Page 86 of Double Take

She pulled her headphones from her pocket and plugged them into the phone. Well, she’d be ready. She knocked and Jared opened the door for her, pointed to the empty workstation beside him, and turned back to the screens on the wall. “I followed you on the monitor to where you spoke to Dr. Lambe, then Dr. McPherson, and then you came back here. As far as I can tell, no one else followed you.”

“Thanks.” That was good to know, but she was under no illusions that “Adam” had given up. He was just lying low, waiting for the “right” moment to strike.

For the next fifteen minutes, she worked, scanning the notes from the M&M committee files, but had trouble focusing as she expected the phone to ring at any minute. She tapped a text to James.

Did I miss your call?

No, discussing strategy. Stay tuned.

That helped, but she still wasn’t in the mood to read clinical notes. When Steph’s text came through, she didn’t hesitate to set aside her current material.

What’s going on with you and James?

Nothing. I told you that.

I know what you told me, so what’s the truth?

Unfortunately, that IS the truth.

Unfortunately??

Of course, Steph would latch on to that little slip.

Steph, you know I’ve had a crush on James since the time I came home with you from school and he made us cups of hot chocolate, but—

BUT?? Don’t leave me hanging. That’s mean.

BUT, we’re adults now. We’re different people who’ve lived through some tough stuff.

CONSENTING adults.

That’s all you got from that?

Look, James likes you. He always said you were his favorite out of all of my friends.

Wait, what? He did?

NOW I have your attention?

Lainie rolled her eyes, tempted to not answer.

As much as I love this conversation, I’m working. I’ve got to go.

Xoxoxo.

Just as Lainie returned to her tedious search for someone who either wanted her dead or to think she was losing her mind, her phone rang.

JAMES WAITED IN THE CARuntil he heard Lainie pick up. “You there?”

“I’m here.”

“Sorry it took so long. We did a little background checking on him”—which had been interesting—“and then had to chase him down at work. I’m going to drop my phone in my pocket. Text Cole if you have any trouble hearing.”

“Okay.” James dropped the phone into his pocket and nodded toward the BMW sedan turning in to the parking lot of the real estate office. Myles Williams parked. “There he is. Ready?”

“Yep.”

They climbed out of the Jeep just as Myles stepped out of his vehicle. “Hey, Myles? Myles Williams?”

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