Page 56 of Cross & Crown

“What just happened?” Hagan finally asked.

Nick shook his head, still frowning at his captain. Then

he turned back Hagan and straightened up. “Where’s the

witness?”

“I left him in the break room with a uni.”

“How’d he do last night?”

“After you left, he was fine. You got the Midas touch, my

friend.” Hagan reached to his desk like he was grasping for

a cup. He looked confused for a moment before seeming

to realize he’d tossed his own coffee in the trash as well. He

and Nick both leaned over the edge of the desk to eye their

trash can.

“I won’t tell if you don’t,” Nick offered.

Hagan gave a single nod, then stood up and coughed,

making a show of fixing his tie and smiling around the squad

room as Nick fished the cups out of the trash.

56

Kelly had to get directions to Nick’s desk, and it was like

trying to find his way through a rabbit warren as he navigated

the department. When he finally saw someone he recognized,

Nick’s partner Hagan, Kelly could have hugged the man.

“Hey, Doc, how they hanging?” Hagan asked as soon as

he saw Kelly.

“Um . . . they can’t complain with the current situation.”

Hagan laughed. “Sorry, O always calls you Doc. I don’t

remember your real name,” he admitted. He gestured toward

the desk opposite him. “Have a seat. Want some coffee?”

“No, I’m good, thanks.” Kelly eased into the chair, Nick’s

chair, watching Hagan suspiciously. He actually reminded

Kelly a little of Nick; he was so deadpan you could never tell

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