Temperance's dinner date was a Laura Carson. They had indeed gone to college together but hadn't had much contact since starting their respective careers. Laura was an insurance investigator specializing in art theft.

"It's a small step from recovering stolen paintings to stealing them yourself," Reese pointed out. He was sitting at the restaurant's bar, apparently trying to set a record for the slowest drinking of a scotch. That was the easiest way to blend in without significantly dulling his reflexes. He'd also ordered the drink with ice so that it would dilute itself the longer it sat.

"Ms. Carson's reputation is spotless as far as I can tell," Finch said. Reese heard a crunching noise in the background, like a tank rolling over a gravel road. Bear was getting his supper. "And even if she is a criminal, how would that involve Dr. Brennen?"

"Brennen works at one of the most prestigious museums in the country. Maybe Carson intends to make her a patsy, or blackmail her into helping with a heist."

Suddenly, Reese's concentration was broken by a familiar voice saying, "John?" He turned to see Zoe Morgan walking toward him, a mischievous smile curling her lips.

"Who is that?" Finch asked.

"Zoe," Reese answered both of them. "You following me?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing." She took the stool next to his, their arms brushing. "I had a business meeting here. What's your excuse?"

"I'm working."

"Ah. So who's lucky enough to have John Reese for their guardian angel tonight?"

"Behind me at your three o'clock. The woman in the blue dress."

Zoe's gaze drifted casually in that direction. "Hmm. Pretty," she murmured. "Should I be jealous?"

He honestly couldn't tell if she was joking. "She's married," he said.

"Lucky guy. What kind of trouble is she in?"

"Haven't figured that out yet. Hang on." He returned his attention to the conversation in his ear. The women had paid their check and were gathering their things. "I think I have to go."

"I'll walk out with you," Zoe said. "I was about to head home anyway."

They left the restaurant just ahead of Temperance and Laura. Zoe's car was waiting at the curb. Her driver opened the door for her, but she turned back to Reese for a moment. "I guess this means I won't be seeing you for a few days."

"Probably not," he said, keeping half his attention on the two women saying their own goodbyes behind him.

"Well, if you need anything," Zoe said, "you have my number." She leaned up and lightly brushed her lips over his. Then she got into the car. The driver shut the door, gave Reese a look that was one part amusement and two parts pity, and went around to the other side.

As the dark car pulled away, he returned his full attention to Temperance, although he remained facing the street, apparently lost in thought which was understandable for a man who'd just been kissed by Zoe Morgan. Laura had hailed a cab and was trying to convince Temperance to ride with her even though the hotel was only two blocks away.

"No, it's okay," Temperance said. "I'll walk. I've been sitting in lectures all day. I need the exercise."

"You really shouldn't, Tempe," Laura protested. "Don't you know what the crime rate is around here?"

"Actually, it's fallen drastically in the last year. It's probably worse in D.C. Besides, I've had some self-defense training. I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Well, just stick to the main streets. Don't take any shortcuts through sketchy alleys." Laura leaned in to hug Temperance goodbye, but Reese noticed her real intention. Her hand slipped briefly into Temperance's coat pocket.

"Finch," he said, "Carson just planted something on our target. Maybe a tracker." He turned and walked right past the two women, managing to clone Laura's phone before she climbed into the cab. He stopped at a shop window to let Temperance get a safe distance ahead of him, then picked up her trail again. He'd been following her for less than a minute when his phone beeped. Laura Carson was calling a blocked number.

"Yes?" said an electronically distorted voice.

"It's done," Laura said. "You should be getting the signal now."

"Good work, Laura," the voice said. "Now go home and get some sleep. Your part is over."

"So we're even?"

"No, but we're getting there."

"You won't hurt her, right?"

"As long as Columbus cooperates, she'll come through this without a scratch."

"And if he doesn't cooperate?"

"He will. His family has always been his weakness. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Laura. We'll talk again soon." The call ended.

"Finch, did you get all that?" Reese asked. He was already closing the space between him and Temperance. If he could get that tracker out of her pocket, maybe he could lead the threat away from her.

But even as Finch said, "Yes, Mr. Reese," a van with blacked out windows passed Reese and slowed to keep pace with Temperance. He broke into a run.