Page 64 of Trigger

“I’mtrying something new with the blood spatter analysis,” John Smith added. “Ifsomething interesting comes up, I’ll let you know.”

“Good,”Chief Bibb said, sounding satisfied. “Now get back to work and do your worst,you worst of the worst.”

“Ineed more coffee,” Thorsen muttered, rubbing his forehead. “My head is killingme. Partner, you?”

“Yes,please,” I replied, putting on my eyeglasses. “One sugar—”

“Iknow how you take your coffee, babe.”

Inodded absentmindedly and looked at John Smith.

“Iwant to see those blood spatter reports as soon as they’re done, John. Is thatunderstood?”

Hemerely nodded, agape.

“Whatis it?” I said with a frown. “And why do you look as if you swallowed a bug?”

Thorsen

“Whatabout you, sweetie? Want some coffee?” I asked Shelly, pretending not to noticethe silence in the room after my blunder. Calling your partner babe in front ofthe entire PD would confuse anyone. Then again, I was using a lot ofendearments all the time. It should help.

“Areyou two like besties now?” Adam said, sounding incredulous.

“No.”Carter scoffed at his question, unaware of the kerfuffle. It was actuallyhilarious how he got used to me calling him that.

“Icould use a cup of coffee,” Shelly said, wrapping her arm around mine. “I needto talk to you anyway.”

Oncein the kitchen, I poured coffee into two cups, glancing at Shelly who juststood there, looking awkward. “What did you want to talk to me about, Shel?”

“Erm...It’s complicated.”

“Okaaay,”I said, ushering her toward the table in the corner. “Step into my office.”

“It’sabout Carter,” she said, sitting down across from me.

Shit.Did she notice anything?

“Thething is,” she murmured, biting her lip. “Carter is kind of… closed off. Healways has been. But I noticed that the two of you have gotten close lately.”

Ilaughed. “I wouldn’t say that we got close. We almost killed each other in thatbunker.”

“Yeah,I’m aware of your dynamic,” Shelly said, twirling her finger around her hair.“But I have known Carter for a long time, and he doesn’t let anyone in. And itseems to me he let you in.”

“Oh,”I muttered, surprised by her words. “Really?”

“Yeah,and that’s why I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Ofcourse, Shel. Anything for you, you know that. How can I help?”

“Okay,well…” She blushed before continuing. “The thing is that I… I like Carter.”

“Iknow that.”

“No, Imean… Ilikehim, like him.”

Ismiled, nodding. “I know that, too.”

“Younoticed, huh?”

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