AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Well, well, well.The special team. So it did exist. Just like good old Santa Claus. “And that involves me how?”
“Easy. You get to play on the secret team now,” Acardi said. “After we do the pretty with all the hot ladies and the evening winds down, we’ll join the governor and the rest of the anointed ones. That’s when the real work begins. Hope you don’t have an early bedtime.”
“What did I do to earn this anointment?”
“You were recommended by a few,” McKellen said seriously. “I know it sounds all cloak-and-dagger, but it’ll make sense after. There are some seriously hot women in here. I always have a great time here. I plan to have an excellent time tonight, actually.”
“Of course, you will,” Acardi added. “Charlotte’s not here to harass you tonight.”
“There is that. Although that little demon looks good in the fancy dresses, no denying that.”
McKellen looked at Murdoch. “Charlie Fields is going to retire in June. He’s on medical leave with Rory until their babies arrive. Then he owes the TSP another four or five months after that. We’re transferring in his replacement in three weeks. Your name has been added to the list of possible replacements. The top of the list, since you’ve worked with us before and we sort of trust your ass. So don’t do anything to screw it up. It’s yours if you want it. As long as you play ball until then. Impress the governor’s cousin Marshall, and it’s in the bag.”
Murdoch didn’t say a damned word.
Major Crimes meant doing something besides arresting Peach the Fuzz on an almost-daily basis. Major Crimes meant doing what he hadwantedto do from the first moment he’d pinned on the damned badge.
Major Crimes meant Finley Creek.
Finley Creek meant just that much closer to Zoey.
In the same city as that woman—he’d go insane for sure. But in the same city as Zoey… “Thanks. I’m definitely interested here. I have family in Value.”
And Zoey Sofia.
He did have a one-track mind, after all.
“Like I said, don’t screw anything up and it’s yours. Now, that’s our cue. We need to go be nice to the rich-lady set.” McKellen shot a grin at Murdoch. “Your former partner is here tonight. Think the two of you can behave?”
Murdoch straightened. He had been hoping. This was her new playground, after all. “Lead on, boys. I want to find my date for the evening. I know she’s missed me.”
“Sure she has, like an annoying rash on her ass,” Acardi said. “I sure as hell hope that woman is wearing low cut and red again. Makes a man’s heart pound every time she does.”
“Hey, that’s my woman you’re drooling over, Acardi. Get one of your own.” But Zoey in red? Well, hell. That was a distracting thought. Time to find her and make sure she was ok.
Zoey just didn’tcry. Not like that.
16
Zoey had dancedwith three foreign investors, an inventor who didn’t know how to behave, a state senator, three physicians from Rafe’s hospital, and the lieutenant governor. She thought the last man she danced with had been the state attorney general.
Zoey wasn’t exactly paying attention.
The inventor thought she should sneak outside with him, one of the foreign investors wanted to get her another drink, and two of the physicians were old enough to be her father.
Only one of the physicians—Dr. Stockton, she believed his name had been—had acted like a gentleman. She would dance with him again if he asked. The attorney general and the lieutenant governor were interesting, attractive men. Who had behaved. That was saying something.
Now, she was dancing with a big, blond doctor who reminded her far too much of…
Murdoch.
Incredibly so.
Disconcertingly so.
This man and Murdoch had the same eyes that were halfway between blue and green and very intense. He definitely looked like Murdoch. Except for the hair. This man’s was neatly trimmed and combed and a shade or two lighter. Murdoch’s was more honey blond and shaggy.
But the resemblance…
