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A knock on the window made her whip around. Outside, Clint gave her a thumbs up, which must’ve signaled he was done with the pruning. Holly forced herself to return the gesture, her mind somewhere else.
“Laurie, I have to go.”
“Hol—”
“I’ll call you later.”
Chapter 22
HOLLY
When Holly entered the King County Major Crimes Unit, a young blond woman Holly didn’t recognize looked up from behind the front desk. “Can I help you?”
“Is Detective Andy Harris here?”
“He is.” The secretary flicked her gaze to Andy’s office door, now farther down the hall than it used to be. “Can I ask your name?” The blond regarded Holly warily.
Holly looked down at her Levi’s and hooded sweatshirt. She hadn’t wasted any time worrying about her appearance after hanging up with Laurie.
“I’m Holly. Holly Sparks. He’ll know who I am. Can you tell him I’m here?”
The woman straightened. “Holly Sparks, like the author?”
“Yes.” Holly leaned forward to peer inside the open door to Andy’s office.
The secretary’s blue eyes lit up. “Oh my gosh.” She stood, flashing Holly a broad smile. “I’m Tara. I’m a huge fan of your books.” Still smiling, she smoothed the front of her sweater.
“Oh, thanks.” Holly forced herself to return the woman’s smile as she spotted Andy’s white hair inside his office. He was bent over his desk filling out paperwork.
Tara followed Holly’s gaze. “I’ll go see if he’s available.”
Holly exhaled as Tara turned down the hallway, relieved she wasn’t going to start chattering about Holly’s books. Andy needed to know about last night.
“He says to go on in.” Tara stepped to the side of Andy’s office door.
“Thanks.”
“So nice to meet you,” Tara gushed as Holly stepped through the doorway into the space Andy now had all to himself.
Holly nodded politely. “Likewise.”
“Hey, Holly.” Andy leaned back in his chair and intertwined his long fingers atop his head.
From the dark circles beneath his bloodshot eyes, Holly guessed he hadn’t slept much more than she had last night, if at all.
“I got your voice message a little while ago. Everything okay?”
Holly shook her head. She hadn’t told him anything about last night in her voicemail, only asked Andy to call her.
Andy motioned to one of the two padded folding chairs opposite his desk. “Sit down.”
Holly plopped onto the one closest to the door.
“Sorry I hadn’t called you back yet,” Andy said. “The last twenty-four hours have been pretty nuts.” His eyes appraised hers. “Everything okay?”
“No.” She cleared her throat.
He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to elaborate.