Page 9

“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with me.” Daisy’s eyes tightened.

“My request for a month of lab work still stands,” Rexx said.

“Not for me it doesn’t,” she said. “We’ve got sightings of animals coming in all the time. We can’t stop going out there.”

“You’re worried your girl’s not up to the job?” Hunter said.

“Punch him for me, Rexx,” Daisy said. “I’m up to the job. I just ate something dodgy.”

Rexx scowled at Hunter. “She’s more than capable. But we don’t need to work our partners to death.”

“It’s adorable how you always look out for her,” Striker said.

“You’re almost as bad as Rexx,” Wren said. “You almost squashed that cute norkie when he tried to take a little bite out of my finger.”

“You were in danger. And that norkie had an evil glint in its eye. Those things are dangerous. I’m always telling you that.”

“You didn’t have to hold a gun to his head. He was scared.”

“I’m not doing the lab work,” Daisy said.

“Focus on the zinibars,” Rexx said. “You like them.”

“I love them, but it won’t take a month to analyze them. They need a DNA profile, health check, and then we can get them off to the sanctuary. That’ll take me a couple of days, tops.”

Cleo tapped her fingers on the table to get everyone’s attention. “To be on the safe side, Daisy, go get a health check from Angel.”

Daisy’s eyes narrowed. Her angry glare settled on Rexx. “I don’t need one.”

“It’ll take an hour. Then, when Angel gives you the all clear, you can get back out there,” Cleo said.

Daisy threw her arms up in the air. “Is that an order, boss?”

Cleo arched a brow. “Does it need to be?”

“Fine. I’ll do it.” Daisy scowled at Rexx.

“Then it’s agreed. Lab work until the results are back,” Rexx said.

“I can’t believe you’ve done this to me,” she said.

“I need my partner working at maximum efficiency.” He didn’t mind that Daisy shot a death glare his way. Her well-being was his priority.

“I’m sure everything will be fine,” Cleo said. “And we’ll need your expertise soon. There’s been a sighting of an emet.”

“Oh! No way! The velociraptor of the bird world.” Georgia opened her eyes from their half-shut position. “That’s awesome. If Daisy is on desk duty, we’ll take it, won’t we Ash?”

“No! That’s my shout. I’m the bird expert.” Daisy sprang out of her seat.

“You reckon you’re an expert on everything,” Sloane said. “I thought you were into those ugly assed armadillo things currently in quarantine?”

“They’re not ugly. They’re amazing. And I’m an expert in them, too. Where was the sighting? Has it been confirmed?” She flashed Rexx a smile that made his heart race. “This is amazing. We have to get the emet. No telling me I’m too ill to work.”

He sat back in his seat, happy to see Daisy so excited as she bantered with Georgia and grilled Cleo for all the information. Damn, her happiness hit him like a hammer. That was all he wanted to see, Daisy smiling.

“One step at a time. I’ve got plenty more work for you all. Hunter, send around the mission briefs. Everyone’s going to be busy for the next few weeks. And Daisy, sit down and be patient. You’ll get the information, but you have to be cleared by Angel before you go anywhere.”

“I’ll go see her now.” Daisy made a move to the door.