Chapter 3

Returning to his desk, not quite believing it, but not having any better ideas, Andy asked his partner. "Did you rat me out to Taylor?"

Provenza looked appropriately affronted. "I wouldn't tell Taylor his ass was on fire if his ass was on fire."

A moment later, his curiosity getting the best of him, Provenza asked for a little clarification. "What exactly did I not rat you out about?"

"Someone told Taylor that I've been having dinners with Sharon." Flynn believed him but … "If it wasn't you, then who?"

"You know it wasn't me or anybody else on the team."

"Maybe the kid let it slip. By accident." Andy suggested halfheartedly.

Provenza shot that idea right down. "Right. Because Rusty is so open and carefree. He's such an over-sharer. He's not at all cautious about what he says or who he says it to."

After a moment's consideration, Provenza offered an alternative. "Could Taylor have found out by accident? Been at the same restaurant as you two?"

Andy shook his head. "That wasn't the impression I got. Someone said something to him."

Flynn and Provenza glanced around the room. It took a minute but their collective gaze settled on the same person.

"No way." Andy objected.

With a shrug, Provenza reasoned. "Who else could it have been? She does love rules and once a rat always a rat."

"No way." Andy again disagreed, though this time less vehemently.

tbc