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“Lieutenant size. You assist on the search,” Eve added. “No on-site e-duty unless so ordered. Since you’re here, you can oversee any transfer, should we deem appropriate, of any units, data, and communication, to Central.”

“Got it.”

“Aw, look at the turkey.” Peabody grinned over at the neighbor’s holiday door art. “We used to do stuff like that when I was a kid. Not that we ate turkey on Thanksgiving, that being considered a commercial and/or political symbol of oppression and commercialization to us Free-Agers.”

Where the hell was Reo, Eve wondered, and dug her hands into her pockets. “We’re having a Thanksgiving thing, if you guys are interested.”

“Really?” Surprise and sentiment covered Peabody’s face. “Aw, that’s so nice. I’d really like to, but we’re going out to spend a couple days with my family. As long as we’re not on active. It’s the first sort of family deal as a couple.”

McNab showed his teeth in a smile, and Eve saw the nerves in it. What was it about family that scared the brave and true?

“We’re saving up to spend a couple days in Scotland with McNab’s clan right after Christmas.” And now Peabody got that same sick smile on her face. “Get it all done in one year if we can swing the fare.”

“No big.” But Eve was disappointed. It was going to cut into her I-actually-know-these-people portion of the party.

She put the problem aside when she saw the city car swing to the curb. Reo, in her lady suit and matching heels, stepped out.

Reo handed a paper warrant to Eve. “Let’s go find something. Detective Peabody, right?” Reo’s gaze skimmed over to McNab flirtatiously. “And?”

“Detective McNab.” His skinny shoulders straightened. “E-unit.”

“Cher Reo.” She offered him her hand before she drifted toward the entrance.

And Peabody gave him an elbow when Reo’s back was turned.

When Eve rang the bell, the security system blinked and responded.

We’re sorry, the Icoves are neither expecting nor accepting visitors at this time. If you would care to leave a message, one of the family or household staff will get back to you if deemed appropriate.

Eve held up her badge, and the warrant. “Dallas, Lieutenant Eve, NYPSD, along with Peabody and McNab, Detectives, and Reo, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. We have a warrant authorizing us to enter and to search these premises. Inform Dr. Icove or a member of the household staff. If we’re not given entry voluntarily within five minutes, we will take other appropriate measures.”

One moment, please, while your identification and documents are scanned and authenticated.

“Go ahead. Clock’s ticking.”

A pale green light washed over her badge and the seal of the warrant. A minute dribbled by while the security unit hummed.

Your identification and documents have been authenticated. One moment, please, while the main household droid is activated. Dr. Icove has not yet acknowledged this inquiry.

Interesting, Eve thought. “Record on, Peabody,” she ordered, and engaged her own as well.

Three of the five minutes elapsed before the security light blinked to green. The door was opened by the same tidy female droid Eve had seen on her prior visit.

“Lieutenant Dallas, I’m sorry you were kept waiting. I was not on active service.” She stepped back, politely. “Dr. Icove is upstairs in his office. I’m afraid I was ordered not to disturb him prior to being deactivated for the evening.”

“That’s okay. I wasn’t.”

“But . . .” As Eve turned toward the stairs, the droid clutched her hands together. “Dr. Icove is very particular about not being disturbed when he’s in his office. If you must speak to him, I wonder if you might go through household communications first.” She gestured toward a household scanner and ’link, similar to the ones Eve had at home.

“Reo, go that route. McNab, check security. Peabody, with me.” Eve continued up the stairs

“Reo put the eye on him,” Peabody muttered as they reached the second floor.

“What?”

“On McNab. She put the juicy eye