They showed their badges and Tina exhaled slowly, “What can I do for you?”

“We would like to speak to Miss Bette Porter. Her boss at the museum had informed us that she lives here,” Agent McKinnon said and Tina got the impression that she was in charge. Her gaydar pinged as she casually observed the female’s agent demeanor and appearance. She was tan and athletic, radiating health and energy. Of course, very short hair, nicely trimmed short nails with a clear nail polish, small breasts and a soft butch look didn’t automatically made someone a lesbian but Tina was sure they played for the same team. She felt hope.

Agent Johnson, on the other hand, appeared older than he was, with loose skin under his eyes and pale skin. He had crow’s feet eye wrinkles and lines around his lips. Even to Tina’s inexperienced eyes he looked like a heavy smoker. He glanced at his colleague with unhidden contempt and asked, “Is she in?” His grin, that he probably considered a sexy smile, revealed yellow teeth that only confirmed the heavy smoker theory.

Tina shivered internally and asked, hoping she didn’t appear nervous, “May I ask what that’s about?”

“We would like to bring Miss Porter in for questioning,” the female agent took the lead again.

“On what grounds?”

“We receive an anonymous tip that she was involved in a drug smuggling operation.”

“But that’s ridiculous…smuggling drugs?” Tina exclaimed. “Do you have any evidence or just an anonymous lie?”

“We are not at liberty to discuss this, ma’am,” the male agent replied. “We have to follow all leads, however impossible or ridiculous they might appear.”

Agent McKinnon shrugged apologetically, “This a standard procedure, Miss…”

“Kennard…Tina Kennard. I’m Bette’s partner.” Tina was pretty sure she noticed a slight raise of Agent McKinnon eyebrow and then the agent smiled.

“We just need to ask Miss Porter a few questions and you can come with her, if you wish.”

Tina smiled politely, “I’m sure this is all one big misunderstanding and I would love to help, however, Bette is not here at the moment but I will let her know you stopped by.” She began closing the door when Alice’s blue Mini Cooper screeched to a stop right behind the dark sedan. Alice hooped out and approached them carefully with a cup of coffee in her hand. Agent Johnson turned around quickly and watched Alice as she advanced towards them.