Page 51 of Fury In Death

“Have a cruiser take Callendar back to Central. They need to get into the comp there. Protected files. We’re going back to Banner-Wyst.”

“Figured. They can’t dodge the connection, Dallas. Maybe, they don’t know what it is, but they can’t dodge it now.”

“Somebody there knows what it is. We just have to find the right person, ask the right questions.”

“Such as.” Peabody glanced back at the house as they walked outside. “What project was Chu working on with Dent as a consultant?”

“That would be one. Meanwhile.”

She slid behind the wheel, engaged the in-dash ’link. Roarke’s face filled the screen.

Eve led with, “Sorry. I know Callendar already tapped you.”

“And caught on quickly. So now you have two. How can I help you, Lieutenant?”

“I figured . . . Are you on a shuttle?”

“I am. Quick trip to Virginia for a few in-person meetings.”

“Okay, well, probably a bad time, but I figured the Marriage Rules say I give you first shot.”

He smiled. “Who am I shooting?”

“Hah. Financials. Dent, Dr. Ezra. Longtime employee and current part-time consultant for Banner-Wyst.”

“And also currently deceased?”

“You got that.”

“Well now, it would entertain me for the bit of time before we land.”

“Entertain yourself especially with any bonuses or lump sums around the same time as Chu’s.”

He smiled again. “Not my first shower of rain, darling.”

“Right.” She pulled out. “Appreciate it.”

“I’ll let you know what I have when I have it. Is Peabody with you?”

Peabody leaned over so she could do a finger-wiggle at the screen.

“Hello, Peabody. The in-dash is stocked. Since I assume you’re on your way to Midtown and Banner-Wyst, there’s time to tap it. See that the lieutenant eats something, won’t you?”

“The lieutenant’s sitting right here,” Eve said as Peabody gave Roarke a thumbs-up. “Later,” she added, and cut him off.

“Does it make you go gooey when he calls you darling like that?” Peabody checked the menu on the AutoChef.

“Do I look gooey?”

“It would be inside where nobody can see. Sort of melty-gooey on the inside, like a good grilled cheese sandwich. We could split one of those.”

Eve breezed through a light as it turned yellow. “Who’s the boss around here?”

“You are, and I bet the boss around here could go for half a grilled sandwich with melty-gooey cheese on the inside. He really loves you,” she continued as she programmed. “I know McNab really loves me, but when he says or does something that just shows it, well, I’m a grilled cheese sandwich.”

She handed Eve half. “Pepsi with that?”

On a sigh, Eve bit in. “Fine. Thanks. Shit. He worries too much.”