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Janet sighed “Madeline is such a kind soul, I don’t think she realizes that people like Sharon think of her and Conrad as a package deal I know they’re divorced, but that’s a es The fact is, they began as friends and they’re still friends They’re each other’s strongest advocates Frorapevine, Sharon thinks of Madeline as an asset to Conrad that she wishes would go away”

Casey was about to open her mouth when a tentative female voice interrupted her

“Hi, Mom”

Glancing up, Casey recognized the dark-haired young wohter, Diana

“Well, hi, honey” Janet went for surprise and failed s you to this neck of the woods?”

Diana surprised Casey by answering honestly “You don’t have to pretend on my account We talked about this I’ve seen Forensic Instincts on the news and online I wanted toI can re at the hospital”

“I agree” Janet shot Casey an apologetic look “Do you mind if Diana joins us? I have to run in a few minutes, anyway, and I know she also wants to hear about you and your team”

“Of course not” Casey gestured for Diana to pull up a chair This unexpected developood preliive her another point of view She er like her ht in the trenches

“Thank you” Diana slid into a chair and placed her tray, which contained a bowl of soup and a piece of French bread, on the table

Janet glanced at her watch and rolled her eyes “Five more minutes, max, or Jacob will have my head” A hopeful look at Casey “Maybe you and I could have dinner one evening after work so we can talklife at a tis short and make you eat shrink-wrapped food”

Casey chuckled “I didn’tto know you better Sure, let’s check our schedules and set up a dinner”

“Wonderful,” Janet said, looking once again like a kid in a candy store

The next fivea lot of the same FI specifics that she had with Janet Diana was quieter than herskills were better Her eyes stayed glued to Casey, wide and interested She ate her soup on autopilot, not even see to notice it

“So you don’t all ether as a unit all th

e time?” she asked when Casey paused to take a breath “Each team member acts on his or her skill set?”