna had only to hoist an eyebrow and you crumbled.

“You know how we talked about having each other’s back at the office?”

It was clear what was coming.

“You should be careful with Monique’s attention.”

Daniel fought the urge to squirm in his seat, a reversal of the usual dynamic in this office. “Look, it’s innocent, and she’s naive. There’s nothing to it.”

The eyebrow stayed up. “Would you mention that gift to Kelly?”