Page 37 of Trigger

WhenVic threw herself in my arms, I closed my eyes, inhaling her scent. God, shefelt good.

“I’mfine.”

Shepulled away, frowning at the sight of the bandage wrapped around my head.

“Oh,my God, you poor thing.”

“It’snothing,” I said, forcing a smile. “The doctor said it’s not infected. It justhurts a bit.”

Afterspending three days in that bunker with a half-open wound on my head, Iconsidered myself lucky.

“I wasso scared,” Vic breathed, wide-eyed. “Daddy called everyone who could help. Heeven alerted the governor…” She paused, pulling away from me and wrinkling hernose. “Sorry, darling, but you really stink.”

“It’sfine,” I said with an awkward smile. “I don’t want to ruin your clothes,anyway.”

“Whoeverdid this, he will pay. My daddy said—”

“Hey,man,” a low voice cut in, and stormy blue eyes found mine. “Sorry to interrupt,but have you seen Bruce?”

Victurned around, her eyes widening at the sight of Thorsen’s massive frame.

“Oh,you must be Carter’s partner,” she said with a smile. “I’m Vicky, hisgirlfriend.”

Thorsensmiled too, but it looked weird. He disliked her; I could tell. Why, though?Just because she was rich, or was it something else?

“Apleasure,” he said, raising her hand for a kiss. “Is Vicky short for Victoria?”

Vicgiggled. “No, just Vicky. I like your accent.”

“Merci,chérie.”

I eyedhis lips on her knuckles with a grimace.

“I’mTye. Carter told me so much about you I feel as if I know you already.”

“Ican’t say the same. Carter was mysterious when I asked him about you.”

“I’mright here, by the way,” I reminded them with a sigh.

Thorsengrinned. “I think he’s jealous, sweetheart.”

Yeah,that’s one endearment too many.

“Knockit off,” I said, standing between them. “You’ve had your fun, Thorsen. Now go.I’ll see you tomorrow at the station.”

“Nottomorrow,” a familiar voice behind us boomed, making us both flinch. “And notthe day after tomorrow. You’re both on sick leave, starting right now.”

Damnit.

“WhenI said I want you two buffoons to stay close to each other, I didn’t mean itliterally,” Chief Bibb exclaimed. “Spending three days underground without foodor water is a bit drastic, don’t you think?”

“Yes,Chief,” I murmured, lowering my gaze.

“Yes,Chief,” Thorsen repeated, staring at his sneakers.

ChiefBibb raised his finger in warning. “You two almost gave me a heart attack, andmy wife is mad at you. Really mad. Don’t bother me until next week, or I’llgive her both your phone numbers. Comprende?”

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