tingle a bit and his breath quicken.

 

She stopped within a foot of him.

 

Knox was wearing her usual official outfit, black pantsuit and white blouse with

nearly every button buttoned and the collar turned up.

 

He knew from experience that she was armed at the waist and with a throwaway at

her ankle. “Like I said, I heard you could use a friend.” “And who did you hear

that from?” “You should know by now that I can’t reveal my sources.” He relaxed

and studied her. “I thought I’d hear from you before now. I called a dozen

times. I texted and emailed. If I had an address for you I would have been on

your doorstep.” “I know, Puller. I’m sorry about that. Job gets in the way of a

lot of things. I’ve been out of the country more than in.” He took a step back

and crossed his arms. “How much do you know about what’s going on?” “Letter full

of allegations against your father. The case of your mother’s disappearance

reopened. Your father perhaps the main suspect because of the new fact that he

was back in the country that day.” “Your sources are pretty good,” he conceded.

“And since you’re here at Fort Monroe I assume that you are headlong into the

investigation?” “Not officially. But the CID agent on the case knows I’m around.

I think he wants to collaborate.” “Ted Hull?” “You know him?” “No.” “So, again,

Knox, what are you doing here? And don’t use the friend line again. I’m not sure

you have any.” Her features hardened. “I consider you a friend. You and your

brother. We went through a lot together.” “Friends return calls. My brother, as

busy as he is, returns my calls.” She assumed a pointed look. “Is this about