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“You look like some sort of government official. Perhaps of an investigative department.”
That got her a narrow-eyed look. “And what makes you say that?”
“Just a feeling. If you can show me some ID, I might be able to tell you when Stef will be home.”
He retrieved his ID and handed it over.
Scarlett read his credentials and shot me a look. “Agent Daniel Mitchell FBI. Cyber Crime Unit.”
Jesus Christ.
Handing the ID back, Scarlett opened the door wide. “Come in.”
Thank god, was all I could think as the agent stepped through the door. My first impression of him was that he seemed capable. And calm. He looked late thirties, with brown hair, blue eyes and a slightly worn, dark blue suit. Also, he looked like he hadn’t shaved for three days. Kinda cute, if you went for the scrubby, tired of life sort of look.
The moment he saw me standing there, his eyes widened in surprise. “Stef.”
“Um, hi.”
He turned to Scarlett and uh…was he checking her out? I mean, I could hardly blame him. She was looking pretty hot in her pencil skirt, fitted blouse and bare feet. “And you are?”
“Scarlett Wright.”
They shook hands, eyeing each other for a moment, like I wasn’t even there.
“Ahem.”
Daniel seemed kind of startled as he pulled his hand from Scarlett’s and offered it to me.
“Take a seat. Stef has a lot to tell you.”
Boy, did I ever.
Needing the comfort, I grabbed Patti from her basket and sat down, my legs crossed. I smiled at Scarlett when she brought me my wine, relieved when she sat next to me.
“Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page,” Scarlett began. “You’re part of the investigation into whoever’s targeting Grayson Rivers. You know there’s a connection between Grayson and Stef, as does the hacker. Before we get into that, we’d like to know the status of the investigation?”
Daniel sat across from us, placing the wrapped box on the coffee table before leaning back in the chair, rubbing his eyes. “Nowhere. Well, no further than we were two weeks ago. This guy is in the wind, well and truly. I’ve worked in the Cyber Crimes division for the better part of a decade. I’ve never seen anyone like him. The only lead we have is the possibility that he is a serial offender. There’s a chance Mr. Rivers isn’t his first victim.”
I had to take a calming sip of wine. “Fuck. That doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s not,” Daniel admitted. “Which is why we’re exploring any and all avenues.”
Now for the question that was at the very front of my mind. “What about Grayson?” Jesus, just saying his name had me in a flurry. “Have you talked to him? How is he?”
Daniel shook his head. “I haven’t spoken to him personally, but I know he’s taking this very seriously. He’s been working closely with our team to find this guy.”
“I gotta say, I’m surprised he told you guys about me.”
Daniel cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. “He, uh…he didn’t.”
“What the fuck? He doesn’t know you’re here?”
“He does not.”
“Oh, well, that could get very fucking awkward if he finds out.”
“That thought occurred to me when I read his profile. But as I said, we’re really floundering here, so when I saw your name crop up a few times in our files, I thought it might be worth reaching out.”