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“That’s totally fine.” Like a bounding, oblivious frickin Labrador, Xavier finds no insult in Archer’s dismissal, and instead looks to Fletch. “If he’s Detective Malone, then you’re Detective Fletcher. If I’m reading about Chief Mayet, then I’m definitely reading about the detectives running the Opulus Killer case. Xavier Campbell.”
Curious, and mildly suspicious, Fletch switches Mia from his right hip to his left, freeing up his hand. He accepts Xavier’s handshake, albeit unenthusiastically. “You’re kinda energetic, huh? That’s a lot of Colgate smiling, Campbell.”
“I know a good opportunity when I see one.” He winks for a charmed Mia. “This is the best medical building in the city. And, according to Doctor Raquel, my employment here will ensure direct contact with the chief.”
“Why do you need direct contact with the chief?” Archer bites out. “That’s not necessary to do your job, Campbell.”
“It’s necessary for my professional development,” he retorts, oh so eagerly. “Like I said, I’ve been keeping abreast of the goings-on of the field. I don’t follow movie stars and music giants, like the normies do. I follow careers like Chief Mayet’s.”
His gaze stops on Aubree next, and he caresses her hand. So. Frickin. Suave. “Doctor Aubree Emeri. It’s a pleasure.”
Her cheeks flame, and her eyes grow impossibly wide. “It sure is,” she purrs. “When do you start, Doctor Campbell?”
“Tomorrow.” He doesn’t release her hand. Doesn’t step back.If this were a Disney movie, they would be dogs sharing a plate of spaghetti.“I loved your input on the Opulus case as well. The best part of this facility is the clear teamwork. Doctor Mayet may be the chief, but she’s smart enough to lead a well rounded team.”
“She sure is.” Aubree reaches up with her free hand and tucks a purple lock of hair behind her ear. “Chief Mayet is my best friend.”
“Alright.” I knock their hands apart and grab on to Archer’s with my left. “We’re done now. Doctor Raquel,” I start toward the elevator and drag her forward, away from the small cluster of our group. “Did you hire his brains, or his good looks?”
She snorts. “Despite yourbest friend’s crush, Xavier is highly educated, highly experienced, and highly sought-after in our industry. He was willing to accept a salary that fit into the parameters you set for me in exchange for the opportunity to work for you.”
“Why is he needing access toher?” Archer demands on a low growl. “I’ve killed men for fucking around before, Raquel.”
“Ha.” I look to my husband, who speaks truth, but fake-laugh it off so my staff member doesn’t take him seriously. “Funny.” Then I bring my gaze back to Raquel. “Is he going to become an issue? I don’t want a fanboy in my space, Doctor. I want a tox tech worth the salary I’m forking out of my budget.”
“He’ll be worth it,” she assures me. “I promise. He’s fanboying right now, because he legitimately considers you death-royalty. Even cited a bunch of pro-Mayet crap in our interview, to the point I became a little nauseous.”
“That’s not a selling point!” I whisper-hiss. “I don’t want that mess here. I want someone entirely boring, whose life doesn’t exist outside these doors, and whose brain is brilliant. I want someone who can pick up your slack—”
“Well first of all,” she challenges arrogantly, “I don’t have slack to be picked up.”
“I want a person who can keep up with the fast pace of this facility! I don’t want—”
I turn at Aubree’s obnoxious laughter and,good lord, spot her hand on his chest as she throws her head back. “That! I don’t want messy. I don’t want inter-office flirting. I don’t want Timothy frickin Malone coming down here to pee on things.”
Raquel raises a single, questioning brow. “Timothy Malone?”
“Nevermind! Get rid of Campbell and start again. I’ll make sure I’m in the interview next time.”
“Too late.” She folds her arms, and preens when Mia, equally charmed by our newest staff member, giggles. “Contracts are signed. A coat has been ordered with his name embroidered on the breast. But,” sticking her hand in the elevator door when it opens and others step out, she holds it so the doors don’t close again. “I assure you, this wasn’t a beauty contest. His references check out, his experience is vast, I put him through a few tests earlier today to see how he worked on his feet, and he got things right every single time. He attended a prestigious school that also speaks highly of him, and, the cherry on top,” she gives a smug grin, “he dated a friend of a friend of mine.”
“Raquel! I’m not hiring him just because he’s a buddy of yours.”
She raises a hand to stop my protests. “Afriend of a friend. They broke up—which would imply an untapped well for all the juicy,toxicgossip, right? Well, I called my friend, who put me in contact with her friend… aka, his ex. She says he wasthe one who got away. So sweet, so thoughtful. All the green flags. But, get this,” she leans closer, like we’re telling secrets, “she wanted more of his attention, his time, and he…”
“Was a workaholic?” I guess.
“Was a workaholic! He’s career-driven, and respects the grind. He works hard, and prides himself in being right, and often.”
“So he’s egotistical?” I scoff. “Unable to take instruction?”
“No, the opposite! He wants to be rightcorrectly. He doesn’t make something up and stick to it for the sake of pride. What he doesn’t know, he applies himself to learning until he’s got it. He fanboys for you because you’re driven and young too. And it’s not so hard to see the similarities in your personalities.”
“Our personalities?” I wrinkle my nose and glance his way. “He has puppy energy. I—”
“Am like a snapping turtle,” Archer chuckles. “Hides in her shell and comes out only to bite people.”
I look to him and stare, that way married couples have been doing for eons. “Didn’t ask for your opinion, Detective Malone.”
