Page 57 of Fatal Betrayal

"Mom said you were just a kid. They were angrier with the police and the FBI than with you."

"But now I'm FBI. So that still makes me the enemy."

He shrugged. "You don't have to come in, Andi. It's up to you. You can drive away right now."

She looked from him to the house that had once been her safe haven. She'd always felt comfortable in Cooper's house, far more comfortable than she'd felt in her own home.

Joanne stepped back onto the porch and motioned them to come inside. "Come in, Cooper and Andi. I won't take no for an answer."

She couldn't ignore the plea in Joanne's voice. "I guess I'm going inside."

"I guess we both are."

When she stepped into the home, she was assailed with memories, but none stronger than the smell of something sugary and delicious. Joanne and Monica had often been baking when she'd come over, and there was usually some tasty hot treat waiting for her.

She stiffened as Cooper's father came down the hall. He had white hair now instead of brown, but otherwise he was an older version of Cooper, same green eyes, same long, lanky body. When his gaze landed on her, his eyes widened in surprise.

"I can't believe it. Is that Andi Hart?" he asked.

"It's me," she said, thinking Doug had aged more than Joanne had in the time since she'd last seen both of them. She didn't know if that was because he was a few years older than Joanne or because Kyle's suicide had just ravaged him.

"How are you?" he asked.

"I'm doing well. I just moved back to LA."

"That's great. I heard you're working with the FBI."

"Yes," she said warily.

"Do you like it? Are you good at it?" he asked in his usual pragmatic, no-nonsense manner. Cooper's dad had always had a way of breaking complicated issues into simple ideas.

"I do like it, and I am good at it. I have to say that this house smells exactly the way I remember it," she added, wanting to change the subject. "What did you bake today?"

"Oatmeal raisin cookies," Joanne said. "I leave the fancy stuff for Monica, now that she's a pastry chef."

"I'm still learning," Monica said with a self-deprecating smile. "But I'm getting better each day."

"Oatmeal raisin is my favorite kind of cookie," Cooper said.

His mother laughed. "Like I don't know that. You and Kyle used to fight each other for the last cookie." She stopped abruptly, her smile dimming.

"Well, can I have one?" Cooper asked.

"Only if you stay for lunch. I made chicken salad. There's plenty for all of you. I always make a big batch. What do you say?"

Cooper's gaze moved to hers. "Your call, Andi."

She hesitated. She wanted to talk to Solange and Daniel, but she was hungry. And she couldn't get to Shana Grier until after three, so she did have time for lunch if she wanted to take it. But things were going to get awkward at some point. How could they not? On the other hand, some food might help fuel new ideas, which she desperately needed.

"Lunch sounds good," she said belatedly, realizing they were still waiting for an answer.

"Perfect. It will be ready in a few minutes," Joanne said.

"I'll help you get it together, Mom," Monica said, following her mom into the kitchen.

"I'll meet you at the table," Doug said, disappearing into his study.

"And then there were two," she said lightly. She wrapped her arms around her. "This is weird, Cooper."