Page 48 of Operation: Sharp Angel

She shook it off. “It’s fine. Did you find what you were looking for?”

“No. I was hoping Nick had a copy of his performance reviews at work. I wanted to see how altered the file was that the HR lady gave us. I also wanted to see if he had anything that listed projects he’d worked on or any names of his coworkers.”

“I’m surprised there was none of that in his home office.”

“Unless whoever murdered them found it and took it,” Tessman suggested.

“I hadn’t considered that,” Becca said. “If he had it all on a flashdrive that could have been what they were looking for last night. I didn’t pack up everything in their drawers yet. It could be hidden in his underwear drawer,” she said. “A few friends said they’d come help me do that when the time comes.”

“Or he could have some cloud storage account that we didn’t find where his important documents are kept.”

“That would be more like Nick. He wasn’t a paper person. He even read his books electronically.”

Tessman opened the refrigerator. “What would you like?”

She came up beside him. “I purposefully didn’t have any of the lasagna for lunch. I’d like some of that and salad.” She reached in and pulled out the salad container.

Tessman got two plates down from the cabinet. “Sounds good. I’ll have the same.” He pulled the tray of lasagna out as well. “When this is over, I’d like to take you out for a good steak dinner. I feel bad you’re stuck eating leftovers.”

Becca flashed him a nervous smile. Had he just asked her out? Like on a date? No, that couldn’t have been his intention. “Don’t feel bad. The food has been very good. The vegetable pasta I had for lunch was incredible.” She tapped the restaurant’s name on the package. “This has just become my favorite Italian restaurant in the area.”

“I think Greek day is tomorrow. You’ll have a new favorite Greek restaurant after you try whichever meals Angel orders. She rotates what she orders, but their chicken lemon orzo soup is incredible.

“Avgolemono?”

“Yes,” he grinned shyly and dropped his gaze. “I can never pronounce it properly.”

She returned his smile. “Chicken lemon orzo soup works. I knew what you meant.”

They heated their meals and then sat and ate, mostly in silence. Tessman wanted to ask her about her appointment with Lassiter, but didn’t want to pry and he certainly didn’t want to upset her. She still looked exhausted. He wasn’t sure where that dinner offer for after this was over came from. He certainly hadn’t planned on asking her out, though the thought of an actual night out that was strictly personal was an appealing thought.

Tessman checked his watch. It was eighteen thirty hours. It would be at least an hour and a half before Briana Woods would hear from the client and get back to Becca on possible terms to include in the divorce papers. He’d like to spend the time with her, but didn’t want to be pushy or assume she wanted to spend the time with him. There was really no legitimate work reason for it. But what else would he do in his office for a few hours before he hit the rack?

“What are your plans for the rest of the night?” she asked after taking her last bite of lasagna.

“I don’t have any,” he said.

“Are you staying here or heading home tonight?”

“I’m staying.”

“Do you have to because I’m here?” She hoped that wasn’t the case. She didn’t need a babysitter.

Tessman smiled and shook his head. and looked kind of boyish as he replied. “No, but I want to, in case you need anything. You know me and I won’t mind if you call or text. Those working in Ops overnight wouldn’t mind either. That’s why they’re here, but I’d like to be here for you.”

Becca felt a warmth spread through her. She watched him stand and grab both their plates. “That’s really nice. Thank you. But really, if you’d rather go home,” she began, but he interrupted her.

“I spend most nights here when I’m in town. It’s just easier. I have this shoebox-size apartment with no food in it. I basically store my clothes and stuff there,” he said. “Here there’s food, the gym, a great locker room with shower facilities and if I get scrambled in the middle of the night, I’m here ready to go. If not, and I’m just reporting for duty, the commute is no problem.” He flashed her another grin and then he stepped over to the trashcan and threw away the used and now empty paper plates. They’d both eaten every bite. “What are your plans until you hear from Briana?”

“I was thinking a movie, a funny movie. I’d love a glass of wine,” she said, also coming to her feet.

“I happen to have a couple of bottles of wine in my car,” he said.

“You do?”

“Yes, I remembered you wanted a glass last night, so while Jackson and I were out, I stopped and got a couple of bottles. Not knowing what you like, I got both a red blend and a white blend.”

“Oh my God! Thank you! That’s unbelievable!” She was so surprised; she flung herself into him and wrapped her arms around him.

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