“I’m not, but it’s my way of trying to figure out how an organization as respected as yours lowers their standards to use a child to do your dirty work,” Emma said, lifting her hand. “Please don’t insult us both by denying the truth. A word to the wise, Agent Phillips, Hannah and Hayden are off-limits. You’ve chased Cain for years, her father before that, and God only knows who before that. Don’t compound your failure by trying to lure children into doing things they’re ill prepared for.”

“I know you’re not going to believe me, but I have no clue what you’re talking about.” There were days she wished she had the forethought to stay in bed. Today was at the top of that wish list. “Hannah is in kindergarten. The bureau doesn’t hire that young.”

“Really, Agent Phillips, I know how old my child is. If you truly have no idea, then you have another problem on your hands. Let’s hope you deal with it before we have another fiasco that leaves someone in my family needing medical attention. Don’t pretend to not know what I’m talking about when I say that.” Emma dried her hands and faced her. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Could you talk to me a second? I’d really like to know what you mean.” Her anger at Dylan evaporated, and any information from Emma might get them somewhere.

“Tonight isn’t the time to unburden our souls, so move.” Emma stepped through the door she opened for her.

Shelby rested her head against the closed door once she was alone. “Joe,” she said, calling his cellphone.

“Yes, are you done talking about me?” he joked.

“We might have a big problem, and it’s not our new asshole team member.” She moved to a stall and lowered her voice.

“Can you explain? I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” he said, sounding as confused as she felt. “Wait, Dylan’s an asshole?”

“She’s underimpressed by our lack of results, since that’s all she got when she was the legendary sheriff of Bumfuck, California.”

“We’ll talk about that later. What’s the other part of this?”

She told him what Emma had said, and he hummed for a minute. “Do you want to call Annabel or do I?” Shelby asked. Fuck, she wanted to go home and lie down. She’d been right. There was something off, but hell if it wasn’t in her own house. “Actually, it’s your turn, but keep Dylan out of the loop for now. We’re going to have enough problems.”

And that was the story of her life lately.

Chapter Four