"I know." She added deliberately, "And you don't really trust me."

"I don't trust anyone when it comes to Cassie. I'm her father and I should be the one to help her, not some-"

"Shrink?" She nodded. "I agree. But sometimes it doesn't work like that. Sometimes they totally reject familiarity. So the shrink has to take over. Now, are we going to work together, or do you want to find someone else?"

"It sounds more like you're opting for sole guardianship."

"No. Just don't put barriers in my way."

"And do as you say."

"Right."

He thought about it. "Okay. We'll see how you do as commander in chief."

"And if I don't measure up, you'll fire me in a heartbeat?"

"Exactly. Now, if there's nothing else, I'll go sit with my daughter."

"There's something else. I need more information."

"What kind?"

"About Vasaro."

"We've told you what happened."

"Before the attack, did your daughter like Vasaro?"

"She loved it. Who wouldn't? Vasaro grows flowers for the perfume trade, and what kid doesn't Like farm life? Acres of lavender and lilies and far away from the strictures of D.C."

"She'd spent time there before?"

Andreas nodded. "Often. Caitlin Vasaro is her godmother and they're very close. She lets Cassie work in the fields and pick the flowers for the perfume." His lips tightened. "It's damnable Cassie will never be able to go back now."

"Why?"

"If you could have seen her that night, you'd know why. She was covered with blood and gore. The trauma made her what she is now. If we get her back-when we get her back-there's no way I'd ever let her go to Vasaro again."

"I see."

His gaze narrowed on her face. "Why did you want to know about the place?"

"As you said, that night made her what she is, and it happened at Vasaro. I need to know everything I can about both. You were there because you were lending the statue to Caitlin Vasaro to publicize her new perfume?"