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with?”
    “First off, I would love to take a look at the report.”
    Fulkerson’s smile turned stale. “I believe Mrs. Johnson has copies of that at her office.”
    “She probably does,” Logan agreed. “”But I’m not at her office, I’m here. And she said you’d be happy to help me.”
    The private detective was having a hard time holding on to what was left of his smile.
    “Is it a problem?” Logan asked.
    “Of course not.” He picked up his phone and punched in a number. “Mary? Can you print out a copy of the Lindley file and bring it in here, please?” After he hung up, he stood. “I’ll walk you out to the lobby. My secretary will bring you the report as soon as she’s done.”
    Remaining in his seat, Logan said, “Actually, I have a few questions I’d like to ask.”
    “Like what?”
    Logan eyed him for several seconds. “Sit down, Mr. Fulkerson. I’m not here to assess your performance or take work from you or anything like that. I’ve been asked to provide Alan Lindley with some help, and that’s all I’m trying to do.”
    With reluctance, Fulkerson lowered himself back into his chair. “If Mrs. Johnson requires more help on the Lindley case, my agency is fully capable of providing that.”
    Logan almost laughed. “I’m betting your agency does a lot of business with Mrs. Johnson’s firm. Is that right?”
    “The relationship between our companies is none of your business,” Fulkerson said, but the narrowing of the man’s eyes told Logan he’d been right.
    “I don’t give a damn about the relationship. I have nothing to do with it. And just so we’re clear, I haven’t been hired for anything . I’ve been asked to help. That’s it.”
    “Right. You do this job gratis, and then use that to leverage yourself into more work. I’ve seen people do that a million times. Go ahead and try, but don’t expect me to assist.”
    “Fair enough.” Logan retrieved his phone.
    “What are you doing?”
    “Just give me a second.” He found the number he was looking for and placed the call. As soon as it was answered, he said, “Callie? It’s Logan.”
    Fulkerson tensed a little at the use of Callie’s first name.
    “How did the meeting go?” she asked.
    “I’m actually sitting here with Joe right now.”
    “Joe? He must really hate you.”
    “That seems to be my take. Mind if I put you on speaker?”
    “Not at all.”
    Logan activated the speaker function as he set the phone on the desk. “Are you still there?”
    “I’m here,” she said, her voice coming out clearly.
    “Hello, Mrs. Johnson,” Fulkerson said. “I think there might be some kind of misunderstand—”
    “Let me fill her in first,” Logan jumped in. “You can correct anything I get wrong. Callie, I’m calling because we have a little problem you might be able to help with. Joe here seems to think I’m angling to take future work you might otherwise send his way. Is that right, Joe?”
    “Well, I’m not sure I’d put it that way,” Fulkerson stammered.
    “It’s how you just put it to me. Anyway, I tried telling him I have no interest in taking work from him, but he doesn’t seem to believe me. And, because of that, he’s, well, reluctant to provide additional help.”
    Callie said, “Is that right, Mr. Fulkerson?”
    “Mrs. Johnson, your firm and FNR have had a very close working relationship for several years. I would hate to see anything damage it.”
    “Good,” Callie said. “Then you’ll give Mr. Harper whatever help he needs. Mr. Harper is not now, nor will he ever be interested in taking over any of the work you do for us. Mr. Harper is strictly a specialist I’ve brought in on this. You will treat him with the same respect you would treat me. If you do not, then the relationship you are so worried about will indeed be in trouble. Is that understood?”
    “Of course,” Fulkerson said, looking uncomfortable. “Like I said, it was simply a misunderstanding. Of course I’ll give