My eyes roamed over the second man in the room. He was someone that I was pretty sure I’d seen on television, and my sixth sense told me I wasn’t going to like how this meeting went.

“Agent Lawson, this is Agent Hanson,” Mulligan said.

“Nice to meet you, Agent Lawson.” Hanson nodded.

I took in his deadpan stare and the salt and pepper short haircut that had become standard issue with men in the FBI. His suit was a deep shade of navy, and his long coat was still firmly in place, which told me he had about as much interest in being in the office as I did.

“Same,” I replied. I offered my hand for Hanson to shake and was surprised when he moved to take my hand.

Mulligan leaned back in the large leather chair and gave the impression he was someone of grand importance. “Agent Hanson is from the San Diego office and has agreed to help with the Chameleon case.”

“I don’t understand why you’re bringing in another agent. I’ve only had this case for a few months?” I clenched the handle on my briefcase a little harder.

It was difficult enough to get the men that ran the old boy’s club to let me in the door, and the last thing I needed was to be seen as the female agent that couldn’t close the deal on an assigned case.

“Hanson here has worked many serial killer cases, and although you are a fantastic teacher to your students, this will only be your third official case as the lead. If our initial speculation is correct, then it is a massive case and needs an experienced outlook.”

The fact that there seemed to be so many bodies attributed to this killer was what intrigued me when everyone else backed away from the task. Now I was going to have to share my hard work and all my findings with some agent that would steal my glory simply because he had a dick. Anger simmered in my gut as I kept my face void of all emotion. If this Hanson thought he was going to come into my city and take my case, he had another thing coming.

“The two of you will work together on this case. Hanson will take the lead since he has the most experience, and you will get to learn from one of the best.”

My gaze flicked over to the other agent, and it was obvious that he didn’t look any more comfortable than when I first walked in. The tense body position screamed that there was more to his sudden appearance than my boss was saying.

“I don’t understand. You’re acting like I’ve already failed, but it was only because of my research that I found the connection between the inconsistent MO.”