Every motion was calculated, effortless, like she'd rehearsed this moment. Her presence changed the air in the room-thicker, electric. Even the shadows seemed to take a step back. Cha

man, the private inve

s soft, hushed even, like silk brushing against skin. I

eadier than he felt. He grabbed a rag off the desk and d

p-and stopp

le skin, full lips painted the same shade of danger. Her expression held co

," she said, ex

e bent around her name. His fi

h a half-smile and a sma

led around the desk like a rook

d, but aware. A woman who knew the effe

seat, legs crossi

I help you, M

corrected with a su

air like perfume. Char

... So, what bring

woman evaluating not just a service, but a soul. Then she said, "I heard you're

. Secret affairs. I've found missing kids, runaway teens, even tracke

ered to the corners of his office, searching for something-maybe the ans

ted, snapping his fingers. She blinked,

breath that seemed to pull strength from

g," she said. "And I

brow arch involuntarily. Maybe it was the way Veronica said it-like it was a simple fact, not a plea. Her voice did

tai

's mind. But still, he leaned back, casual,

at most grown men who go missing usually aren

r and adjusted the diamond-studded watch on her wrist. I

eople, sure. But if your husband really is missing, then

replied without hesitation

ow. "What do you mean t

run off with one

it up straighter. "

. At least, around certain circles in Ontario. He's rich. Very rich. And rich men tend to attrac

$10,000 handbag. The way her fingers tapped rhythmically on the arm of the chair-li

gri

little smirk that bl

t the j

ing client with a tragic air and unlimited resources. If nothing else, t

pth of the pool. He tilted his head slightly. "So why do you think

husband, as unfaithful as he is, would ne

blinke

considera

her voice. "Every woman. Every trip. Every lie he plans to tell the

for a moment. A million qu

ned," Charlie said, "but that see

power, not passion. Love... well, love is for the foolish. And children. We both got w