Page 35 of Shadow

He held her gaze. “I know.”

Oh.

She blinked at him.

The door opened.

Sandra, with sandwiches. Turkey. Ham. Chips. Cookies.

“Thanks, Sandra.” Asher grabbed a sandwich. Unwrapped it. Took a bite.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, the quiet almost comfortable.

Almost.

“Tell me about the mole.” She set down her sandwich. “Your theory. Who is it?”

Asher chewed. Swallowed. Took a sip of coffee. “Someone with federal access. Someone who knew Martha’s transport schedule. Someone who could communicate with Draven Frost without suspicion.”

“That could be anyone on the task force.”

“Could be.”

“Including you.”

“Including me.”

He didn’t deny it. Refreshing.

Or calculated?

“But you have a theory.”

“I have suspicions. No proof.”

“Share them.”

He hesitated. “Three with the right access pattern. Three near every leak. The task force is forty people, but these three keep showing up at the wrong moments.” He pulled up files. Photos. “Deputy Marshal Ethan Butler. He was assigned to Martha’s detail. Helped recapture Finn Donovan and uncover Supervising Deputy Marshal Howard’s involvement in Donovan’s escape.”

Daphne studied the photo. Confident bearing. Steely blue gaze. The look of a man who took even his recreation seriously.

“Second?”

“Deputy Marshal Liam Roberts. Also assigned to Martha. He’s a solid guy.”

“Third?”

Asher paused. His expression going tight. “Me.”

“You’re investigating yourself?”

“I’m the obvious suspect. Had to include myself in the analysis.”

Huh. “What does your analysis say?”

“That I had opportunity but no clear motive. I gain nothing from Martha’s death. Lose eighteen months of work if the case collapses.”

“Unless Draven is paying you.”