Page 7 of Trigger

“Rough,Chief?”

“Yeah.His last partner got killed in the line of duty, and Carter is… let’s say hewould rater hunt alone. If you don’t get the warmest welcome, don’t take itpersonally.”

Myfirst thought was—poor guy. Losing a partner was tough. I have never beenthere, but I knew guys who had to deal with that kind of nightmare, and Iwouldn’t wish it on anyone. Then I thought… What the hell happened to Carter’spartner and was it Carter’s fault? It was a legitimate concern, considering hisreputation.

“Understood,”I said firmly. “I will do all I can to keep things smooth.”

ChiefBibb smirked, looking at me from head to toe.

“Whatdo you people eat in New Mesa? Are you all giants over there?”

Ichuckled. “Just good genes, Chief.”

Hepointed a finger at me. “I like you, Thorsen. Don’t make me regret it.”

“No,Chief.”

“Nowget the hell out of my office.”

“Yes,Chief.”

“Andfind your partner. Introduce yourself.” He checked his watch. “He should stillbe around here somewhere.”

Oncein the hall, I ignored everyone in the station staring at me. I got used to itbecause of my size, although this time it was probably just professionalcuriosity. They were sizing me up, and I was cool with that because therewasn’t much to dislike about me. I was like a big bear, only domesticated. Allcuddly and sweet—if well-fed.

“Lookingfor Carter?” The guy with a scar on his face asked me. He looked like anasshole, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Bingo,”I replied, throwing my backpack over my shoulder. “I’m Tye, by the way.”

“Adam,”he said, extending his hand. “Welcome to the LD, Tye.”

“Thanks.”

“Carterwent to the locker room. It’s down the hall and to the right. If you hurry, youmight catch him on his way out.”

“Kay.Thanks, man.”

As Ipassed by the red haired, freckled cutie who was blatantly staring at me, Igrinned and winked at her. Yes, I was an incorrigible flirt, but she didn’tmind, not with the shy smile she gave me. I got a feeling she was insecurearound men, but she seemed like a sweetheart.

AfterI passed by the storage room and the gym, I finally found the locker room. Istepped inside, looking around the dimly lit space, only to spot a man with hisback turned to me.

He wasdressed all in black, meaning a black button-down shirt, black slacks, andblack leather shoes. His dark hair was carelessly slicked back, longer on thetop and shorter on the sides. His shoulders and back were pure muscle, whichmeant he was physically active outside of work. My bet would be swimmingbecause he had a swimmer’s body—toned, lean, and powerful. My gaze slid downhis narrow waist to his ass, only to pause there because… damn. I was alwayspartial to a nice behind, and his ass was a perfectly shaped, firm, muscularwork of art. It was a Mona Lisa of asses, and I felt justified for staring.

Mypoint being, he may have been a cop, but he looked like a GQ model. He alsoknew I was there from the moment I stepped into the room, which meant hisinstincts were on point. Maybe he even was as good a cop as everyone keptsaying.

“Hey,there,” I said, officially making my presence known. “You must be Carter.”

Hesaid nothing, merely turned his head to the side, allowing me to see hisprofile.

Oh, mystars.I was wrong. Hewasa GQ model. A very hostilemodel, judging by his expression. Still, his face. God. What was he doing inthe police force? He could have been a face on a billboard, allowing us mortalsto objectify him without feeling guilty. Instead, he was a cop in Shitsville,with his square jawline and chiseled cheekbones and every other part of himthat belonged in a fucking museum. His aquiline nose was no exception,featuring faint marks, which told me he wore eyeglasses, but not always.

“I’mTye,” I tried again, mentally slapping myself for staring at him for too long.“Your new partner.”

Mywords made him smile. It wasn’t a proper smile, though. It was more of a smirk…something dry and mean.

“Look,partner,” he said, turning around.

Oncehe faced me, I stifled a gasp, feeling as if I just got electrocuted or someshit. It wasn’t because he was the best-looking dude I had ever seen. No, no,no, it was the resentment on his face, the barely hidden rage that was almostpalpable. That guy wasangry. And I could only think about how his eyeswere jungle green.

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