Read Online Cops And...Lovers? by Linda Castillo - Free Book Online Page A

that takes time. You're rushing it, and you're going to end up getting hurt. I don't want that to happen."
    She flushed.
    "I still need a deputy," he said. "The last thing you need is another termination on your record. What do you say we give this another shot?"
    "If you're asking me to stay, the answer is yes."
    Nick grimaced, not sure if that was what he'd wanted to hear. But he could live with it. "I'm going to level with you, McNeal. I've got my doubts about whether or not you're ready to come back to the field. I'm going to extend your probationary period—"
    "I'm ready."
    "You went against my direct orders this morning. You took a stupid risk that could have turned out much worse. I won't tolerate recklessness of any kind from you or any of my other deputies. Are you clear on that?"
    She gazed levelly at him. "Those two men were armed and dangerous. I wasn't about to let them get away."
    "One of those suspects came within an inch of gaining control of your weapon. You could have turned a robbery into a hostage situation, or worse."
    "I know you're having a hard time believing this," she said, "but I happen to be a professional. I'm good at—"
    "So I've heard. That's not what's in question here."
    "But my judgment is?"
    "Knowing what I do about you personally, and your past, I'd be a fool not to question your judgment after today."
    "I see." Her chin went up, and Nick knew he'd scored a direct hit. "You're convinced I'm skewed because of the shooting."
    "Are you?" he asked.
    "You've already decided, so why does it matter what I think?"
    "Look, Erin , cops react to shootings in different ways. Some retreat. Some quit. Some turn to alcohol. Look at the divorce rate. The suicide rate, for God's sake. You don't have to make up for something you did or didn't do in that warehouse."
    She crossed her arms in front of her. "Now you're a shrink."
    "I'm the chief of police—and your superior. I have a right to know where your head is. My life—or my deputies' lives—depends on that."
    "I'm sure this isn't what you want to hear, Chief, but if I were faced with the same situation right now, I'd react the same way."
    "That's fine. I'll assign you accordingly."
    Wariness flooded her gaze. "What's that supposed to mean?"
    "That means you've got the school crosswalks until I think you're ready for something with more responsibility."
    Nick didn't miss the minute jolt that traveled through her body when he hit her with the news. Couldn't she see he was doing this for her own good?
    Heat flashed in her eyes. "That's not fair."
    "Life isn't fair, McNeal. You of all people ought to know that."
    "You can't do this."
    "I just did. I suggest you get used to it. That's your assignment indefinitely. I'll decide when to change it. When I think you've come to terms with whatever's eating at you, we'll talk about it again."
    "I have come to terms."
    "Prove it to me."
    "You've no right penalizing me—"
    "This has nothing to do with you personally. All I'm concerned about is your well-being and the safety of your fellow deputies and the citizens of this town. Take it or leave it. It's your call."
    Nick held his breath as he watched the inner struggle tear at her. He saw temper and restraint and a hefty dose of ego pulling her in different directions. He knew she wanted to tell him to go take a flying leap, but he also knew she had too much to lose to succumb to the urge.
    After a moment, she squared her shoulders and looked him dead in the eye. "All right, Chief. Have it your way. I'll take the assignment."
    Inwardly, he smiled. She'd passed the test. Restraint had won. They might just get through this, after all. "Good," he said.
    "That doesn't mean I have to like it." Frowning, she raised her hand to push a tendril of hair away from her face.
    "Police work isn't about what we…" His voice trailed off when he spotted the nasty abrasion on her elbow. "What happened to your arm?"
    She glanced down at her elbow. "I must have done it in the