“I’m not saying this is a lifelong career change. But if things are going to escalate, next time may not be an incident where everyone walks away.”
Then have patrol, you know…
Patrol.
There had to be more going on that he wasn’t sharing. A single drive-by didn’t call for an undercover placement. Especially when increasing visible patrol and unmarked presence in the area would be more effective in deterring any future incidents.
But I knew better than to argue further, or my next assignment would be worse than hell.
It would be desk duty.
Rhys didn’t have the same qualms about objecting. “Use someone else.”
And a big fuck you, too.
Just because I also didn’t want to do it didn’t mean I wasn’t taking offense at his tone. I was tempted to kick him in the shin at the insult.
Particularly when he gave me a quick once-over. “No one is gonna buy she’s a bartender. My customers will greet her asOfficer.”
He was wrong, but I didn’t say so. I did, however, bring up the valid oversight his dig highlighted.
“Especially since some of his friends already know I’m a detective. I met them during a stalking case. Send in Matthews instead.”
“The other detective from last night?” Rhys gave a scoff. “If you’re not passing as a bartender, he sure as shit isn’t. No one is buying him as anything other than a narc.”
“So make him a bouncer,” I said, offering an option so perfect, I should’ve gift wrapped it.
There. That settles that.
It didn’t.
Cap turned his attention to Rhys. “Do you trust your friends?”
Lie.
Lie, damn you.
But that didn’t go my way, either.
There wasn’t even a moment’s hesitation before Rhys said, “With my life.”
“Good. That’ll make this easier.” Captain Talbot looked at me. “Get pictures of you with the group this week. Tech will build your postdated digital footprint to lend credibility to the relationship before the bar reopens.”
“Thewhat?” I asked as Rhys shook his head.
Vehemently.
Like the captain had suggested he date a pile of raw sewage.
“No one will buy that we’re in a relationship,” he said, adding insult to… well, to more insult.
Cap gestured between us. “I didn’t say it had to be a romantic one. Friends. Cousins. Tenant. Play it however will work best. But the note was left on Mr. Walker’s car near his home. He’ll need coverage there, too.”
“Absolutely fucking not,” Rhys said as he stood. “Appreciate the caution and thoroughness, but I don’t need someone in my space twenty-four-seven.”
Moving to the door, his hand was on the knob, but he froze when my captain said, “It’s that or your bar stays closed until we finish our investigation.”
“And how long will that take?”
