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Now, there was an unpleasant thought. One that had not previously occurred to Archie. He was silent, thinking, and Betty said in a different tone of voice, “Crane. I wanted to tell you. I’m really sorry about your—”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Is there any progress in the case?”

“The investigation is ongoing.”

“One hopes!”

“No, I mean, this is a small-town police department with limited resources.”

“Why don’t they hand it off to State or—”

“I… It’s complicated.”

“Is it?”

“It’s a homicide in their own back yard. It’s understandable they want to have first crack at solving it.”

“But if they don’t have the resources—”

I know.” He couldn’t help the note of weariness.

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do on this end?”

It was tempting. Archie said, “Not at this juncture. I know the chief. I think he’ll communicate with me if he thinks the investigation has hit a wall.”

Hopefully. He wasn’t one hundred percent sure of that.

Into his silence, Betty said, “The Eugene RA just posted the listing for a Supervisory Special Agent.”

There was a complete tangent. The correct answer was, And I would care about this why?

No agent at HQ, meaning the FBI headquarters in D.C., was looking to transfer anywhere, let alone an RA. FBI Resident Agencies were typically much smaller than the main field offices, such as the Portland Field Office where Archie had worked when he was still a fairly new agent. The typical RA might have as few as five special agents, and maybe one or two additional support staff. Transferring from HQ to an RA wasn’t even a lateral move. It was like throwing yourself off the gameboard into the firepit.

That said, the Eugene RA was about an hour from Twinkleton, so if Archie had been looking to transfer…

He was not, of course. Although he couldn’t help wondering if the universe was trying to tell him something.

“Have you been talking to my housekeeper?”

Betty echoed, “Your housekeeper?”

“John’s housekeeper.” He changed the subject, said neutrally, “Anyway, the position will go to someone in-house.”

“Maybe. Probably. Unless an experienced agent with a slew of commendations, and roots to the community, were to apply.”

He was a little surprised they were still having this conversation.

“Twinkleton isn’t Eugene. And I don’t have a slew of commendations.”

“You sure as hell will before the year is out. The rumor is Medal of Valor.”

No way. Archie made uncomfortable noises, and said, “I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk. I don’t want to be a supervisor. I don’t want to transfer to Oregon. Other than that, it sounds like my dream job.”

“Ohhhhkaaay. Message received. And here I was thinking you might be ready for something new.”

Was she kidding? He pretty much was already dealing with all the new he could handle.