Page 51 of Pretty Broken Dolls

He laughed.

“What?” she said.

“Katie, I’ve known you a while now. We’ve been through—well, let’s just say a lot.”

“And?”

“And you can be tough, incredibly intuitive, and dense at the same time.”

“Was that supposed to be a pep talk?”

“You’re missing the point. You are so in tune with everything about cold cases and people relating to the investigation, but you fail to see things that are on a morepersonallevel.”

“Gav, what are you getting at?”

“You can be thick sometimes…you never seem to notice when men are intimidated by you—not just your smarts but your looks.”

“So you’re saying Agent Campbell was intimidated? Right. He’s arrogant and controlling. His job is probably at stake and that’s why he’s so desperate that he came here when the big FBI didn’t get anywhere with their own investigations.”

McGaven raised his eyebrows in a look that meant “See, I told you so.”

“Okay, I’ll admit it. If you call me out on it, I’ll deny it. He seemed to be interested in me—for the investigation. So? He’s a good-looking man—if you like that type.”

McGaven laughed again.

“I’m engaged,” she said and flashed her ring. “Why are you bringing all this up? Other than to embarrass me.”

“You need to takeeverythinginto consideration and make it work for you. Enjoy your life more.”

Katie opened the door. “I’m not entirely sure why we’re having this conversation, but it’s noted. Okay? I get your meaning, that I need to pay attention to personal things sometimes…”

“Good,” he said, smiling as he got out of the car.

The sun had managed to make its debut, peeking through the clouds and warming the air. Katie felt the heat on her back as they walked toward the entrance. She had become an expert in taking even, deep breaths and not drawing the attention of McGaven or anyone else. Calming her nerves, she readied herself and hoped that they would learn something new.

There were two people, a man and a woman, waiting outside, dressed in long, quilted royal blue coats, which seemed odd. It was chilly but not cold enough to have such heavy jackets. Averting their eyes, they didn’t look directly at her. She thought they were a couple, but they seemed more like siblings, based on their mannerisms. They appeared to be agitated.

Katie and McGaven walked past and entered through the double doors.

Almost immediately, Katie was struck by the stifling air inside, which had the musty undertone of a basement, as if they were entering a garage that hadn’t had any ventilation in a while. The old tile flooring was chipped and she detected unevenness as she walked. Everything was beige, including the floor and the walls, which made it feel more institutional than medical.

There were at least a dozen people sitting in plastic fold-out chairs patiently waiting. Several children were playing in the corner with toys. Some of the women looked up and watched Katie and McGaven walk towards the check-in desk. A couple of men were immersed in their cell phones and didn’t pay attention to them. It was obvious that they were cops—their guns and badges were visible. The sustained looks were directed more at Katie than her tall partner.

A short woman with dark hair was at the front check-in counter. She coordinated clipboards with filled-out applications and medical histories.

“Yes?” she said, almost on cue and without looking up. “Take a form and fill it out, then bring it back.”

“I’m Detective Scott and this is Deputy McGaven.”

The woman’s gaze darted at them. “What can I help you with?” she asked, her tone mistrustful.

Katie could see that her name tag read “Rita” and decided to take a friendly approach. She realized that many people, especially in struggling economic areas, didn’t trust law enforcement and it made her sad.

“Rita,” she said. “We’re here to talk to two of the employees, if that’s possible.”

“What is it about?” she said suspiciously.

“It’s about a previous employee, Jeanine Trenton.”