“I think I’m more exhausted than I realized.” Decker leaned back on the couch. “I’m gonna close my eyes. Is that all right?”

“It’s fine, darling.”

“You should rest, too, Rina. We probably have a busy day ahead.”

“I’m fine for the moment.” She rubbed her arms again. “At least it’s not so cold in here.”

But despite herself, Rina felt her eyes close. She was in a light sleep when she heard the door open. Her eyelids bolted open and she stood. A curly-headed woman who appeared to be in her thirties was on the other side. She was wearing a bright red jumpsuit and sneakers. A Gucci belt bag was around her waist. Her eyes grew wide, and her expression was shocked.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t think anyone would be here.”

Decker woke up. Rina smiled at her. “I’m Rina Decker. My husband and I came back with Mr. Donatti after he dropped off the children.”

“Oh.” She seemed stunned. “Okay. I’m Talia.”

“Nice to meet you, although not under these circumstances,” Rina said.

“Right.”

A moment later, Donatti entered the room. He stretched and yawned, then sprawled out on one of his many leather office couches. To Talia, he said, “You’re here early.”

“I just wanted to get some work done before you arrived.” She was still standing at the doorway. “I thought you were coming back later.”

Donatti said, “This is my assistant, Talia.” To her: “These are Gabe’s foster parents.”

“Isn’t he the police detective who sent you to jail?” Talia said.

“To prison,” Donatti corrected. “Good memory. But I don’t hold it against him.”

Decker rolled his eyes. “You conveniently forgot that I also got you out of prison.”

“Selective memory is a good thing,” Donatti told him.

Talia smiled as she carefully started toward her desk, inching forward instead of walking. Rina regarded her face—pretty and pale. Something about her was off. And then Rina realized what was twanging her antennae.

Who dressed like that for work? Especially in this kind of hyper-masculine environment. Especially as Christopher Donatti’s right-hand person. She knew Chris well enough to know that he liked being around beautiful women who were dressed to please men.

Rina blurted out, “Could you make me a cup of coffee, Talia?”

The woman turned to her.

If looks could kill.

Rina was taken aback.

Donatti said, “Yeah, good idea. Make a pot.”

Talia’s lips were smiling, but her eyes were furious. “Of course.”

“Why are you dressed so casually?” Donatti asked.

“I didn’t think you’d be here.”

“Even so, you know better.” He gave his head a shake. “You look ridiculous.”

She put down the coffee bag. “I’ll go change.”

“Yeah, do that, but make the coffee first,” Donatti told her.

“Of course.” She looked down like a chastened child. “Sorry, sir.”