Set Up For Love by Lynde Lakes

his timing was good. “Glad you’re back,” she said, checking her watch.
    “I’m two minutes early” he said, grinning. “Now, considering we’re both on the clock, I’ll make this quick and easy for you. I’ve been thinking about it, Agent Grayson, and frankly I don’t spend much time at the studio and know less than nothing about what goes on there. But Professor Craig Mansell is the big cheese who has his fingers in all of the pies. And he really digs the models. You know your business, but perhaps a little talk with him might speed up your investigation.”
    “How long have you worked here, Mr. Newcomb?”
    “What difference does that make?”
    “Please, just answer the question.”
    “Maybe a year or a year and a half. Time is swift and I don’t count the minutes or seconds like some people do.”
    “And before that?”
    “So, I’ve changed jobs a few times. Couldn’t find one just right for my talents until now. It’s all in my personnel file.”
    “Yes, I’ll be checking that. How long have you lived in San Francisco?”
    “A couple of years, give or take a few months.”
    “And before that?”
    “Riverside. Worked for a small press there. I’m sure my file will clear up all of your questions.”
    “Right, but I’m not through with you, Mr. Newcomb, but we can talk another time. Perhaps at headquarters. Call me if you think of anything that might help.” She handed him her card.
    He glared at it, then her. “Sure, Agent Grayson. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to type up some stuff for the evening edition.” He whirled and left the room like the Devil was on his heels.
    Dane smiled and shook his head. “That went well. You’re a charmer when it comes to interrogation.” He gripped her arm possessively and grinned as they headed for his car.
    His sarcasm didn’t warrant an answer. “Newcomb has a certain egotistical charm, but what kind of worker is he?”
    “He’s smart, talented and willing to assist on any project. We all like him.”
    “Would you say he’s a womanizer?”
    “He’d get fired if he were around here. But he’s not gay if that’s what you mean. He dates.”
    “Did he ever date Charmaine?”
    “Not that I know of. I’m surprised you didn’t ask him.”
    “I will—after I talk to Tess. But right now, let’s concentrate on you. You claimed no one knew you were a reporter, but last night you told me Charmaine knew.”
    “She was the only one.”
    Was he changing his story...lying? If so, what else had he lied about?
    Somewhere in the distance, near the alley adjacent to the Chronicle offices, Jill heard a powerful motor rev to life. Beyond the chain link fence someone honked a horn. Both were normal sounds for a busy weekday in the city, but today the noise intensified her sense of urgency to find Tess.
     
     

Chapter Ten
     
    Dane felt Jill stiffen. Did she notice something he didn’t? Or did she suddenly regret joining forces with him? They’d been walking quite a distance. He didn’t realize until that moment that he’d parked so far from the Chronicle building. After they’d passed about six rows of parked employees’ cars, she asked, “Where did you park, Siberia?”
    He couldn’t stop a chuckle. “Just ahead.”
    He had a ridiculous urge to kiss this stiff-backed FBI agent. Her airy jasmine fragrance didn’t match her fire. Sunlight glistened on her caramel hair, highlighting it with threads of reddish-gold, and when she looked up at him with those large, blue eyes, the thick mane gently brushed her shoulders. An unexpected warmth hummed in his chest. What would this woman have been like if he’d met her under different circumstances?
    A pang of guilt struck him. He’d treated her appallingly, like a guy on the make, but the hours in interrogation had filled him with a simmering resentment that begged for revenge, and he couldn’t help giving her a hard time. The trouble was, he liked her, and that was dangerous as hell.
    What was