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real estate, Inspector, you’re aware that the building was quite valuable. If you’re looking for insurance fraud, you’re wasting your time.”
    “I’ve got time.” He rose. “I’m going to need a statement, Ms. Fletcher. Official. Tomorrow, my office, two o’clock.”
    She rose, as well. “I can give you a statement here and now.”
    “My office, Ms. Fletcher.” He took a card out of his pocket, set it on her desk. “Look at it this way. If you’re in the clear, the sooner we get this done, the sooner you collect your insurance.”
    “Very well.” She picked up the card and slipped it into the pocket of her suit. “The sooner the better. Is that all for the moment, Inspector?”
    “Yeah.” His eyes skimmed down to the cover of the catalog lying on the desk. An ivory-skinned model was curled over a velvet settee, showing off a backless red gown with a froth of tantalizing lace at the bodice.
    “Nice.” His gaze shot back to Natalie’s. “A classy way to sell sex.”
    “Romance, Inspector. Some people still enjoy it.”
    “Do you?”
    “I don’t think that applies.”
    “I just wondered if you believe in what you’re selling, or if you just go for the bucks.” Just as he’d wondered if she wore her own products under those neatly tailored suits.
    “Then I’ll satisfy your curiosity. I always believe in what I’m selling. And I enjoy making money. I’m very good at it.” She picked up the catalog and held it out to him. “Why don’t you take this along? All our merchandise is unconditionally guaranteed. The toll-free number will be in full operation on Monday.”
    If she’d expected him to refuse or fumble, she was disappointed. Ry rolled the catalog into a tube and tucked it into his hip pocket. “Thanks.”
    “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an outside appointment.”
    She stepped out from behind the desk. He’d been hoping for that. Whatever he thought about her, he enjoyed her legs. “Need a lift?”
    Surprised, she turned away from the small closet at the end of the room. “No. I have a car.” It more than surprised her when he came up behind her to help her on with her coat. His hands lingered lightly, briefly, on her shoulders.
    “You’re stressed out, Ms. Fletcher.”
    “I’m busy, Inspector.” She turned, off balance, and was annoyed when she had to jerk back or bump up against him.
    “And jumpy,” he added, with a quick, satisfied curve of his lips. He’d wondered if she was as elementally aware of him as he was of her. “A suspicious man might say those were signs of guilt. It so happens I’m a suspicious man. But you know what I think?”
    “I’m fascinated by what you think.”
    Sarcasm apparently had no effect on him. He just continued to smile at her. “I think you’re just made up that way. Tense and jumpy. You’ve got plenty of control, and you know just how to keep the fires banked. But now and again it slips. It’s interesting when it does.”
    It was slipping now. She could feel it sliding greasily out of her hands. “Do you know what I think, Inspector?”
    The dimple that should have been out of place on his strong face winked. “I’m fascinated by what you think, Ms. Fletcher.”
    “I think you’re an arrogant, narrow-minded, irritating man who thinks entirely too much of himself.”
    “I’d say we’re both right.”
    “And you’re in my way.”
    “You’re right about that, too.” But he didn’t move, wasn’t quite ready to. “Damned if you don’t have the fanciest face.”
    She blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
    “An observation. You’re one classy number.” His fingers itched to touch, so he dipped them into his pockets. He’d thrown her off. That was obvious from the way she was staring at him, half horrified, half intrigued. Ry saw no reason not to take advantage of it. “A man’s hard-pressed not to do a little fantasizing, once he’s had a good look at you. I’ve had a couple of good looks now.”
    “I don’t