The Silence That Speaks (Forensic Instincts 4)

“No need, Yoda,” Casey said as the whole team descended the steps into the foyer. “We’re already here.”

“Uncle Marc!” Abby broke away from Emma to rush over and propel herself into Marc’s arms.

“Hey, you.” Marc caught her and gave her a huge bear hug. “Wow, you got heavy.” He pretended to drop her. “Did you get way taller since I saw you?”

Abby laughed. “No, silly. You just sawed me...” She screwed up her face. “Friday.”

“You know, you’re right. I must be getting weaker or something.”

“No, you’re not. You’re strong. Like Daddy. ’Cuz you’re brudders.”

“You were right the first time, princess,” Aidan said. “Uncle Marc must be getting weaker. He doesn’t work out as much as Daddy.”

Marc shot him a look. “Where are you headed?” he asked Abby, tousling her hair.

“That lady—” Abby pointed at Emma “—said she has cupcakes. I’m gonna help her eat them.”

“Well, I won’t keep you, then.” Marc set her on her feet. “Just leave a couple for me, okay? Vanilla is fine. You can eat all the chocolate.”

“Gee, thanks,” Aidan muttered.

“Anytime,” Marc said with a grin.

“Bye, Uncle Marc. See ya later.” Abby took off and eagerly grabbed Emma’s hand. “Let’s go.”

They all watched her drag Emma along, until Emma told her the kitchen was a few floors up. Then she reversed her steps, pulling Emma toward the staircase. Her little legs pumped as she climbed up with Emma following behind.

“She’s precious.” Casey extended her hand. “I’m Casey Woods. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“And you, as well,” Aidan replied.

The rest of the team followed suit, shaking Aidan’s hand and introducing themselves. Hero went up to sniff Aidan out. He seemed especially intrigued by Aidan’s jeans pocket.

“Sorry, Hero, I almost forgot.” He pulled a sizable dog biscuit out of his pocket. “This is for you.”

Hero barked, snatched the bone and veered into the first office to enjoy his treat in private.

“Did you just check out our website or hack into our files so you’d be up to speed on all our team members?” Ryan asked.

A corner of Aidan’s mouth lifted. “Let’s just say there won’t be any surprises. Now you and I should get to work.”

“Great. Let’s go down to my lair. I’m all set up for you.”

* * *

By the time Ryan and Aidan were reviewing what Ryan had tackled thus far, Abby had polished off a chunk of three separate chocolate cupcakes—mostly the top parts that had the icing. Her face and hands were covered with chocolate, and before Emma could wash them, Abby had bolted out of the kitchen and raced to the main conference room.

“Wow. This is big!” she exclaimed. She went over to the table that held all the tech equipment and began fiddling with the buttons, leaving chocolate marks everywhere. “Where’s the TV?” she asked as Emma rushed in behind her. “Does this one change the channels?”

“Warning, an unauthorized intruder!” Yoda’s voice filled the room. “No access granted!

”

“Who’s that?” Rather than being terrified, Abby looked intrigued. Her blue eyes swept the office as she tried to place where the sound was coming from. “Is that the Wizard of Oz?”

Emma started to laugh. “Kind of, yes.” She raised her head. “It’s okay, Yoda. Abby is with me.”

“It is most definitely not okay, Emma,” Yoda responded. “You have no authorization to allow visitors. You yourself are still within your probationary period for another fifty-five days.”