Morgan paced. What was going on in there? What lies was Dolan spinning? He didnt have to wait long. Danielle emerged from the room only a few minutes later. Get him a phone, please, she said to the agent. He wants a lawyer.

The agent nodded and went into the room.

Danielle looked at Morgan, shaking her head. You. This way.

She strode into the conference room and shut the door behind them.

Morgan sat down at the table and folded his hands in front of himself, trying to contain his anger and frustration. Look. Im sorry. It was just so clear he was lying

Was it, Morgan? Was it obvious? Do you know whats going to make it difficult to tell if someones lying about this case? Giving out information that the general public doesnt have.

Morgan couldnt process what she was saying. What are you talking about?

You told Dolan about our theory that the murderer is luring the woman to him by pretending to be injured. That was a little detail that we could have used to help sort out the crazies from the real deals. Now youve tainted that. She flung herself down in one of the chairs.

Heat crept up his neck. He hadnt considered that.

Not to mention that, now that youve put him on his back foot, hes not cooperating. Hes lawyered up. That was supposed to be an interview. Not an interrogation. Those are two very different things. She stacked the file folders up on the table in front of herself.

Im sorry, he said, shame creeping up on him. It wasnt a sensation he was familiar with and he didnt like it. I didnt know.

Danielle pinched the bridge of her nose as if a headache was coming on. I realize that. Thats why you were supposed to be quiet in there. Remember when we made that agreement, Morgan?

He did. Ill do better, he said.

See that you do, she snapped. Otherwise, you are off this investigation entirely. I really thought you could help, but not if youre going to behave like this. You could jeopardize the entire case.

Ill rein it in, he said.

She shook her head. Go home, Morgan. Cool off. Ill be in touch.

She turned on her heel and marched away, leaving him alone in the hallway, staring after her.

Morgan did as she suggested, making his way home on the Metro. He walked into his apartment, his nostrils assailed by the smell of old food and unwashed plates. It reminded him way too much of the way Dolans house had looked and smelled.

Screw that. He wasnt Dolan. Washed up sorry excuse for a man.

Well, then, maybe he should stop living like him.