Captain Ryan stared at the journalist that sat across from him, a weak cup of cold coffee in his hand. The look on his worn face was a mixture of confusion and frustration. For the life of him he couldn't figure out why she was here. Didn't she realize it wasn't safe here in Holy Springs? Especially not for a liberal journalist such as herself. "Eve, I know you're just trying to give us press, but no one wants you here."<br/><br/>"Oh, gee, thanks! Nice to know my own father doesn't want me here." Eve was quick to retort, though there was no anger in her words. She was simply teasing her old man, pushing his buttons like old times. Despite having moved away years ago to pursue journalism in a large city, she had missed the small town of Holly Springs. Now this is nothing she would have admitted out loud, but she had missed it none the less. "I'm kidding, daddy. Seriously, though. You need me, I can help with the private detective. God knows none of you want to."<br/><br/>His daughter flashed him a knowing look that he pretended to ignore as he gulped down the coffee. Had it been hot he would have surely scalded his throat. He placed the mug back on his oak wood desk before allowing his eyes to meet her's. They were bright blue and full of mischief and life, he would hate to see anything snuff it out. "Fine. If you get in the way I'm sending you back to the liberal hell you crawled out of, is that clear? There will also be no sleeping with or dating the PI, not under my roof."<br/><br/>"That's why I'm staying in a hotel, daddy-o." Eve pushed herself to her feet, leaning over her father's desk to give him a kiss on his wrinkled forehead before she left. With a wave she was out the door, waving at vaguely familiar faces from her childhood. A stranger's face caught her attention, a glimmer of curiosity replacing the mischief in her eyes. "Mmmm, your face isn't one I know. You must be the PI. Welcome to the one place where no one wants you. I'm Evangeline Ryan, but<span style="font-style: italic">please</span>call me Eve." She stretched out a hand, readjusting her over the shoulder bag as she did so. Her slender fingers were covered with rings with the exception of her ring finger, that one was noticeably free from jewelry. Tattoos peaked out from the rolled up sleeves of her red flannel, piercings lining her ears.