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THE FORENSIC INSTINCTS teaathered around the oval conference table Hero padded in to join the comfortable but attentive He seemed to know that this room meant serious business, so he never ros here

Casey set down her cup of coffee, and took her regular seat at the head of the table, pausing only to lean over and scratch Hero’s floppy ears She then crossed her legs, interlaced her fingers on the table and leaned forward

“First, those of us who attended Ronald Lexington’s dedication cerean “Then we’ll move on to any information Ryan and Patrick have to share” She paused “Yoda, please record thisand project any necessary documents on the screen”

“I’m fully prepared, Casey,” Yoda replied “I’ve already activated the record function And I’ll be on alert until you need me”

“Thank you” Casey glanced around the table, her gaze settling on Emma “Good news for you, newbie You charmed Jacob Casper with your earnest desire to help people and your bubbly personality Madeline sealed the deal by pitching your abilities You’re in You’ll fill out the necessary paperwork, attend the requisite class and start next week as a candy striper”

“Class?” E about school I suck at school If there’s a test, I’ll fail it Also, what do you ht this was a one-shot deal”

Casey’s lips twitched “You’ll do just fine As for candy striping, it would look awfully suspicious if you checked in, worked for a day and then vanished You’re supposed to be coive —which I need to do to chat up potential suspects Do it for a feeeks Then I’ll come up with a reason why you’re needed here full-tiet a reprieve Consider it a character-building experience”

Sulky and irked, Emma propped her chin on her palm and muttered, “I consider it a pain in the ass”

“You’ll live,” Ryan assured her with a broad grin

“Unlikely”

“Pardon ,” Yoda said “But I can tutor Emma in what she needs to know There is extensive information available on how to be a candy striper”

“Good idea, Yoda,” Casey replied “Please start right after the ”

“Are you kidding ence know-it-all lecturesto be my teacher, too?”

Ryan threw back his head and burst out laughing “Take it in stride, spitfire,” he advised her “Yoda is brilliant Just look at who created him”

“I’ to puke,” Claire said under her breath