Flashback (Kendra Michaels #11)

She suddenly stiffened. “Look, I have nothing against Williams. I’d feel sorry for him if he’d just been open and aboveboard with us. But right now I’m only feeling sorry for those two women and I want to know everything I can about why they disappeared. Did I amuse you?”

“Not a bit.” He took her hand and gently squeezed it. “There are times when you do terrify me, but there will never be a time when I don’t appreciate who and what you are and delight in every moment. I thought you’d realize that by now. I certainly don’t make a secret of it.”

“You can be difficult.”

“So can you. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d be bored shitless.”

He was staring into her eyes, and she found she couldn’t look away. “So would I.” She reached for her phone. “I should probably try to call Olivia.”

“Coward.” His tone was softly jeering. “You almost made it home this time. Next time for certain.”

She was already dialing. “Do you have any message for her?”

“Not at the moment,” Lynch said. “I’m certain she’ll make all her needs known when we arrive. She’s never shy about doing that. But I’m even more interested in hearing you talk to Metcalf so that I can observe your technique in getting him to locate Williams for us. I admit I’m looking forward to it. I always enjoy watching how eager he is to please you.”

She frowned. “You should enjoy it. He’s just a nice, helpful guy trying to do his job.”

Lynch grinned again. “And trying desperately to impress you.”

“I don’t see why you’d find that interesting.”

“Maybe I just feel it’s my duty to always be on guard when he’s around.”

“On guard? That doesn’t make sense.”

“It makes perfect sense to me. But then you’ve never realized how possessive I can be. Even if I don’t see a definite threat, I tend to want to be sure that none exists. I suppose it’s the way I was trained in black ops.”

She shook her head. “I think you’re joking.”

“Do you? Maybe I am. Or maybe I’m not.” He smiled. “But at any rate, I’m surprised it’s taken Metcalf this long to call you back. He usually—” Lynch looked down at her buzzing phone. “Yes, there’s your phone ringing. He’s calling you back. I’m sure he’ll try his very best to give you whatever he can.” He leaned back in his chair. “I promise I’ll be quiet as a mouse.”

“Damn you.” She was tempted to throw something at him. But it wasn’t fair to keep Metcalf waiting when she’d placed the call to him for information. “Hello, Metcalf. It’s wonderful of you to help me out.”

“Sure, Kendra. Anytime!”

He did sound eager. She was glad she hadn’t put him on speaker. “Did you find out anything about where Williams was supposed to have gone for the weekend? I have a few follow-up questions.”

“Like what?”

“Like maybe some more detail on the threads that the Morgan sisters were pulling at.”

“It’s just that I detect some urgency in your voice. Are you worried about him for some reason?”

Kendra sighed. “Listen, if you weren’t able to find anything out, don’t worry about it. I didn’t think you’d reveal anything to me if the Bureau didn’t approve. I know what a straight arrow you are.”

Lynch was yawning.

Yes, she definitely wanted to throw something at him.

“No,” Metcalf said. “I’ll give you what I have.” He filled her in on the info he’d gathered. Not that there was very much to it. He’d talked to a helpful neighbor of Williams and been given basically the same information she already had. He was obviously regretful and told her he’d check back in the next day or so. But since there had been no sign of foul play he was fairly confident that Williams was just on a short vacation and they would be able to reach him as soon as he returned. Then he added hesitantly, “Have you checked in with Lynch? It goes without saying that he has some pretty great sources.”

“No, I’m afraid he was no help at all,” she said curtly, as she looked at Lynch. “Sometimes he can be difficult. But thanks for your suggestions. You’ve been very kind.”

“My pleasure. I’ll be in touch as soon as I hear something.”

“Thanks again, Metcalf.” She hung up the phone and looked at Lynch. “He told me basically the same thing as that maid. Williams took off in his tan Toyota and he’ll be back in a few days.”

“Poor Metcalf. I’m sure he’s doing everything in his power to impress you, so we could have some results there yet.”