Page 80 of Locked In Ice

Lane didn’t know what you were supposed to do with a cat.

And Ophelia’s cat clearly hated him.

But Lane found himself crouching in front of the cat.He stared into those yellow eyes.“Are you going to claw me to pieces if I try to pet you?”

Her tail swished.

“That had better be a no.”Taking his life into his own hands, he reached out and gave the cat a little pet.

She stretched beneath his touch.No clawing.No hissing.

So he scratched her behind the ears.

Her body vibrated with a purr.

“Animals are really good judges of character.”Ophelia’s considering voice.

He looked up.She was climbing up the last few stairs.He hadnotheard the seventh stair creak.And he was pretty sure that had been deliberate.She’d made sure to approach without making a sound.

“At least, that’s what I’ve been told.”Ophelia stopped on the landing.“Velma clearly is warming up to you.”

Are you warming up to me, too?He gave the cat one more scratch, then rose to his feet.Velma walked forward and rubbed her head against his leg.Her tail curled around him.

“She’s claiming you.”Faint surprise filled Ophelia’s voice.

What would it take for me to claim you?Lane was wise enough not to voice those words.

“Huh.”Ophelia eyed her cat with a bit of chagrin.“Well…there’s that.”Her stare rose to meet his once more.“By the way, you don’t have to call Memphis in order to get information on my past and on Sam.”

Shit.She had heard.

“There is another way for you to access his files.A much faster way.”

He sawed a hand over his jaw.The stubble there pricked his palm.“What way might that be?”He didn’t deny calling Memphis.What would be the point?

“I left my study open downstairs.Even have my secret passage open for you, too.”

“You have a secret passage?”

“You’re sounding judgy.”

Guilty.

“The file I have on Sam is down there.You can read the profile I created.All the crimes I connected to him.And you can also see the full report that I submitted to the FBI.”A nod.“The report that they have since classified.I’m not sure that even Memphis would be able to get access for you.Despite his considerable connections.”

“Why are you sharing this with me?”

“Because we’re partners.That’s what we do, right?No secrets.Lesson seven.”She turned away.“We’ll be leaving at six p.m.I’m sure you’ll look extra sharp in the tux.”She started down the stairs.

“Ophelia.”He hurried after her.

She paused.Her hand trailed down the banister.

“Are you still making a profile on me?”That had been what Memphis wanted, after all.And maybe…maybe Lane wanted to see what she truly thought of him.

She looked over her shoulder.“No.”

Her answer had him taking a step back.“Why not?”

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