Frode raised an eyebrow.Mostly because it was annoying, and the game had started.If Nikolai wanted to stay, he'd better shut up.
"Frode."Nikolai walked into the TV room.
"Shh.I'm watching the game."
Nikolai snarled but walked farther into the room, so he could see the TV."Oh, hockey."He plunked down on the couch next to Frode.
"There's beer in the fridge."
"Yeah.You want one?"
Frode looked at him, then he held up his hands and waved his fingers.
"Oh."Nikolai's gaze jumped between them and Frode's face."Is that a no?"
"It's an I'd love one, but I don't know if I can be bothered."
A quick grin then Nikolai relaxed against the backrest."We got his name."
"Yeah?"Frode looked at the screen and winced as one of the guys was flattened against the rink glass while fighting to get control of the puck.
"Nathaniel Altman."
Frode shook his head."Never heard of him."
"He's never been in trouble with the law.He's a fucking teacher."
"Family?"God, did he have kids?
"No.Lives alone, no spouse, no children.His father is alive, but they don't appear to be in contact, not frequently at least.The tech guys are finding out everything there is to find out online."
"Good."He glanced at Nikolai, who nodded.
"The plan is to talk to him tomorrow.Hopefully.It would be good if we had something more to ask him about.We don't want to spook him, have him run before we have something we can pin on him."
Frode shuddered.He was glad he wouldn't have to talk to him."And you can't lock him up now?"
Nikolai shook his head."Not unless someone finds something we can keep him for."
"Medlin asked me to be careful."He hadn't meant to tell Nikolai.He believed he'd managed to convince himself that the murderer--Nathaniel Altman--didn't have a clue who he was, and Medlin was overreacting.
Nikolai's lips thinned."You should be."
"But he doesn't know who I am, right?"
Several seconds went by, and Frode was aware Nikolai was studying him, but he kept his gaze on the TV.When he couldn't take it anymore, he looked at Nikolai."Right?"
"He watched you.Isaac thinks maybe it was attraction.We haven't been able to tell if he's gay, straight, bi, or whatever, but I'm not sure it was attraction."
"Meaning?"
"Nothing.He noticed you noticing him, and he hurried out of the store when you started talking to Ashley.Not straight away, he watched you for a bit, then he headed straight for the checkout.Maybe he'd gotten all he came to get or something about you spooked him."
Ice curled around his spine."You think he knows who I am?"
"I doubt it, but I'm with Medlin, be careful."Nikolai was quiet for a heartbeat."Are you listed anywhere?"
"Listed?Sure, I run a business, I own a house, I'm pretty sure I'm in many systems."
