The Silence That Speaks (Forensic Instincts 4)

“Why?”

“Because it sounds way cooler than the other jobs I was applying for.”

“But you didn’t think you’d get it.”

“Truthfully? No.”

“Honesty. Another refreshing virtue.” Casey glanced around the table, making eye contact with each team member and reading their reactions.

Emma used that time to look around again, puzzled as her gaze searched the room. “I don’t know where it’s based, but I like your virtual intelligence system. How come you didn’t make that your assistant?”

“Smart girl,” Ryan muttered.

“Because Yoda is overworked,” Marc answered for the group.

“Yoda?” Emma grinned. “Great name.”

“Really smart girl,” Ryan muttered again.

Only half listening to Ryan’s wisecracks, Casey was eyeing Emma as their job applicant kept asking questions. What was going on in that cunning little blond head?

The girl was sharp. She was a walking contradiction. And she had a curious mind. She had the brains and the balls to fit right in.

But was she trustworthy? Loyal? Those were key requirements in Casey’s hiring practice.

Only one way to find out.

At that moment, Emma pushed back her chair and rose. “I want this job. What do I have to do to get it?”

“Prove yourself,” Casey responded.

“How?”

“A probationary period. Say, three months. Minimum wage. Show me unwavering loyalty to Forensic Instincts—the company and the team. Hard work. Good work. No bullshit. No games. Up front all the way. Then we’ll talk.”

“Fair enough.” Emma paused, chewing her lip. “In that case, I guess I should start out on the right foot,

boss.” She reached into her tote bag and groped around for a minute. “Here you go.” She pulled out Patrick’s wallet, Claire’s bangle bracelet, Marc’s switchblade, Casey’s day planner and Ryan’s iPhone, placing each item in front of its respective owner. “No bullshit. No games. Up front all the way.”

You could have heard a pin drop as the team members each stared at their just-confiscated belongings.

“And who knows?” Emma added with an impish grin. “I might even teach you guys a thing or two.”

3

EMMA WAS STILL getting used to the coolness of having her own desk and swivel chair in an alcove right off the front hall of the renowned Forensic Instincts.

Maybe if she played her cards right, she’d get business cards, too.

The doorbell rang, and she snapped to attention, grabbing her new scheduling book.

“Our nine-thirty prospective client has arrived,” Yoda announced. “Ms. Madeline Westfield. She’s listed in your appointment book on the left page, third column.”

“Yes, Yoda, I see that.” Emma grimaced. “Cut me some slack. I’m trying to learn. At least give me thirty seconds before you jump in.”

A brief pause. “That seems fair and acceptable. I’ll program my database accordingly.”

“You do that.” Emma rose and walked to the door, punching in the dummy alarm code Ryan had assigned her. Only the inner circle got the real code. Not the newbies on probation.