“I was hoping to earn his trust so he would confide in me.” While her words were filled with conviction, she doubted Patricia would believe her. She didn’t believe herself.
“While it’s impossible to know if an agent has ever used sex as a tool, I didn’t expect this from you.” Patricia paused for several seconds. “So, it’s unlikely he killed Mr. Hastings.”
“Correct.”
“Unless you’re his alibiandhis accomplice.”
That was insulting. “I made an error in judgment, but I didnotcommit a crime.”
“Thank you for telling me directly. Until I can determine next steps, you need to stand down on this case. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you for your time, Patricia.”
And just like that, Providence had single-handedly thrown her world into turmoil and derailed her career.
And her career was all she had.
* * *
Dakota sipped his coffee while Sammy finished her breakfast.
The door to the basement of the Luck home opened. “Guess who’s back?”
Sammy’s face lit up. “It’s Mrs. Morris!”
Miranda Morris scurried into the kitchen and hugged Sammy. “There’s my sweet angel.”
When Dakota became a single parent, he hired Miranda Morris to be Sammy’s nanny. Sammy had been six months old and Dakota needed full-time help. Miranda had been contemplating early retirement from her career as an elementary school teacher, so when Dakota offered her a six-figure salary to care for his daughter, Miranda accepted. He turned his basement into her private residence and put a lock on the door so Sammy couldn’t meander down there at all hours.
Sammy attended daycare twice a week, giving Mrs. Morris an opportunity to grocery shop without his chatterbox daughter, take classes, and see her friends.
Over the past three and a half years, Miranda had become a member of Dakota’s family. She was smart and kind, but most importantly, she adored Sammy. He would be lost without her.
“How was your weekend, Miranda?” Dakota asked.
“Wonderful.” She poured herself coffee. “I loved seeing my son and his fiancée. I went with them to pick out their wedding cake. It was fun, but there was too much sitting and eating.” She shot Sammy a smile. “And not enough action.”
“Are you going to your tie cheese class today?” Sammy asked her.
“Tai chi. And, yes, I am, right after I take you to school.” She opened the refrigerator and checked the pantry. “And the grocery store, too.”
“Dakota, what’s your schedule today?” Miranda asked.
“A quick errand, then I’m headed to the office.” He wasn’t about to tell her that the name of a top-secret government organization had been painted on his truck.
“I’m done.” Sammy climbed off her booster.
“Go brush your teeth,” Dakota said.
Dakota watched his daughter walk up the stairs before he turned his attention back to Miranda.
“Have you seen the news or been on social media?”
“No. I got back late last night.”
After Dakota brought her up to speed on Matt Hastings’s death, Miranda said, “That’s a lot to digest. How are you holding up?”
“The police have to start somewhere and I’m the logical choice.”
