“Right.” Derek was shoveling in mouthfuls of General Tsao’s chicken, having long since abandoned his slower and more cumbersome chopsticks in favor of a fork. “Like anything could keep you from working.”
Sloane considered
that, and nodded. “Good point. Although I kind of like being a part-time sex goddess. But, the rest of the time—watching soaps and reading Home and Garden wouldn’t do it for me.”
The unlikely description was amusing. But it also made Derek remember a subject he was eager to broach.
“Speaking of Home and Garden, Leo Fox called just before you got home. He asked if you’d call him back tomorrow. He wants to set up an appointment to come over and check out the cottage—and me.” Derek’s lips quirked again at the memory. “I think he’s trying to get a handle on my aura so he can do justice to our new, unified decor.”
“That’s Leo,” Sloane acknowledged with a twinkle in her eye. “An artist through and through. But he is incredibly talented. You’ll like what he comes up with.” A pause as she tapped her fork against her lips. “Let’s see. He’ll probably start with a sign on the front door saying ‘Rangers Lead the Way.’ Then he’ll add a vintage G.I. Joe collection on the coffee table. Oh, and let’s not forget a wall-to-wall ruler on the floor of your half of the bedroom closet, to make sure your shoes are lined up just so and with equal space between pairs.”
“Yeah, but how is he going to incorporate that with a bathroom overflowing with hair-care products, file cabinets that are about to explode at the seams, and a lifetime’s collection of bows and arrows that would put Robin Hood to shame and that takes up half the guest room?” Derek countered.
“Are you suggesting I’m a slob?”
“Nope. I’m suggesting you’re a pack rat. I’m a minimalist. It should be interesting to see how Leo melds the two.” Derek set his empty carton down on the night table and leaned back against the headboard, interlacing his fingers behind his head and studying Sloane. “Leo sounded nervous when I answered the phone. My voice must be a lot more intimidating than I realize, because he was definitely edgy, and he doesn’t seem like the introverted type.”
Sloane shrugged, polishing off her shrimp in black bean sauce. “Maybe having you answer the phone caught him off guard. It is a little awkward, talking to a live-in boyfriend you’ve never met.”
“Maybe. Although artists are usually the most open-minded people in the world.” Derek’s gaze was steady, and there was no longer any banter in his tone. “So there’s no other reason I’d make him uncomfortable?”
“None that I can think of. Unless you made an aura joke. That would offend him. He takes his craft very seriously.”
“Nope. No aura jokes. Just Special Agent Derek Parker, being himself.”
The comment was too pointed for Sloane to ignore.
She raised her head and met his gaze. “Is there something you wanted to ask me?”
“Dozens of somethings. But I respect your position. So I’ll get my own answers—for now.”
“What kind of answers?” Sloane demanded. “And why are you grilling me about Leo?”
“You’re way too intelligent not to have figured that out.”
Sloane sucked in her breath. “If you honestly believe this is part of a bigger picture…”
“I do.”
“And if that bigger picture causes you to worry about my safety…”
“It does.”
“Then don’t I deserve some kind of explanation—some forewarning?”
“Yes—unless you plan on sharing it with your father.”
A weighty pause.
“I won’t,” Sloane replied at last. “Not unless it puts him at risk, either legally or physically.”
“Ah. Therein lies the rub. I can’t promise you that unless you tell me what you know. And you can’t tell me what you know unless I promise you that. A catch-22, if ever there was one.”
“Dammit, Derek.” Sloane raked a hand through her hair. “You know my hands are tied. I’ve told you my father’s innocent of any major crime that you or your friend on the Art Crime Team could be investigating. That’s all the wiggle room I have. You have a lot more latitude on your end about what you can or can’t say.”
“You’re right. And, for the record, I’ve spoken to Tony. I’m the lead case agent on the C-6 investigation that I’m concerned might be tied to your father. I think Tony might ease up on the need-to-know directive where it comes to you. But not if there’s a blatant conflict of interests. You’re representing your father. That’s both a legal and a personal conflict. I’m not sure how to get past it. But I’m trying.”
Sloane nodded. “I appreciate that. And, for the record, at my end, I’ve pushed my father to opt for full disclosure. I’m still hopeful that will happen. But you’re not the only one who worries about me. He does, too.”