Page 22 of Professional Consult

“So it’s a library you need? You act like it would be a big thing. I’ve been working for twenty-two years as a famous actress—a household name—which has included big contracts, big sponsors, and big money.”

He nods slowly. “And in exchange, you want to go into the precinct for the next two weeks?”

“You’d get a library, and I’d get on-the-job training, go out on calls, and get advice.”

“Advice?”

I bite my lip, trying to decide if I can tell him why exactly I was sent out here.

“So…this whole trip wasn’t just about me being a method actress.”

“Then why are you here?” he asks suspiciously.

“Because I suck at my job.”

He chuckles. “Aren’t you the best in the biz?”

I smirk. “Have you been reading Chatter magazine? Because that’s what they would say.”

“Guilty. There are some long days at the station, and Barb keeps those filthy rags around.”

“As a child, I mostly acted in quirky sitcoms. As an adult, I transitioned to rom-coms. I decided to go back to television because I wanted some stability in my life, and my agent got me a spot on Cruel Justice. The casting hasn’t been announced, and right now, we’re still shooting the pilot. It’s my first drama, and let’s just say there’s a learning curve.”

“So you came down to Pond Spring for assistance?”

“It was your brother’s idea, but I had no forward knowledge of his true intentions.”

Luke leans back in his chair. “Yeah, about that…” His voice trails off like he has something to say, but doesn’t know how to say it.

“Is there something I should know?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Except now you got me curious.”

“Just don’t judge Clint too harshly, is all.”

“I’m sorry. Did you forget what he did?”

“How could I?” He glares at me.

“Just so you know, he said you’d make me some cookies.”

Luke smiles, genuinely smiles. “Yeah, he’d say that.”

“Were you two close?”

The frown returns.

“I’ll agree to your terms, but you need to stay at a hotel.”

“But you said that’s an hour away.”

“Then rent a car. You have the money.”

“But I don’t have my license.”

His jaw drops.