Abner hesitated for a moment, but orders were orders, even if they did conflict with the rest of his training. He compromised by perching at the very edge of his seat, as little of his body touching the cushions as he could manage. It was too soft for something like him. Too clean.

Mrs. DePleur gave him an odd look, seeming to really notice him for the first time. “Excuse me, but who are you again? You look familiar.”

His pulse spiked, but his voice remained steady as he replied. “Private Abner, ma’am. Special asset. I’m helping the investigation. You’ve probably seen me with the mayor. I’m his...bodyguard for public events.”

“Right, right.” She nodded. “Did you know my husband? Is that why you’re here?”

“No, ma’am. I saw him, but we never spoke.” Oh, he didn’t like where this line of questioning could end up. He shot a frantic glance at Anderson out of the corner of his eye, quietly begging for a change of subject.