Page 66 of Shephard

“Do you have a blood sample left?”

Maggie groaned. “You’re putting me in a very awkward position.”

“But you love me.”

Her laugh indicated she did. “I’m not promising anything but I’ll see. The Feds were pretty thorough about raiding my office and lab.”

“Bastards.”

“Well, the main bastard also warned me about talking to you,” Maggie added.

“He did, huh?” I’d asked hard questions.

“Yes. Not that I care. You know how I am. Why don’t we go out for a drink tonight. It’s been far too long.”

“Let me see what today brings.”

She laughed. “You always say that. I’ll bribe you with the jump drive.”

“You are a bitch as well as wicked.”

“You know it. Shackles at eight?”

I wanted to groan since the last time I’d been there I’d enjoyed some quality bathroom time with Shephard. “Eight sharp.”

“See you then. Party girl. Maybe you’ll finally tell me about that guy you’ve been seeing.”

“What guy?”

“Oh, come on. The rumor mill is wild with curiosity. The fight you had in the lobby of the resort was priceless.”

Of course. Shephard and I had been seen together more than once. Soon, the rumors would be we were getting married. Small towns could be a pain. “Very funny. You know I hate men. And gossipers.”

“You don’t hate men. You just want to fuck them and drop them off on the side of the road as roadkill.”

“Well, there’s that.” We both laughed. “See you tonight.”

“Good deal.”

I sat back, folding my arms. Maybe getting out of my self-imposed cocoon would be a good idea.

The case had been on my mind even though nothing else unusual had occurred. I found that interesting given the earlier timing. However, there was little I could do. I had my hands full and long days to come.

Four days.

Almost four days had gone by since I’d seen or heard from Shephard. Granted, we hadn’t exchanged phone numbers. We also hadn’t made any plans to see each other again. It wasn’t either one of our styles.

But that didn’t mean he hadn’t affected me.

Sharing dinner had been fascinating, his alternation between being silent and trying to engage in conversation often difficult. When we’d talked about the case, it had been easier. He’d struggled with carrying on a basic discussion, which had prompted me to ask questions he clearly hadn’t wanted to answer.

But the man was a wealth of information about all things dangerous. That was extremely attractive.

He’d left just after dessert. I’d been surprised that not only had he cleaned his plate, but had enjoyed seconds on almost everything.

Including the bread.

Including me.

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