Page 88 of Bears Behaving Badly
That’s it. Before the sun sets, this guy is gonna aspirate his molars.
Annette remained admirably uncreeped out. “But you see our problem, Mr. Brennan.”
“Greg, please.”
“Greg. You’ve clearly got the skills to make it look like those children were never missing. That they’re all safe and sound in various foster homes. So…how can we be sure? No offense.”
“None taken, none at all,” he replied promptly. “You’re only doing your job.”
“Well,” Annette said modestly, “wearededicated public servants devoted to our work.”
“And this is too important to take some rando lawyer’s word. That’s what you’re saying, right?”
“Yep.” Time for grumpy cop to weigh in again. “That’s exactly right, Brennan.”
He glanced at David, a little irritated, then back at Annette, who got another toothy grin. “So, we’ll go see them. I’ll take you myself.”
Annette blinked. “You will?”
“I’m in and out of depos all day today—I mean, it’s kind of a miracle you were able to get in to see me at all—”
“We perform miracles on the daily,” David said. “Often before lunch.”
“—but I’ve got tomorrow morning wide open for you guys.” Brennan spread his hands again, like a saint blessing the poor. Or scamming them. “We can go see all of them, if you want.”
“Oh.”
Yeah. Oh. Now what?They didn’t have the legal authority to make him drop everything and show the kits right this minute. Worse, he was being ridiculously reasonable, so they couldn’t make a fuss without drawing attention.
“That’s…really nice of you,” Annette said, blinking faster. David wondered if it was a tic. Only Annette could make it seem adorable. “We’re going to take you up on that.”
“Great! Can I get your numbers?” Grin. “Well. I really only need yours, Annette.” Smirk.
She giggled. David mentally begged his stomach not to erupt all over Brennan’s big-ass moat desk.
“We’re sorry to interrupt your workday,” Annette continued in a voice so sweet David could’ve used it for his coffee. “You must be so busy, being an investigator-slash-lawyer-slash-computer expert.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve actually got a memorial service this a.m. for a former client. I’m sure you know him. Well, knew him—Lund?”
“You’re Lund’s investigator? Or lawyer? Or computer programmer?”
“For years.” The ever-present grin finally disappeared. “Man, that guy was a pain in my ass. Took him on as a favor to my folks, and then I couldn’t get him off my neck.”
“Well, he’s off it now,” David pointed out.
“ThankGod.” Brennan actually spun around in his chair like a bored kid. “I know you’re not supposed to speak ill of the dead, but that guy was nothing but trouble for me. And who lets a sixteen-year-old werewolf get the drop on him?”
Nice abrupt segue. One with nothing at all to do with the missing kids, as far as this guy knows. Or is supposed to know.
“He was very understanding about the attack,” Annette said, her tone indicating she was also thrown by Brennan’s out-of-context mention of Caro. “Especially given the digit amputations and other injuries.”
“Yeah, I know. More interested in being a tough guy than paying attention. And then he gave you the brush-off, right?”
“Yes. It’s a tragedy that he was murdered only a few hours later.”
“Should’ve stayed where it was safe.” Brennan shrugged and licked his lips.Jesus. Stables must head for the hills when he does that.“Wanted to get back to his little pet shop instead.”
“Pet shop?”
