She was mad as hell, but the moment I laid a hand on her, goosebumps rose on her skin. She still reacted to me. And that alone? That was enough to spark a little hope.
“I didn’t consider involving you. I should have.”
His lips curl up in a condescending smile. His politician’s smile.
“Well, hopefully there isn’t a next time, but just know you can always come to me.”
This is why I’m never sure which Ryker I’m going to get. Ryker, my buddy or Ryker, Sheriff Tapert. The line gets blurrier and blurrier.
Before I can respond, there’s a knock on the door. In walks Detective Sergeant Vorheis.
I stand and greet him, shaking his hand.
Ryker didn’t mention Vorheis would be joining us. I can’t even begin to think what this could be about, I doubt Vorheis knows who I am, seeing as we’ve never interacted.
Ryker gestures for him to take the seat next to mine.
“Well, I’m sure you’re wondering what this is about,” Ryker starts.
“Just a bit.” I glance over at Vorheis, assuming he’s going to explain.
“I spoke with your old captain,” Vorheis says, angling toward me. “He had nothing but high praises to say about you. Said you were on track to becoming a detective.”
I nod, still unsure of where this is going. “That’s correct.”
“Given today’s event’s, we could really use the extrasupport. Someone with your experience might be just what we need to not let this case go cold. How would you feel about temporarily transferring over to the detective’s unit while we work Delmar Case? Unfortunately, due to budget constraints this doesn’t come with a pay increase, but it’ll be taken into consideration next time the unit has an opening for a detective, and of course during your annual review.”
More work and no extra pay? Most people would turn that down. I’m not most people.
Maybe this is what I need to start turning things around and actually make a life for myself here. I’ve been so focused on trying to repair the past, somewhere along the line, I forgot about my future.
“I’d say it sounds like a very enticing offer.” My eyes flit to Ryker, who looks eager for my answer. “And I’d be honored to assist on the case.”
An hour later, I’m so engrossed in finishing up paperwork from Elyse’s arrest, it isn’t until Morales’s shadow casts behind me that I notice she’s still at the station.
“Heard about your promotion,” she whisper-sings before hopping up on the edge of my desk, her ass way too close to my keyboard.
“That was fast,” I mutter, sliding back in my chair to put some distance between us.
I haven’t said a word to anyone yet, so I’m not sure how she found out.
“Nicky heard it from Vorheis and then told me.” She looks around to see if anyone is listening. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”
I’m not trying to keep it a secret, it’ll get out eventually, I just haven’t really found my spot within the group yet, and feel weird announcing anything.
CHAPTER 4
Elyse
FULL-ON CUFFS
PRESENT
Idrag myself into work, still feeling exhausted from yesterday’s shit show.
My office sits on the second floor of my family’s winery, Ledger Estate Winery and Vineyards, tucked near the balcony of the ballroom. Instead of my usual route through the main entrance, I slip in through the back, wearing my most oversized sunglasses, as if they will somehow disguise me.I’d rather not deal with the staff’s curious looks—or worse, their questions—after the rumor mill’s no doubt been churning about my arrest.
Once I reach the second floor, I make sure to steer clear of Ethan’s side of the office. I really don’t have it in me to sit through one of my brother’s lectures.
