Page 122 of The Savior

Her chin dropped. “Why did you call me in anyway?”

Calhoun cleared his throat. “Mac’s going to be overseeing a taskforce that works with several agencies, and he’s suggested their first focus be Zee Zee Mars.”

He’d thrown her under the bus for clout and seniority, and had to steal her work? She could see how all the pieces fell into place, even if Calhoun or Casper couldn’t. Mac knew what he was doing. She smiled weakly. “Congratulations. Even if you didn’t earn it.”

“Kilpatrick,” Calhoun warned.

She stood and didn’t care what more Calhoun had to say. “At least I know why I’ve been accused of a nonexistent drinking problem and the basis for the relationship with my boyfriend has been publicly called into question.”

“Boyfriend.” Mac snickered.

Calhoun shot Mac a look to stand down, but that didn’t change what had happened. She was dangerously close to balling her fists and beating the ever-loving daylights out of her partner. But given the two oh-so-neutral witnesses, she’d probably find herself in lock-up. “I should go.”

“I’ll give you a buzz if I have any questions about Mars.” Mac rocked back. “But I think we have her handled.”

That cocky son of a biscuit-eating polar bear.She chewed the inside of her mouth, only when she was certain that speaking wouldn’t mean throwing herself across the table to claw his eyes out, Chelsea simply said, “I’m sure.”

Mac pursed his lips and glanced at Calhoun.

Calhoun now seemed confused and looked at Dr. Casper, but he was busily scribbling notes.

“I want you to come back when you’re ready,” Calhoun said.

“Who will make that call?” Her hands clenched again, and her palms would bleed before theimpromptumeeting ended.

Mac muttered something under his breath, and she did too.

“Enough.” Calhoun stood. “You two can’t work together, even if you were back on duty today.”

“Sir—”

Calhoun waved away her interruption. “Kilpatrick, before you leave, double check with Mac on any missing holes, and then you two, get to different corners.”

How could I lose everything I’ve worked on?Nausea rolled over her again. An unsettling sweat broke out at the back of her neck and between her breasts. Her stomach churned, and she didn’t feel as if the room had enough air. She pressed her lips together and tried not to vomit.

“Kilpatrick?” Calhoun’s beady eyes narrowed. “Are we going to have another problem?”

Yes…his decisions were making her ill. This absurd situation called for internal affairs to investigate—or something! But a request for an IA investigation could ruin her career, and she tried to see what was important. Catching Zee Zee. That was what Chelsea needed to focus on. She swallowed hard and prayed for team-player strength and the miraculous appearance of a roll of antacids. “Anything to capture Mars.”

The corners of Mac’s lips turned up slightly. Whatever had happened in Kentucky gave them a break and created a multi-agency taskforce, and she’d never know if Mac didn’t share.

“And.” Calhoun inhaled and let it out while he made eye contact with the doctor. “Kilpatrick, I think the best way to handle your current situation is to remain as we are. Your benefits will continue while we work this out.”

“This is insane,” Chelsea protested.

“We’ve talked enough for today.” Calhoun offered a worried look. “Iwant you to come back, but get your life under control first.”

---