She smiled and moved her jacket aside so he could see her badge. The badge opens a lot of doors.

I can see that. She was here, after all.

May I come in?

He looked back over his shoulder as if there might be something he didnt want her to see. Sadly, his existence was pathetic enough that there wasnt a thing here that the FBI would care about. He stepped back. Of course.

They walked into the living room. Scotch? he asked, holding up the bottle.

She shook her head and smiled. Not at the moment. Thanks. She took a seat on the couch, adjusting her slacks as she sat. She leaned forward, elbows braced on knees. Ive come to ask you to reconsider.

Reconsider what? He thought he knew, but best to be sure they were on the same page.

Working with me on this case. She looked him directly in the eye, unflinching. I need your help. Im hitting nothing but dead ends here. I feel it in my bones that having you working with me would change all that. You know the medical field. You know how hospitals work. Most importantly, you knew Lexa, perhaps better than anyone else.

Morgan poured more Scotch into his glass, sloshing it slightly. Damn it. No.

Thats it? Just no? No reason?

I have a million reasons. Im . . . Im not in a good place. I doubt Id be much good to anyone for any reason. His life had come apart, but it was hardly any of Danielle Hernandezs business.

Her lips tightened. Really? Do you think youre the only person who ever got divorced?

He looked up sharply. How did you know about my divorce?

She sat back on the couch, stretching her arms across its back. Its not exactly top secret. Five minutes of hanging around the hospital cafeteria eavesdropping got me that.

He frowned. It hadnt occurred to him that hed be the subject of gossip, but it made sense. He and Ashley had been a golden couple. Him in the trenches. Her in admin and public policy. Theyd been highly visible. People loved to watch stuff like that implode. Schadenfreude.

Youre already on a leave of absence. She sighed, So what is it that youre going to do if you dont help me? Sit in this exquisitely appointed apartment and drink? She looked around at the bare walls and tattered furniture.

She had a point. What was he going to do? How long could he wallow in his disappointment and grief? What would it get him if he did? What would I do if I helped you?

A hint of a smile played at the corner of her lips, but she was smart enough to keep it from being a full triumphant grin. Tag along with me. Use that keen eye to pick up details Im missing. Help me understand hospital politics and procedure.