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“You’re very welcome.” Allye looked pleased at his compliment, but she was obviously tired. More like exhausted.

He needed to redirect them to the purpose of his visit so they could get it over with and he could leave her to relax. “We should probably get started. Do you want to look through the mug shots here, or would you be more comfortable somewhere else?”

She eyed the tablet sitting to his right. “How many are there?”

“More than a few.”

She sighed. “Let’s move to the living room, then.” She topped off his coffee and refilled her iced tea before leading him into the other room. She plopped onto the couch, where they’d sat together this morning.

He joined her and powered on the tablet. As he navigated to the program, he explained how it worked. Allye nodded understanding.

“Okay.” He placed the device in her hands. “Have at it.”

They spent the next hour browsing through photos. He noticedAllye frequently rubbing her eyes, and her hands shook—at points, badly enough that he had trouble focusing on the tablet screen.

Something was wrong.

Finally, he couldn’t take it any longer. “Allye, what’s wrong?”

“What do you mean?” She picked up her glass and stood, swaying slightly. “Can I get you a refill?”

“No, thanks.”

“Well, I need one. Be right back.” She was gone before he had a chance to object.

The weight in his stomach grew. Allye wasn’t generally an evasive person. Not unless she was protecting someone.

He waited until she was again settled next to him. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Which was?” She took a sip of her tea.

“I asked you what’s wrong.”

“I’ve told you everything I know.”

“Not about the case. What’s going on with you?”

“It’s nothing.” The glass wobbled slightly in her hand as she returned it to the table. “You sure you don’t want anything else? There’s plenty of dessert left. Coffee too.”

He shook his head.

“Let me get that out of your way, then.” She rose halfway and reached for his mug.

“Stop.”

She paused, fingers gripping but not lifting the dish.

He softened his tone. “Please. Talk to me.”

She closed her eyes and took a few shallow breaths. After a couple of seconds, she released her hold on the mug and sank back into the cushions.

Silence stretched between them. He waited.

Finally, she moistened her lips. “I’m being tested for multiple sclerosis. I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow morning.”

The softly spoken words slammed into him.

He had to search for a response. “Allye, I’m sorry.” Man, that sounded lame.