She presses the screen and extracts an electronic pen. “Since introductions aren’t necessary, I’m starting with a legal review of the policies and procedures for each department, as well as discussing any potential liabilities flagged for immediate concern.”
All business, I nod. “I have no problem with that, but since our department is also part of the larger county, I’ve modeled most city policies after those. Any requested modifications may have larger impacts that will need to be addressed at a commissioner level. I want to avoid disparities as much as possible. I can’t have a bunch of deputies running around trying to figure out what procedure they’re supposed to be following.”
She flexes her fingers on the pen. “That’s fair.”
“Good.” I turn to address Ryder, who has a glint in his eyes and a set of his jaw I don’t understand. “Please work with her and get what she needs. Johnson is on desk duty right now. Maybe he can assist in collecting the documents she requires.”
Suspicion is etched across his features, like he can’t believe what he’s seeing.
She scribbles something on her device then looks at me, her expression fixed in a distant, professional mask. “I appreciate the cooperation.”
“You’re welcome,” I say.
She looks at me.
I look at her.
When the silence grows awkward, I glance pointedly at the door. “Is there anything else we can do for you?”
“No. Thanks for your time.” She stands before turning to her brother. “I’ll send you a checklist of what I’m looking for.”
He laces his fingers over his stomach. “Sure thing, Jess.”
She gives me a stiff nod then leaves.
I blow out a sigh of relief.
That wasn’t so bad. I see now she’s apathetic, so I have nothing to worry about. It will get easier from here.
I address Ryder. “Since the county attorneys are responsible for our current policies, I’m not worried about legal risk, so hopefully it won’t be too much of a hassle.”
“Hopefully.” Ryder’s voice is slow, thoughtful.
I point to the doorway. “If there’s nothing else, I have things to do.”
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on with you and my sister?” Always straight to this point with this one. While it’s one of the things I like best about him, it’s fucking annoying directed at me.
At least I can tell him the truth. “There’s nothing going on with us.”
“Do you think I’m an idiot?”
No, but I wish he were. “I was accommodating, professional, and polite. What’s the problem?”
“That’s exactly the problem.” His tone is sharp, tinged with insult.
“So you don’t want me to be professional?”
He huffs out a sigh. “On Sophie’s first day, you shot the shit with her and talked about the game we’d played the Saturday before.”
“Well, yes, because Sophie is a friend I’ve known for a long time, versus your sister, whom I don’t know at all. You’re comparing apples and oranges.”
“What about that blonde from state?”
“What about her?”
“You didn’t know her, and you had her so charmed she was salivating all over you.”
I can barely recall who he’s talking about or what I did that charmed her, but that’s not really the point. I meet his gaze. “I assume you’re not interested in me making your sister salivate, so I fail to understand how this relates.”
