Page 93 of Rookie Days

Janet moved her hands to rest on her thighs as Ellie sat up, and she stood between her legs so that they were eye to eye.

“Blood doesn’t bother me on other people but when I see it on you, it turns my stomach.”

“Well.” Ellie brought her even closer for a smiling kiss. “It’s a good thing I know you’re a surgeon because that’s kind of a weird thing to say.”

“I guess it is.” Janet flashed a smile, albeit reluctant. “I am going to release you to your duty, Detective, but promise me you’ll be careful, okay?”

“I promise. What’s your schedule looking like for the rest of the day?”

“I’ll check on Susan now. Start to bring her back gently.”

“Are you planning to go home at some point?“

“Maybe. Probably. I’m not sure yet.”

“You still got your police escort available, remember?”

“Mmm.” Janet shrugged. “Yes. But I think he would be best employed doing something else. Like helping you and Quinn.”

Ellie expected her super-independent, self-sufficient partner to keep resisting the offer of extra police protection, even after a cold-blooded killer showed up on her doorstep.

“Take him with you, Janet,” she said softly. “Please.”

“What if I wanted to go for a swim later?”

“If you really have to, stick him on the beach and make him hold your towel.”

“Maybe I’ll use the indoor swimming pool at the gym this time,” Janet conceded. “Try to be a bit less of a weirdo, at least until you catch your guy.”

“It won’t take us long now.” Ellie stood up and pulled her in for one last hug. “Also, you’re an incredibly attractive weirdo. Don’t ever change, Jan.”

“Ti amo, baby.”

“Ti amo too.”

???

A call to scramble came through that afternoon when Hayes was apparently spotted at a pizza joint downtown. The owner of the place was adamant.

“I saw his face on the News. Coldest eyes I’ve ever seen. I’ll never forget that look. It was him; I swear! I served him his pepperoni slice then hurried into the back to call 911. By the time I returned, he’d split.”

Officers, led by Ellie, swarmed over the area. They searched every other restaurant and café, every open store and building, but once again came up empty-handed.

“Once more, we are so close that I can almost smell him.”

“He’s definitely sticking around.” Quinn agreed. “I wonder why.”

“I think he’s crazy enough to try again,” Ellie growled.

Quinn looked her in the eye, nice and cool.

“Only four women are listed on his unfavorable med school evaluation paper. Two are dead, one’s in the hospital. Janet is the last one standing.”

Her icy tone of voice gave Ellie chills.

“Lieutenant. I think I should head back to the hospital right now and take her home.”

“Permission granted.” Quinn approved as swiftly as Ellie thought she might. “Pick her up and bring her back to mine.”

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