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She sat down and looked around, fully aware the other detectives in the roo who she was, because there are no secrets in a police station or in a sheriff’s station Montoya said thank you and punched off his cell He took the final bite of his bagel, wiped his hands on a paper napkin, and continued to type on his laptop The dab of cream cheese was still on his lip

Cam said, "I admire a multitasker You nearly have that email to your , lots to tell her"

"It’s only eight thirty in the , Detective Montoya You sure don’t look Latin to et the Spanish nao first name--Daniel"

"Nah, Daniel’s biblical, way back before Latin Aot tossed into a lions’ den and lived to brag about it I bet you’ve never even seen a lion"

"Yes, I have I was six years old, down in the San Diego Zoo"

"Are you through?"

"Just oneher how I miss her chicken pot pie--two crusts There All done" He closed the laptop and slowly rose, eyed her up and dohen she stood to face him "You’re the Fed?" Incredulous voice Then, under his breath, but not quite low enough, "Oh, joy"

Ca in on five foot ten in her boots, but cauy’s nose "Yeah, I’et yourself" He stuck out his hand "I’m Detective Daniel Montoya, as you already know"

"I’ent Cam Wittier"

They shook hands He looked pissed for a e as he rened "Okay, the sheriff told ht now, I’m here to meet to you, see what you think"

"And then kiss me off because I’m a worthless yahoo without a sentient brain?"

"Depends on the ideas you have about this Serial Then I’ll assess if you’re worthless Or not"

13

Daniel looked at her short wavy blond hair and into her blue-gray eyes, no, there was hazel in there as well--and a jaw that lookedsout? He had to laugh Of course he’d been expecting a dark suit, skinny tie, wing tips, a stone-cold face, and a sense of huent Wittier, to make myself both worthy and useful"