Page 120 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

“Want me to walk you up?” George asked when he parked under Hotel Monteleone’s marquee.

Dana smiled but shook her head. “If you did, I might do something stupid and ask you to stay.”

He flashed her that disarming grin. “Stupid can be fun.”

“And it can also just be stupid.”

He laughed. “You’re right. Worth a try though.”

“See you tomorrow?”

“You know it. Want a ride to the wedding?”

“It’s at your mother’s house. I don’t want to make you drive all the way over here.”

“It’s no bother. I’m going into the station first thing to check on Fontera, so I’ll be on this side of town.”

“I thought Creed gave you the hands-off order?”

“He did, and I already have coverage lined up from Slidell PD since half the precinct is going to the wedding, but it don’t feel right sitting this one out.”

“So, you’re going to what, babysit the investigation?”

George laughed. “FBI babysitter. Has a nice ring to it. Maybe I’ll add it to my resume. ”

“You want help?”

“Nah, the last few days have been intense. You earned some rest.”

“So did you,” she reminded him.

He smiled. “Heading home to get some right now.”

“Will you call me tomorrow?” Dana asked. “I want to know if Fontera talks, or if Lena or LaSalle uncover any new leads.”

“I’ll keep you in the loop,” he said. “And you let me know if you need that ride.”

Dana looked down at her phone and frowned. “Thanks, but I’ll just order a car.”

“Still no word from Shepard?” George asked, reading between the lines.

She shook her head.

George took her hand. “He’ll be here. Shepard always shows. Even when I wanted to hate the guy, he had my six. No man left behind is kinda his thing.”

Dana met his gaze. “Yeah, but when I keep saying I want to be left behind, at some point he takes the hint, right?”

George squeezed her hand. “If you asked him to come, he will.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

He shrugged. “You already know I’m a good dancer, so I’d say you’ve got yourself a pretty great alternative.”

“You deserve to be somebody’s first choice.”

“So do you.”

Dana smiled. “Thanks, George. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”