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“Vera is the expert in this case,” Bent said, his eyes still steady on her. “Whatever she says goes.”

“Very well,” Will agreed, though he didn’t sound agreeable. “We will send a liaison to keep the communication open between our office and yours.”

“If you feel that’s necessary,” Bent said with loads of “don’t bother” indifference. “But I think we’ve got it under control in terms of manpower.”

God, she really appreciated him backing her up. Almost made her feel guilty for not being completely honest with him this morning about Nolan.Almost.

“Eric Jones will be there by the end of the day.”

Her former boss’s announcement sent a shock wave through Vera.

“We appreciate your keeping us informed, Sheriff Benton,” Will went on, “and we believe you’ll find Eric a true asset.”

This would not work!

“Will,” Vera argued, purposely using her former boss’s nickname, “it’s not necessary to send Eric here. He and I can coordinate on the phone. I’m aware just how busy he is. No need to interrupt his work.”

“We,” her former boss challenged, “do feel it’s necessary.”

Bent held up a hand for her benefit. “Send him. As long as he doesn’t step on any toes, we’re good.”

Vera pretty much zoned out for the rest of the call. She considered Eric a good friend, and he would unquestionably be an asset. But ... to have him here with Bent. It just felt wrong.

“Vee.”

She snapped from her distracting thoughts. She hadn’t realized the call had ended. “I’m sorry, I was thinking about ... the case.”

“Who is Eric Jones?”

This felt really, really wrong.

“He’s an analyst.” To call him a mere analyst seemed offensive. “He started out in forensics, but his ability to find information no one else could garnered him the attention of the top brass, and they moved him into more of an intelligence position. He has a knack for finding things. It’s uncanny. Anyway, we worked together closely at times. There’s no denying he could be useful to our investigation.” She might as well get past the awkward feeling. “In fact, I would say we can fully trust his allegiance to our investigation. Eric does not play politics.”

There, she’d gotten it all out ... except the part about the two of them having a thing.

Bent nodded slowly. “Sounds as if you know him well.”

She smiled, ordered the strange arrhythmia in her chest to settle. “I know him well, yes.”

A flash of something darkened Bent’s eyes, but it was gone too quickly for Vera to analyze it.

“You trust him.”

“I do.”

“Good.”

Vera’s cell vibrated, making her jump. She’d left it tucked in her back pocket. She dragged it out, checked the screen.Teresa Russ.“I have to take this.”

Saved by the bell twice already this morning. How lucky was she?

Then again, depending on what Russ had to say, she might not be lucky at all.

She tapped Accept Call and said “One moment” to her caller. Vera grabbed her coat and bag. “Talk to you later,” she said to Bent.

“Noon,” he said as she backed toward the door. “Here.” He pointed to his desk. “We need to review all we have so far before your friend arrives.”

“I’ll be here,” she promised.