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had often consisted of shoving their way forward. But he didn’t know what path could be called forward — work for Broward, work against Broward, help the Darians at all costs, question if the Darians are in on it, if there was an it to be in on.
    When they entered the office, Drummond swept out of the bookshelf with a cautious but expectant enthusiasm. “You two kids work everything out?”
    “Of course, we did,” Sandra said. “We’re all still working on the Darian case. But we’re keeping our eyes open for any irregularities, anything that might suggest Libby Broward is running a con on these people.”
    “You got it. What’s our plan?”
    Max slumped behind his desk. “Nothing for you, right now, unless you want to help with doing the research.”
    “Think I’ll pass on that one.”
    Sandra brought her hand to her cheek with a ridiculously overacted move. “Oh, dear, I completely forgot. I’m sorry, hon, but you’ll have to start the research alone. I’ve got an appointment.”
    “For what?”
    “Just an appointment. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
    Max watched her pull together her things, grab her keys, and walk out. He faced Drummond. “I’m not crazy, right? She’s acting strange.”
    Drummond crossed his arms. “She’s definitely not being herself.”
    “You don’t think —”
    “What?”
    “Nothing.”
    Drummond scowled. “Don’t you dare start thinking ill thoughts of that gal. She’s the most loyal person I’ve ever met.”
    “I know, I know. It’s just ... well, things at home have been rather cold lately.”
    “What in the world makes you think I want to know about that?”
    “Because we’re worried about her and I think you should know that her behavior has been different at home, too. And frankly, it’s been my experience that when things start slagging off in the bedroom, it’s a sure sign that you got problems elsewhere.”
    “Yeah? It’s been my experience that a husband shouldn’t be talking about his wife’s bedroom habits with anybody but his wife.”
    Max smacked his desk causing the pens to rattle. “Stop being a prude and pay attention. I’m telling you things aren’t right with her. I’m not saying she’s cheating on me. Lord knows that better not be it. But something is off. So, do me a favor, please. Go follow her. Find out what this secret appointment is all about.”
    Drummond acted as if warding off an attack. “That’s a really bad idea. Remember, I spent many years as a PI before I was murdered. I’ve been hired by countless jealous husbands, and I’m telling you for a fact, no good will come to your marriage by following her.”
    “But I’m worried —”
    “So am I. Following her like a criminal is not the answer. If she’s doing something she shouldn’t, you probably don’t really want to know. And if it’s all innocent, then you’ll feel guilty for doubting her. Regardless of the answer, if she catches on, you’re screwed. In all the times I’ve done work of this kind, I promise you, not once did it end well — no matter what the truth was.”
    Max shook his head like a teacher losing his patience. “I’ve heard you. Now, please, go find out what she’s doing. Don’t get seen. As long as it’s nothing that threatens my marriage or her life, as long as you think it’s best I don’t know, then come back and tell me it’s all fine. I promise I won’t push it any further. I won’t have to know anything more. Is that okay? Does that jive with your marriage counseling?”
    “Jive?”
    “You know what I mean.”
    Drummond mulled over the idea before tipping his hat. “You got it. I’ll report in as soon as I can.”
    Once the ghost had left, Max released a long sigh. Not even two o’clock on the first day of the case, and the whole world had flipped on him. He should never have left his bed that morning.
    At least, for the rest of the day, he could submerge in the depths of research. Life always felt better between