Intrusion: A Novel by Mary McCluskey

tomorrow.”
    Scott and James both groaned.
    “Why do you volunteer for this stuff?” asked Scott, an edge to his voice. “You’ve got enough to do in our department.”
    “Because she’s just a girl who can’t say no,” said James. Glenda slapped him playfully.
    “Someone can give you a ride in the morning?”
    “We’ll drop him off,” said Scott. “Is the Lindsay case the whistle-blower one?”
    He followed her to the door, listening as she explained the problems with the complex litigation.
    Kat had noted Scott’s stern look from James to Glenda, the irritated tightening of his mouth, and she wondered whether Scott was annoyed because James was staying or because Glenda was going. She knew the signs well, and he was clearly annoyed about something. Sarah refilled James’s glass and then waved the decanter at Kat, who shook her head.
    “Will Scott have another drink?”
    “Probably.”
    Sarah glanced toward the door, where Scott was still talking to Glenda.
    “He’s so wonderful with his associates, isn’t he?” said Sarah softly. “No wonder they all adore him.”
    James pulled himself to his feet and strolled to the door.
    “Let me escort the lady to her car,” he said. Glenda gave him an amused look, but allowed him to lead her out. Scott, back in his chair, sipped the brandy. Kat glanced at him.
    “What’s up?”
    “Nothing.”
    A few minutes later, James came back through the front door, singing to himself. He opened his arms wide.
    “You gotta come look at this,” he said. “Come on. Up!”
    He opened the French windows so that the lake was visible. Moonlight shone right onto it; shafts of silver illuminated the willow trees at the bank and the rippling water.
    “How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!” James quoted grandly. Sarah moved to stand beside him. Scott and Kat followed.
    “This is absolutely one of my favorite views at night,” Sarah said. “Do you want to walk around the water’s edge? There’s a beautiful little path.”
    James turned in anticipation, but Scott shook his head.
    “No, Sarah, not tonight,” said Scott. “I think we’re all beat. Kat, you ready for bed?”
    “I am,” she said, turning from the window, promising herself that she would look at the view from the bedroom.
    James took Sarah’s arm.
    “Lead me to the lake, my lady,” he said.
    Scott’s voice was quiet but firm.
    “It’s late, James. We’re setting off early tomorrow. You’ve got a ride with us, remember.”
    Sarah smiled at James.
    “Maybe another time,” she said.
    James gave Scott a long, measured look, but Scott stared back unperturbed. Kat realized then that this was a side of Scott she rarely saw: the senior partner, the man who made the decisions.
    “Okay, boss,” said James.
    Scott seemed about to speak, took a breath, patted James on the shoulder.
    “See you in the morning,” he said.

    “You were pretty bossy with James,” said Kat when they were in the bedroom. “He didn’t like that at all.”
    “So? I am his boss.”
    She opened the windows so that the soft air scented the room. Kat could smell the ocean. It was a beautiful night.
    “What were you so worried about?” she asked eventually, turning to him. “That he was going to make a play for Sarah?”
    Scott, folding his pants onto a hanger, looked over at her.
    “He should have driven back with Glenda. That’s a long trip alone. And you don’t start coming on to the client. Okay? I’m sorry, but you just don’t.”
    “He wasn’t coming on to her. He was just being himself. Friendly.”
    “Maybe.”
    “Let me tell you something, Scott,” said Kat, getting into bed. “If Sarah has decided she is going to screw James, she will screw James. And nothing you can do will change that.”
    “Jesus,” said Scott.

    Kat woke early, as the sun was rising and the light changing from gray to gold in the luxury bedroom. She had a metallic taste at the roof of her mouth and a slight pain behind her