Page 76 of Night Moves
“Pray for a miracle.” Sierra wrinkled her nose and changed her focus to Drake. “What do you want me to do?”
She wasn’t going to like his answer, but it was the best he had. “Tell them it’s missing.”
“Right.” She rolled her eyes. “Like I would ever tell the FBI that we lost evidence. Would do wonders for our reputation. Besides, you know I won’t lie.”
“Yeah, I know.” Drake shoved his hands into his pockets. “Well, then…then…refuse to give it to them.”
She sat on a stool and rubbed her back. “You know I can’t refuse the FBI.”
“Sure you can,” he said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. “They didn’t submit the evidence to you, so they have no right to take it. Unless they have a warrant, which I doubt.”
“Technically you’re right.” She shifted on the stool as if getting comfortable at this state of pregnancy wasn’t easy. “But we all know they’re working a joint investigation with PPB.”
He didn’t want to argue, but… “The evidence was submitted under an investigation unrelated to the task force. I assume PPB still has it classified as such. So youdoactually have the right to refuse them.”
“Okay.” She pushed off the stool. “I’ll try that, but you come stand by the door and keep it cracked open. Give me three minutes and then tell me you need my attention. It’s not a lie. You do need me to get back to the blouse.”
“Okay. That I can do.”
“Chad,” she called out to her assistant. “I’m stepping out for a moment but leaving Natalie here. She’s all yours.”
Sierra marched off. Or more accurately, lumbered off, and Drake trailed after her.
She glanced over her shoulder. “And you better hope this doesn’t come back to bite us or Reed.”
“He’s tough. He can handle it.” At least Drake hoped so. Politics ran deep in law enforcement agencies, and the FBI wasn’t any different.
She called Lily on the way to the elevator and told her she would talk to the agent outside the door on the first floor.
“So how are things going?” she asked in the elevator.
“Not much progress, but everyone’s safe, so that’s a big win.”
She nodded. “And you and Natalie. How’s that progressing?”
“Come on now,” he said. “You did not pick up on vibes between us in that short visit to the lab.”
“The matchmaking is strong in the Byrd females.” She chuckled as she leaned against the back wall.
“Then thank goodness you’re having a boy.” He smiled.
“I hope anyway.” She cupped her belly. “Not that it’s not a boy, but that I’m having him soon.”
He took a good look at her. “You look uncomfortable. I can’t even imagine. I mean you’re growing a human. How cool is that?”
“Way cool.” She smiled, a dreamy kind that he’d only seen when she looked at Reed.
What would Natalie look like pregnant with his child?Man, oh, man.Where did that come from? Seriously, he was way out of his element here.
“I knew it!” Sierra pushed off the wall. “You’re thinking about Natalie, and you have a thing for her. Your look just told me.”
“You cannot possibly know I was thinking about her.”
“No, but you just told me.” The doors opened, and she gave him a playful grin.
“Showtime.” She stepped into the hallway and to the lobby door.
He held it open far enough so he could see her and the agent and hear how she handled him, but not be seen by the agent.
