my fingers.
“Do you think you could squeeze me onto that same flight Dr. Brennan just booked,
I stopped in mid-slide.
“Lieutenant-detective Andrew Ryan.”
Pause.
“Provincial police.”
I heard a distant, metallic voice as Ryan shifted the phone to his other ear.
“You learn to live with the danger.”
I nearly gagged.
After a pause,
What was fantastic?
“That would be terrific.”
What would be terrific?
“No problem at all. Dr. Brennan knows I’m a tall boy. She won’t mind a middle seat.”
I sat forward.
“Dr. Brennan
Ryan waved a hand at me. I threw the pen. He batted it down.
“Six foot two.”
Eyes of blue. I knew her reply without having to hear it.
“Yes, I guess they are.” Humble laugh.
This was absurd.
“Really? I don’t want you breaking rules on my account.”
Long pause.
“Two A and Two B through to G City. You’re amazing.”
Pause.
“I owe you, Nickie Edwards.”
Pause.
“You do that.”
Ryan handed me the receiver. I cradled it without comment.
“No need to thank me,” he said.
“Thank you?”
“We’re riding up front.”
“I’ll send Nickie a Hallmark.”
“I didn’t ask for special treatment.”
“I guess Nickie was overwhelmed by your French magnetism.”
“I guess.”
“Is Nickie going to knit you a sweater for those cool Guatemalan nights?”
“Think I can get through to her again?” Ryan leaned on the arm of my chair and reached for the phone. I held him off with a hand to the chest.
“You could have her traced,” I suggested icily.
He shook his head. “Abuse of the badge.”
“Not to worry. Nickie will be calling once she’s finished the
“Think she’d FedEx the sweater ahead?”
I shoved. Ryan righted himself, but did not open the distance between us.
“Are we going to continue this little tete-a-tete, or are you going to tell me why you booked a flight to Guatemala City?”
“Quickest way to get there.”
“Ryan—”
“You’re not delighted at the prospect of my company? You’re breaking my heart.” He placed both hands over
