Page 65 of Cooper's Command

“Your next posting. The obvious choice would be to return to Bogotá. They’re missing a senior agent and you’ve already established deep connections there. Or maybe you’d prefer someplace new. I understand that cell you uncovered might have ties to the Yakuza. Tokyo would allow you to meet that threat head-on.”

Was her mouth hanging open? Was she drooling? Because of all the outcomes, being asked to choose her next office hadn’t been one of them. “Can we back up to the part where you’re not carting me off to some hole-in-the-wall but are allowing me to pick my next assignment?”

Shaughnessy sobered. “It’s the least I can do considering all you’ve been through. Hell, you haven’t even asked for compensation.”

“I’ve got no one but myself to blame for walking into an ambush. But if you’re serious about me choosing my home base…”

“Like I said. Just name it.”

This was it. Either the DEA agreed to keep the Hawai’i office open or she walked. “It’s come to my attention that the Hawai’i office is also in need of a senior agent to run it. Someone who’s comfortable working alone and already has a report with local law.”

She’d definitely had a stroke because Shaughnessy was staring at her as if she’d grown another head. Cooper inhaled off to her right, looking from her to the monitor then back when she dared to glance his way. He mouthed something that looked like crazy or maybe baby. But his eyes… They gleamed like his sun when he shook his head then smiled at her.

Shaughnessy cleared his throat, scrubbing his hand down his face before meeting her gaze. “I’m sorry, but did you say you wanted to stay on the Big Island? What has been a profound failure in the eyes of our law enforcement partners?”

“I think failure is being a bit harsh.” She smiled at Emery. “And under the right circumstances, I believe Detective McClane would be willing to give our partnership another try. Look at it this way. I doubt I can make an even worse second impression.”

“McClane’s there, isn’t she?”

Nova waved Emery over, allowing her to take center stage.

Shaughnessy arched his brow. “Well, detective? Would you be willing to put your life in Agent Martin’s hands a second time?”

“I’d be happy to give it another shot. As long as I don’t have to let her drive my Jeep. She’s a bit rough on vehicles.”

He snorted, schooling his features. “Okay, Nova. Assuming the rest of her department no longer wants to shoot you on sight,give me one compelling reason why I should keep that office open.”

“Because this case isn’t over.”

“How so?”

“If Simmons is telling the truth and this involves both the Yakuza and Columbian forces, we both know this kind of setback isn’t going to deter them for long. I would like to think the DEA has the forethought to recognize the level of threat this scenario poses and would reconsider closing the office.”

“And if the DEA lacks that forethought and decides to close the Hawai’i office?”

Nova took a deep breath, allowing any doubts to slowly fade. “Then, this will be my official resignation, sir.”

“I see.” He drummed his fingers on the desk, looking off to the side before finally making eye contact again. “I just want to get this straight. I’m offering you any base in the world, and you’re telling me that it’s Hawai’i, which as of right now, is still in shambles, or you’ll quit.”

“A lot has been said about me and my career in this office over the past few weeks. And while I realize Cartwright was setting me up to fit the profile of a rogue agent who was on the verge of a psychotic break so I could be his fall guy, he was right about one thing. Ihavebeen undercover for a long time. And when I look at all the lines I’ve crossed these past few months, it’s obvious that if I don’t find something…” She looked over at Cooper. “Someone to help me balance my life — hell, so I can have a life beyond the job — I’ll end up the monster Cartwright wanted me to be.”

“You’re referring to Lieutenant Harris, U.S. Coast Guard, retired.”

“I am. But it’s also his team, Emery, Hawk. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a chance at a real home.”

“And that’s your final decision? Hawai’i or bust?”

“I love being an agent, sir. I just love Cooper more.”

She turned when Cooper grunted, raking his fingers through his hair to the point she was surprised he didn’t pull some of it out. Which, seemed fair. Letting that slip while on a video call with her boss was definitely not her finest hour.

Bellamy whacked Cooper in the chest, holding his hand out. Cooper stared at her for what felt like forever before he chuckled, retrieved his wallet and slapped a couple of bills on Bellamy’s palm.

Shaughnessy arched a brow once she’d focused on him, again. “While I’m not convinced Captain Milligan won’t send me some kind of severed head in the mail as a ‘thank you’ for keeping the office open, you do raise a valid point. It would be wise to have a dedicated agent on the island while we analyze the severity of this new threat. You are planning on staying long term, aren’t you?”

“Very long term.”

“In that case, I’ll put in the appropriate paperwork to make your temporary satellite office a permanent one. And I’ll send over your reassignment documents, along with everything you’ll need to run the office. For some unknown reason, Captain Milligan has already sourced out a crew to make the necessary repairs, which should be completed around the time you’re able to return to active duty.”

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