Page 8 of Shield of Love

Him. I wish…

Me, too.

Soon. That vow is from both of us.

**Thayer**

“What the hell is up with Carlton?” Willis asks once we’re in the car, neither of us knowing what to make of her.

Not that we haven’t questioned her behavior before.

She’s focused…on rising through the ranks. Which, for some, goes hand in hand with resolving cases, helping the victims and their families move forward.

For Carlton, the closure they gain is secondary to what she will.

Exposure.

Accolades.

Commendations.

Promotions.

I know for a fact Myers has taken her to task for it in the past, reprimanding her for her lack of empathy to those who’ve suffered. Brought about when he caught her smiling during a press conference held by the mayor to inform the city’s residents the person responsible for a string of carjackings and two shootings connected to them had been apprehended.

Yes, be happy there’s one less asshole on the streets.

No, do not grin as a list of his crimes are read off in conjunction with your name being awarded with his capture.

Showmanship is not what being on the force is about.

It’s about justice.

Being part of a team.

To Carlton, I’ve discovered, she’s the lead and we’re the extras that don’t necessitate a spot on the credits.

The thing is, we’re all fine with that. That’s not why we wear the badge.

As cliché as it sounds, we truly do it for the people.

Carlton does it for herself.

“I wish I knew,” I finally answer in an attempt to be diplomatic, while knowing he’s reading what I don’t say.

“Lillian worked her magic on you,” he points out, his rapid subject change no longer taking me by surprise as it did when we first met.

“Shut it, Michaels.”

“Shutting it,” he agrees. “But, if I was a ventriloquist, I could still talk, and I would say, she’s good for you.”

That has my attention, pushing aside my plan to figure out how to mute him. “What changed your mind?” He wasn’t exactly anti-Lillian that first day, nor was he ready to start preparing a best man speech for the wedding.

Yeah, that’s where I’m going.

“I know,” I assure him, “but I didn’t think you agreed.”

“You smile more around her. Not as grumpy.”

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