Page 15 of A Walking Shadow

“And Hank. My superior was on board.”

“Is that why you were both fired?”

“I don’t know. Like I said, they told us it was a budgetary issue. But I suspect we went too far. We helped ourselves to some files under the theory it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission. Somehow the judges found out and had the court administrator set up a meeting—she said it was to give us the official go-ahead.” He barked out a bitter laugh. “While we were in the meeting, human resources terminated our access to the systems and disabled our IDs. We were locked out.” He drained his glass and placed it on the coaster with a quiet bang.

“I’m sorry it went down that way.” She put her hand on his arm. “But you never would’ve been happy in an environment that wouldn’t let you use your judgment. You’ll find something better.”

He frowned. “Maybe, maybe not. My skill set is highly specific.”

She thought for a moment. “You and Hank could make your cover official.”

“You mean open a private investigations agency?”

“Why not? You’re more than qualified.”

He considered the idea. “Maybe. Hank already had a vacation planned. We agreed to talk when he gets back.”

“Maybe this’ll end up being a good thing. Don’t you sometimes wish you could just start over, do something completely different?”

“No, never.”

“Really?” She furrowed her brow.

“Yeah, really. I love my job. Just like you do.”

She choked on her drink.

“Are you okay?”

She coughed, and nodded. “Yeah.”

“You do still love your job, right?”

“Mm-hmm,” she said in a tone that was anything but convincing.

Before he could ask any questions, she popped up to her feet again and clapped her hands brightly. “I know what will cheer you up.”

“What?”

“Getting your butt kicked at Scrabble.” She grinned at him.

“You think that would cheer me up?”

“I do.”

He grinned back. “Well, that’s too bad then. Because I don’t know anyone who’s capable of kicking my butt at Scrabble.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep.”

“Set up the board, big talker. I’ll get us some snacks.”

7

Wednesday

Ashadow fell across Sasha’s open doorway, and she looked up from the email she was drafting. Ellie stood on the threshold, a mug from Jake’s in each hand.

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