Chapter 20 Allen Even surprise followed by confusion cannot mar Brielle's beauty, and I barely keep myself from closing the distance between us and embracing her. Instead, I move to the coffee table in front of the couch and unpack my laptop. "Let me get this fired up so I can take notes while we talk," I tell my audience, and all three nod their acknowledgement and move to take a seat. It does not escape my notice that Brielle chooses the armchair placed the farthest distance from where I am setting up my impromptu workspace. "Would anyone like something to drink? Coffee?" the other woman in the room asks, and I smile at her. "I'll take some water, please." Detective Tucker asks for coffee. As her friend moves toward the kitchen Brielle stands suddenly. "I'll come with you, Mari

