Page 22 of Shadow Operative

“I just got into town late last night,” Gage said. “I tried to get in touch with Rob this morning, but I couldn’t. So I called Nia. I knew he had a meeting with her last night.”

Duncan studied them both another moment before nodding, assumptions already forming in his gaze. “I thought we could meet here instead of going back to the station. My crew is still looking for evidence, and we’ll be here a while.”

“Of course.”

He led them inside.

Duncan was sharp, Nia mused as they hurried past the lobby toward a hallway at the back.

If she wasn’t careful, the detective would see right through her.

Just like Gage.

She needed to plan each of her words and actions with precision.

Otherwise, her ex might get his wish and see her totally destroyed.

chapter

ten

Gage and Niahad been escorted into a small office that management at the apartment building had let them use.

Gage watched as Detective Duncan questioned Nia.

The two of them seemed to know each other . . . and Nia didn’t appear to like the man. She’d grown colder and colder while they were around him.

Duncan didn’t seem to be Nia’s biggest fan either. His gaze had flickered with distrust and maybe even disdain.

Gage wondered about their history—because there clearly was one. But this wasn’t the time to ask.

Nia pushed a hair behind her ear. Her breathing was shallow. Her gaze skittered about the room.

Anyone in her shoes would be uncomfortable.

But they didn’t know what Gage knew.

They didn’t know that Nia had come into this apartment building last night with Rob.

Gage still needed to figure out how she’d left. He’d quickly perused the security camera feeds, but he hadn’t seen her exit the building. Nia could have departed from Rob’s place out a back exit.

Which only made her look even more guilty.

But if Nia had been wearing a disguise . . . maybe he wouldn’t have noticed her.

Was she that cunning?

If she’d murdered Rob, then the answer was clearly yes.

“So tell me what happened when you saw Rob yesterday.” Detective Duncan sat in a padded chair, his full attention on Nia.

Nia laced her fingers together in front of her, her gaze still wobbly. “We had a meeting at the office. He left around two-thirty, I’d say. Our exchange was very pleasant. In fact, the entire board of directors was there.”

“And was that the last time you saw him?”

Hesitation marred her features.

Gage held his breath. Was she going to deny it?

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