Page 49 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

Dana knew he was right. The implications that someone was harvesting organs in New Orleans would claim international headlines, with catastrophic blowback for the NOPD if the two Casquette Girl murders were linked to the unsolved Harvest Girls case George mentioned.

But as much as Dana wanted to help, she wasn’t sure she could.

“I wish I could offer more assistance, but I’m not sure there’s an occult angle here. Even if there were, I came here to get away from assisting law enforcement.”

“I get it, but that doesn’t mean it ain’t a shame. From what Shepard said you’re a real asset to the FBI.”

Dana looked down at her lap, picking at invisible flecks of dust on her shorts. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew what happened on our last case.”

“Why don’t you let me be the judge?”

She shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer, but it’s still too …” She swallowed the emotion crowding her throat as she searched for the right word.

“Raw?” George asked.

It was as good a word as any, but it didn’t come close to summing up all the demons Dana’s last case left her with. Still, she nodded. “Yeah, raw.”

“Well, I’m a good listener if you change your mind.”

“Thanks,” she replied, meaning it.

“You’re a lot alike,” George said.

“What?”

“You and Shepard. He was always too hard on himself.”

“Still is,” she confirmed.

“Well, I don’t know what happened on your last case, but from what I know about Jake Shepard and from just getting to know you for a short while, I can confidently say I’m sure you both did your best in the situation.

But I get it if it’s too soon to take on something like this.

Either way I appreciate your help today and for lending an ear.

It’s more than I could’ve hoped for from someone of your caliber. ”

Dana’s cheeks heated, and she did her best to wave off the flattery. “It was nothing.”

George glanced at her, one eyebrow raised. “Nothing enough to keep your expertise on retainer?”

“I didn’t say that.”

He shrugged, still grinning. “Can’t blame me for trying.”

As they turned onto Royal, the towering white silhouette of Hotel Monteleone came into view. George pulled the truck up to the curb, parking next to the gilded front doors. A bellman stood at the ready to escort her inside.

As Dana reached for the door handle, George spoke. “At least let me take you to dinner tonight. I owe you a proper one since our last meal ended at a crime scene.”

Dana glanced at the hotel, knowing if she didn’t accept George’s dinner invitation she’d spend another lonely night with room service.

Not that it was the worst thing in the world.

The hotel’s menu was wonderful. But she’d come to New Orleans to experience all the city had to offer, and the culinary scene was as storied as the city’s history.

There was a surprisingly large part of Dana that wanted to say yes to the easy-going, charismatic detective. But an equally large part of her was still conflicted thanks to how she and Jake had left things. “Can I think about it?” Dana finally replied.

George grinned. “Sure. But don’t think too hard. Especially on an empty stomach.” He winked and watched Dana exit the truck, not pulling away until she was inside.