Read Online Fast and Easy by Betty Womack - Free Book Online Page A

swallowed his fear.
    “Why didn’t you wake me up before you left?”
    The tingle of worry hit his gut again.
    “You looked so sweet and comfortable. I didn’t want to mess that up.”
    “You didn’t want to mess with me, period.”
    He exhaled roughly. She wanted to fight.
    “I thought we messed with each other plenty last night.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Want to come over to my apartment after our shift?”
    She touched the collar of his shirt and tugged on the starched material. “I have to go over the personnel roster and figure out who’s who at East patrol.”
    “That will take you all of fifteen minutes.” Had he heard softness in her voice? “I don’t have to be at South patrol until the dog watch.”
    “Did you ask for that shift?” Her lips parted, and a sweet sigh spilled over them. “Okay. I’ll stop by your place after I make my appearance at the station.”
    “I’ll be waiting.” He forgot to worry, her soft attitude lighting a blaze in his balls. He wanted to kiss her so bad his lips hurt. “See you, babe.”
    Pretending they weren’t lovers took a hell of an effort. Watching her walk into the elevator with Gentry cut to the quick, and he didn’t like it.
    He’d never been jealous in his life, and the emotion stunned him.

    Chapter Eight
    Carmen tried to ignore the cold knot of dread in her stomach. East patrol was set up in a smaller building than the downtown precinct. The area was small, but the welfare of the officers there would rest on her shoulders.
    Once inside the station, she looked around for what she thought might be the Captain’s office. Ill at ease and ready to bolt for the door, she was stopped by a friendly voice.
    “Can I help you, ma’am?” The officer smiled, waiting patiently to help her.
    She relaxed immediately. “I’m Captain Redstone.” She shook his hand. “Right now, Sergeant Rosen, I need to find my office.”
    He grinned and shook his head. “It’s about time they sent a captain over here. Lewiston retired three months ago.” He lay down the clipboard he’d been carrying. “You may have to redecorate in there.” He led her to a small office at the rear of the building.
    He’d been right. The room was cluttered with newspapers, magazines and a cracked coffee mug. She did a visual sweep, mentally rearranging the furniture and making a list of things to bring in.
    “It’s perfect, Sergeant Rosen.” Carmen checked out the desk drawers. “Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.”
    “Anything you need, Captain, I’ll see you get it.” He looked at his watch. “The next shift will be here soon. I’ll give you a roster to get you started.”
    She nodded, apprehension building again. “I’ll need all the files Captain Lewiston was working on when he left.” He started to leave, but she stopped him. “Thanks again.” She laughed softly. “And, would you point me in the direction of the conference room?”
    He picked up the cracked coffee mug and inclined his head toward the door. “It’s the first door to your left after you come in the lobby.”
    Carmen used one of the folded newspapers to squash a spider that crawled across the desk. “When the next shift arrives, I’ll be there.”
    He left before she could ask another silly question.
    She looked around for a mirror, but the former occupant had not been a vain man. Grabbing her purse, she found a small compact and lipstick.
    Her hand shook, but she got the lipstick on her lips, not on her chin.
    What the hell are you scared of, Carmen? You’re all cops here
.
    For a few minutes, she gathered up magazines and papers, dumping them all in the old green tin waste basket. She tested the cracked leather desk chair. It squeaked in protest.
    Her gaze wandered to the pebble glass window on the door. Replacing Captain Lewiston’s name with hers was next on her agenda.
    Voices coming from out front alerted Carmen that the new shift had arrived.
    She shrugged into her jacket and