Page 4 of Feel Me

“He’s staying on as a favor to me,” Miles explains, all traces of his smile gone. “I’m taking a leave of absence in the coming weeks. I need Zabrinski where he is and you in SACU until he steps down.”

“Are you saying my assignment in SACU is temporary?” I keep my tone even, unsure where he’s headed. Miles could have told me all this shit yesterday when the new assignments were given instead of letting me stew in my rage.

“It can be whatever you want it to be,” Miles answers. “The choice is yours. During my absence you’ll be assigned as acting D.A.”

Holy shit.

“I know it’s a lot to ask to head a unit you’re new to, and run the office. But I know I can count on you and that you’re up for the challenge.”

He’s not asking me if I want the promotion. He’s handing it to me, believing I’ll take it.

He’s right.

He motions to Mel. “Melissa will work with the victims of each case you’re assigned, as well as continue to run the victim services division statewide. Chief Lee will manage his detectives and any matters involving law enforcement personnel, and Shayleen will see to the non-legal staff as their duties have always required.”

So business as usual minus Miles, and with me front and center. “Is the governor aware of your plans?” I ask, trying to gauge what he’s giving me versus what she knows.

“She is. And if you prove yourself like I know you will, she’ll back you as D.A. when my term is up, and swear you in should I step down.”

Everything grounds to a halt as I latch onto those last three words he said. “Why would you step down?”

Melissa glances down at her hands when he doesn’t answer right away. Now I know this offer isn’t good despite the silver platter he’s serving it on.

“I may be leaving the public sector earlier than I intended.” He shrugs. “After a lifetime of serving, it may be time.”

Before his term is up? No way. Miles Fenske is one of the hardest working men I know. He’s either being asked to leave, which is impossible if he’s calling the shots or hecan’tstay.

My neck tenses in that way it always does when I know shit’s going downhill fast. Without actually saying it, Miles is handing me everything I’ve wanted. I should be losing my damn mind. But I can’t. Something’s really wrong here.

Miles maintains his cool demeanor, and although Mel’s trying not to give anything away, I can tell she’s upset. I take a good look at her. No . . . she’s not upset.

Her heart is breaking right in front of me.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

The corners of his mouth tilt. “I’m giving you the chance to take over. After the years I’ve spent grooming you, I think you’re ready.”

“I meant with you.” My attention skips to Melissa since Miles is holding back. As always, she adds another coat of mortar to that wall she’s built around herself. But this time I see it, a crack in that protection she keeps so firmly in place. She’s seconds from losing it.

I meet Miles square in the face. “Are you sick?” I ask.

His stance grows rigid. In the silence that follows he takes a moment to gather his words. He doesn’t want to tell me. But I need answers and neither are leaving until I have them.

“I have cancer,” Miles answers me simply. “I have to make sure this office is taken care of, no matter what happens.”

CHAPTER 2

Melissa

He said it. The “C” word.

In his office, he wasn’t so blunt. But Dad has always been gentle when it comes to me. With Declan he plays the role of the unflinching D.A., ready to face any problem dead on.

Like it doesn’t bother him.

Like this is simply the way life is.

Like it’s not killing his little girl on the inside.

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