AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She wants a career,” Grey agreed.
Markin was not wrong. While Grey could go higher if he applied himself, he wasn’t bothered. He thrived on being in the midst of action and working alongside a team. Field work suited him; sitting behind a desk constantly would grate.
“Willow’s getting one. But your personal relationship will be a black mark on her record.”
“I’m not breaking up with her!” Grey exclaimed.
Markin leaned back and rocked in his chair. His gaze narrowed as he astutely observed Grey.
“You’re in love with her.”
It wasn’t a statement but a fact, and Grey recognised it as one.
He studied the shrewd eyes of his boss. “Yes, I am,” he finally admitted.
“I’m guessing Willow feels the same way.”
Grey acknowledged the comment with a nod. “So, what are you saying?” He wanted the cards to be laid out clearly on the table.
Markin leaned back and watched him.
“I got lucky with you two. Together, you have one of the highest clearance rates the Bureau has ever seen. You’re both clever and quick to solve a crime, but Willow has the edge on you, which is why she’ll go far. You, son, are happy to investigate and stay at that level. Nobody would accuse you of wanting to ride a desk.
“Willow, however, can make it high. She’s got the skills, courage, and talent needed. Willow is a rarity, one we want to succeed. But it’s not going to happen if you’re in a relationship working the same team. It’s a black mark against her, and one of you will be forcefully removed to another office,” Markin said.
Grey scowled. Willow certainly wouldn’t wish to leave South Dakota. Her family was here, and after her brother’s death, Axel and Rage MC were all she had left.
Grey could make the move easier, but that would cut into their time together. Thinking quickly, he made a decision.
“What openings are there?”
“Vermont, Philadelphia, Florida, Louisiana, California, and South Carolina. Those are the only states with opportunities for somebody on your level. Unless you want to try cybercrime?”
“Fuck no,” Grey stated, adamant. His mind was working furiously. “Those are over twenty hours away. Is there nothing closer? Like one state across?” he added.
“No. Not for someone of your skills. Local openings only have positions that you’re either over or under-qualified for. Overqualified means you’ll get bored quickly, and under means you ain’t got what they need right now.” Markin shook his head.
“Fuck,” Grey muttered.
“Can’t keep you together unless Willow will be happy with very few promotions and movement, and even then, one of you still has to leave,” Markin said.
He was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t, Grey realised. This wasn’t the news he’d expected or wanted to hear today. The high of the successful bust had faded abruptly. Grey loved investigating. It was in his blood, but to keep his job, he had to move, and that meant he and Willow would have very little time together.
Unless…
Grey sat up straight.
“Can you give me half an hour, boss? I will get back to you then?”
“No need to rush a decision today, but I’ll require one by the end of the week,” Markin replied.
“Let me make a call,” Grey said and rose to his feet. Markin nodded and gave silent permission for Grey to leave.
???
Grey looked at the number showing on his phone. He’d been hesitating for the last ten minutes about dialling it. There was no desire to date Willow from over twenty fucking hours away. Logically, Grey understood why one of them had to move. It was policy for a reason.
Should one of them be compromised, the other may risk a bust to save them or put the rest of the team in danger. It made sense because it had happened in the past. Which is why the Bureau refused to allow couples to work in the same department.
