Page 36 of Deep Tide

Leyla frowned as she stepped over for a closer look.

Her gaze jerked up. “You’re with the FBI?”

•••

Sean nodded, watching her eyes closely.

She crossed her arms—not a good sign—and a worry line appeared between her brows.

“You’re a special agent?”

He nodded again.

“Why didn’t you just say so?”

“It’s complicated.”

Anger sparked in her eyes.

“I couldn’t go into it,” he said. “I still can’t. But I wanted you to know.”

Her gaze narrowed. “You’re being evasive again. This doesn’t feel like starting over.”

He sighed and glanced around. Her apartment was even smaller than his closet-like place in D.C. Two armchairs dominating the living area, leaving no room for a couch, and the kitchen didn’t have a bar, much less any stools.

He reached for a wooden chair by the drop-leaf table. “Mind if I sit down?”

“Sure.” She gestured at the table. “Make yourself at home. How about something to drink?”

He lowered himself into the chair as she strode—a whole five feet—into the kitchen.

She yanked open the fridge. “Do you want a beer? I’m having one.”

“Sounds good.”

She took out a pair of beers from some brewery he’d never heard of. Pulling a tool from the pocket of her apron, she popped the tops off, expertly catching the caps and tucking everything into her pocket in one smooth motion. She placed a bottle on the table.

“Thanks.”

She eyed him over her beer as she took a sip. Then she set her bottle on the counter and leaned against it. “Okay, talk. I’m listening.”

He took a tentative sip, stalling for time. “What is that?” He looked at the label.

“A Belgian hefeweizen.”

“It’s good.”

“I know.” She crossed her arms. “Now, talk. You were explaining why you felt compelled to lie to me earlier?”

He set the bottle down and looked at her. This was the part he had to finesse. And he knew that if she realized he was trying to finesse it, she’d get even more pissed off.

“I can’t really talk about my work. That’s the first thing. But I wanted to at least tell you I am working. You were right—I didn’t come down here to fish.”

“So, the lie was that you’re here on vacation?”

“Sort of.”

Her blue eyes sparked again.

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