A knock on the door interrupted his trek. All he wanted was bed, and he was tempted to ignore the knock, but he checked the peephole and discovered Ashley’s face on the other side. He refastened his trousers and opened the door. She held up two snifters, each containing about an inch of amber-colored liquid. “Nightcap?” Seeing her face, her smile—some of the tension he hadn’t realized he was carrying eased. He opened the door a little wider. “Isn’t that your special occasion Hennessy?” She nodded. He motioned her inside. “I just got in. Give me a minute. Make yourself at home.” He hurried to the bedroom to change his clothes, which hadn’t escaped a spattering of crime scene gore. No need for her to see that and start asking questions. A drink with Ashley might be the perfect way to unwind. He took the time to wash a little more dirt and fatigue away. A shower would have been better, but that might send the wrong message. He wanted to be a friend tonight. God knows, he could use one after looking at that mutilated body.
