Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“I also enjoyed our conversation. Did you have something the group needs to hear?” Trace probed.
“One of the detectives seated here witnessed you running with Detective Avery Reynolds. A petition has been circulated this morning to have you removed from your position for fraternization.”
Avery stood and locked her knees to appear unfazed. “Each of us in this room worked hard to become a detective. Each of us has a personal life we struggle to balance with the oath we swore to serve our community. We also have each other’s back and work closely together to know more about each other’s personal life than we should know.” She deliberately made eye contact with the officers known commonly to be having affairs, past drug use, and details that were not broadcast openly.
“My personal life is entitled to the same level of privacy as everyone else’s. I’m sure the captain will take care to ensure that no favoritism affects my evaluations and assignments. I hope you realize after working with me that my personal integrity would never allow that. If you don’t, we have a bigger problem than me getting a gold star next to my name on a piece of paper.”
Drawing everyone’s attention back to her, Nicoya ripped the sheet of paper into a million pieces as everyone watched. “Don’t include me in this bullshit next time.” She focused deliberately on the shredded bits in her hand as if to avoid betraying anyone in the room. “I know who works hard and who’s slacking off. Push an unfair agenda because you don’t like the new boss’s policies and I will not hesitate to hang you up to dry.”
Trace cleared his throat and scanned the room, making eye contact with most of the detectives. “I would encourage anyone with concerns to come speak to me. The police board has already been informed that I have an undeniable connection with a detective on the force and that I will insist on stepping down from my position if there is proof that I have violated police supervision guidelines.”
He picked up a stack of papers and concluded, “With that said, I will be at the door to give each team their duty assignments for today as I take the opportunity to keep memorizing your names. Tuesday through Friday, my admin will have them on your desk when you report for duty. His name is Essix. Thank you for your time.”
Without a hint of concern, Trace walked to the door and opened it. After a second’s pause, duos approached. He called the majority by name and apologized to the few he couldn’t recall. His demeanor was perfectly controlled and professional.
Wyatt and Avery presented themselves at the middle of the parade. Avery reached out to take the papers without making eye contact with Trace. She tugged harder and they didn’t budge. Meeting his eyes, she hissed, “Stop.”
“Not going to happen. Be safe out there.” Trace released the papers.
Avery walked past with Wyatt following behind her. She heard Trace give the same advice to the next pair of detectives. “Stay safe out there.”
“You did good,” Wyatt said quietly as they reached their desks, before announcing to the room. “Hell, even if I’d hated that man on sight, I’d be willing to post love notes on his door after that meeting. It was an organizational inspiration.”
“Better grab a supply of sticky notes now. Everyone feels the same way,” another detective commented from behind.
That police officer deliberately made eye contact with Avery and nodded his support. He’d once been on a hairy standoff with a man in need of mental support services when Avery had stepped in to keep the situation from escalating. She’d been able to talk him down so they could get him the help he needed.
Avery nodded back before scooting her chair to Wyatt’s desk so they could determine what their next move was. It was a tough assignment—apprehending a felon who already had too many strikes against him. They’d have to be careful.
Taking a deep breath, Avery settled down to work. Trace trusted her skills and experience. He wasn’t deliberately trying to give her the easy job.
“Hey, Ed. Want to swap duties?” Wyatt called.
Avery looked at him in surprise. Wyatt never did this. They didn’t complain about the jobs they were given.
“What are you doing? Parking lot patrol?” Ed called back, laughing.
“No, Oliver Alliet. You’ve brought him in before, right?”
Immediately, Ed sobered. “Be careful, Wyatt, Avery. I’ve got a hole in the back of my vest from him. Thank goodness I was wearing armor.”
A hush fell over the room as everyone processed who had gotten the most difficult assignment. Several shook their heads and headed out. Avery took note of the ones who met her eyes and those who didn’t.
“Let’s suit up and get going to the last address on file with his parole officer. I don’t think he’ll be there, but maybe we can get some clues,” Wyatt suggested.