Page 49 of The Gift
“None. I wish I could help.” Burnside shook his head. “Ugly, ugly business.”
Coop had what he needed. A coolheaded senator. A trusted but nervous aide with a whole lot of access. He closed the file with a snap.
“That answers our questions. Appreciate your time, Senator.”
Burnside smiled. “Always happy to help law enforcement.”
The meeting ended as it had begun, with polite handshakes.
Coop and Morgan were halfway down the hallway when a voice called after them.
“Lieutenant Cooper?”
Coop turned.
Shannon hurried toward them, still clutching the pen.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “About earlier. I must have looked ridiculous.”
“You looked a little flustered,” Coop said.
Her laughter sounded forced. Still seeming uneasy as she tucked her auburn hair behind her ear. “I recognize you.”
Coop frowned.
“Justin O’Reilly. He’s mentioned you a few times. Pointed you out once.” She offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet the legendary Coop at last.”
He shook it.
That explained her surprise. It didn’t explain why someone like her, polished, ambitious, and influential, was dating a first-year Ranger.
“Will I see you at McNabb’s barbecue this weekend?” she asked. “Justin can’t stop talking about it.”
“Seems like he just can’t stop talking,” Morgan muttered.
Coop ignored him, touching the brim of his hat. “I’ll be there if I’m able.”
Shannon smiled politely and headed down the hallway.
Morgan watched her until she disappeared. “O’Reilly’s a lucky man,” he said, clearly impressed.
Was it luck? Coop wasn’t so sure. Her frayed nerves, her authority, her name prominent on all the documents, and her association with O’Reilly; there were too many threads.
He glanced once more toward Burnside’s office door.
Something about her didn’t sit right. He didn’t know why. Yet.
“What was that with Burnside?” he asked Morgan as they walked toward the exit.
“Being questioned about his involvement, it was natural for him to be defensive. I may have played it too hard,” he conceded, “but I don’t have much patience for public servants who serve themselves.”
“We don’t know that he has yet,” Coop returned. “Keep it professional.”
“Always,” Morgan replied.
Chapter 14
The gallery was slammed with customers all afternoon. Two commissions finalized. A last-minute framing issue. A tourist couple who couldn’t decide between abstract blue and abstract slightly less blue.
