Page 16 of Conquering the Skies

“You got it.” Ash adjusted the controls and the small vehicle zoomed forward. “Just like the night we got together so long ago, I promise I have plenty of ways of making you forget everything that’s ever bothered you.”

Chapter Seven

Renae dropped a thick binder onto the center of her desk, where it landed with a thud. “Here’s a hard copy of all the information I’ve been compiling for you,” she said. “In case you find it easier to have it all in one place, or the computer systems go down, or one of the chair legs breaks and you need something to prop it up.”

“Is there actually paper in there?” Though bewildered, Geneva couldn’t stop herself from smiling. “I don’t even think the military keeps too many physical backups these days, unless something has changed since I left.”

“You can never be too prepared.” She matched her expression. “Technology is great and all, but some days, I just can’t stand looking at a screen for one more minute.”

“I know the feeling.”

She tapped the cover with one finger. “I’ll keep adding to it as we continue going through this…what do the business types like to call it…transitional stage. You know I’ll always be willing to answer any questions you may have, but I’d like to keep the interruptions to my beach-lounging time to a minimum.”

“Also understandable.” Geneva rested one elbow on the desk, propping up her head with her hand. “I can’t believe how, after all my jokes and complaints, I’m willingly signing myself up for more paperwork.”

Renae chuckled. “It might seem like a lot all at once, but it’s not so bad. And, if you’re like me, you can still make time to go out in the field whenever you want, get some fresh air and fulfill whatever sense of adventure you have left.”

“But the scheduling, and the database maintenance, and the payroll taxes…” She blew out a long breath.

“You’ll get into the swing of things in no time at all, I’m sure of it.” The older woman leaned against the windowsill. Behind the wide pane of glass, the city’s massive skyscrapers stretched toward the clouds. “However, even if you’re spending a lot of time here…if I could offer you one last suggestion, or piece of advice, or whatever you’d like to call it, it would be to not spend your entire life in this office. I’m not saying I regret anything, because I don’t, but at the end of the day, it’s just a job, and there are plenty of more important things which also deserve your attention.”

Geneva sat back in her chair. “I’d like to think I’ve gotten better at finding a balance over the years. For most of my military career, I was focused on nothing but moving up the ranks and leading my team, but I eventually realized I wanted more.”

“I’m sure the boyfriend helped a little in that regard.” Renae flashed her a grin. “Excuse me. Thefiancé.”

“He may have played a role there, yes.” She swiveled the chair back and forth, running her fingers along the edge of the desk as she moved. “And while I know everyone advises not to mix business with pleasure, so to speak, we worked together for so long without any issues, if he doesn’t find anything else to keep him busy, I’m sure I can find plenty for him to do around here.”

“Together again at last. How sweet.”

The door to the office opened. “Ah, right on cue,” Renae said.

Geneva spun her chair toward the noise in time to see Freya Emory stride across the threshold. “Hello, Detective.”

“Please, there’s no need for formalities,” she said, though she nodded in acknowledgment of the greeting. “I’m not here in any sort of professional capacity.”

Renae slid over to make room for her at the window. “Oh, right. Because every time you’ve visited me here, it was always due to business matters.”

“That, and your high-quality coffee. Don’t forget the coffee.”

Geneva half stood, bracing her hands on the arms of the chair. “If you two need to—”

“No, no, it’s fine. You can stay.” Her dark-brown eyes twinkled. “Freya meant what she said. In case you haven’t heard yet, she’s also planning her upcoming retirement from the police force.”

Freya sat next to her on the ledge. “See? So the title really was unnecessary.”

“Congratulations!” Geneva sat back down. “From what I’ve heard, you’ll be sorely missed.”

She laughed. “Good to know my colleagues are saying all the right things.”

Leaning to one side in the chair, she crossed her legs. “Any big plans for the future yet, or just enjoying some downtime for a bit?”

“Well…” Freya nudged the other woman with her elbow, a smirk curling one side of her lips. “I’ve been told there are a few nice, secluded, relaxing beaches on some nearby planets.”

“Who cares if they’re nearby?” Renae intertwined their fingers, letting their clasped hands linger on Freya’s leg. “We’re retiring. It’s not like we have too many obligations left on Pasurea.”

“We can’t spend the rest of our lives on a beach, or even several beaches. We have to come home eventually!”

“Always such a rule-follower. It’s a good thing you’re getting out while you can.”

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