Page 97 of Surviving Slater

"No," I replied. "He didn't want to talk about it."

Connor seemed to contemplate what I told him.

"What happened after she went into care?" I asked, even though I wasn't sure I was ready for the details.

"The first foster home only lasted a couple of years before she was moved to another one."

My frown deepened. "How many foster homes was she in?"

"Five," he answered. "And that's where things got complicated."

"What happened?" I asked, sitting on the edge of the seat. I had never met her but I was already rooting for her.

"She ran away from the last foster home when she was sixteen, and then she disappeared."

I was thoughtful as I digested the information.

"Why does Slater believe she's dead?" I asked, trying to tie up what he was telling me with what Slater had revealed.

"I'm not sure. My investigator had to put in long hours and lots of groundwork to track her down. That's why I believe we have the right person."

I checked my watch. It was nearly time for the meeting.

Someone knocked on the slightly open door.

"Come in."

"Your appointment is here," a business-like woman said as she entered. She didn't bother looking at me. She was impeccably dressed, not a strand of her dark brown hair out of place and her perfect makeup making me feel underdressed around her.

"See her in." With that, the older woman left.

"Who's that?" I asked.

"My personal assistant, Alice."

It was the first time I had a glimpse into Connor's busy life.

"Let me do the talking," he instructed when the door opened.

He stood up and I mimicked his actions when Alice showed in a younger woman. She was my age but there was a steeliness in her eyes, like she was tougher on the inside.

"I'm Riley," she said, introducing herself to Connor. They shook hands briefly.

Was this really her? She was dressed in a business suit and wore makeup that made her look a couple of years older. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Would you like something to drink?" he asked her.

"Some water would be nice." Her voice was calm and precise.

He looked at me but I was still buzzing with caffeine. He drank his coffee far stronger than I was used to.

"Please, could you bring some water for Miss Evans?" Connor instructed Alice, and she gave a brief nod before she left.

Connor introduced me as a colleague and I briefly shook her hand before she sat beside me. I was surprised she believed him. I didn't look like I belonged, dressed in sneakers, jeans and a shirt.

She held a folder on her lap.

Alice returned momentarily to hand a glass of water to Riley. She took it with a smile before taking a brief sip and placing it on the table.