Page 64 of Merrick

But she had done the job, and he admired her for it. She was a remarkable cop, that much he had to admit. But she was a woman as well and that part of her was under extreme duress.

Chapter 14

“We’re going to the bar to hang out for a bit and would like you to come.”

She looked up from the report she was perusing and studied her partner. “I don’t need you to feel sorry for me.”

He came in and closed the door behind him. Sitting on the edge of the desk facing her, he felt his heart turned over at the gaunt look on her face. It had been two months of pure hell, at least on her part.

Two months of sifting through evidence and arresting suspects. And to discover that a rival company had planted some people at Medtech to try and destroy the company from the inside. And had used Jason as a pawn.

The media had reported the entire thing and Medtech as well as the entire Pendergast family have been in the news. On top of that, she had had to face Merrick Pendergast in the courtroomand at the precinct where he and the rest of the family had come in for interviews.

She had done the job, but at tremendous personal sacrifice. He had a feeling she was not sleeping and by the look of her, she was not eating either.

He had also seen the photos on the internet. Pendergast was back with the judge.

“You’re staring.” She pointed out mildly.

“Call him.”

“I did, several times, to apologize and explain and he has not returned any of my messages. I happen to have my pride.” She lifted her shoulders in a shrug and leaned back in the chair. “It is over and should not have started in the first place. I ended up hurting both of us.”

“You were doing your job.”

“Yeah!” She said bitterly. “And was arrogant to think that I had to do whatever it took to get it done.”

“People were dying. And you went out of your way to prove the family were being set up. You spoke to the DA about Jason and he is doing a stint in a fancy rehab clinic instead of serving time. They should be damned grateful.”

“Should they?” A slight smile flitted around her lips. “Merrick called me a soulless bitch and I am beginning to think he is right.

“That’s utter crap, and you know it.” He jumped up and started pacing the small space. “I should find him and beat some sense into him.”

“Thanks.” She laughed shakily. “But it’s for the best. He has moved on and so should I.”

“Can you?”

He came back to sit down on her desk. “You’re wasting away here.”

“I will be fine. Give it another month or two and I will be as right as rain.”

“Margo…?”

She held up a hand. “That is all I’m prepared to say on the topic. Now go away and let me get some work done.”

He hesitated for a moment and then shrugged helplessly. “I am calling you later to make sure you leave. It is after seven.”

“Yes, mother.”

He sent her a fulminating look before leaving the room.

She sat back and closed her eyes, feeling the familiar ache inside her heart. She had seen him with the judge, and it had broken her. Whenever they happened to be in the same room, he looked straight through her as if she no longer existed.

She could not sleep; eating had become something of the past. She loved him, was aching for him – for his arms around her, his rich laughter, the look in his gray eyes when he stared at her.

She had told herself a long time ago that she could survive without love, and she had. Because she had the job. Until he came into her life.

Her eyes flew open at the knock on her door frame and saw Brad standing there.

---