Page 72 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“What about Lucas?” He winked. “He’s a shifty-looking fella, don’t you think?”

I wasn’t in the mood for River right now. He was in a playful mood, and I was in aleave me the hell alonemood. “You can both relax. I don’t need you anytime soon.”

He pushed his lips out in a pout. “I can’t say I like hearing that.”

Max neared, and he held out a cup of coffee to me. “Cream, no sugar.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Max. You’re a lifesaver.”

River watched us, his green eyes glittering. “Is Max officially part of the team now?”

I frowned. “The team?”

“Did you deputize him or something? I notice he’s sitting in on the interviews.” There was a tinge of resentment in his voice.

I cleared my throat. “Well, he’s there because I need help.”

“I see.”

“Usually, I’d have a whole team working with me.”

“I guess that’s true.” His envious gaze settled on Max. “If you need a break, Max, just let me know. I’ll be happy to step in.”

“I don’t need a break. I’ll quit when Royce quits for the night.”

“How very simpatico you two are.” River’s smile was stiff.

Lucas had been perched on the back of the couch a few feet away, just watching. Now he came over. “Talking about anything interesting?”

River sighed. “Not really. I’m just jealous because Max gets to play assistant to Royce.”

“Give it a rest, River.” Lucas sounded annoyed.

“Why should I?”

Lucas’s jaw tightened.

River studied his friend. “I simply want to help with the investigation. That’s all. No need to get pouty.”

“I’m not pouting,” Lucas grumbled.

River sighed. “If you say so.”

Lucas

was quiet for a few moments, and then he said, “Royce, if I saw something odd, would you want to hear about it? Or do you have enough on your plate?”

“Odd how?”

Lucas lowered his voice, “Well, I just overheard Mona threatening to fire Jax.”

I lifted my brows. “Seriously?”

“Yep. I thought for sure he’d grovel, but instead, Jax whispered something back to her that made Mona look white as a ghost.” As he finished speaking, thunder rumbled loudly, and lightning lit the windows.

“What perfect timing,” River murmured.

“Do you know why Mona threatened to fire Jax?” I searched the room for Jax and Mona, but neither one of them was in sight.