Zach laughed. “Attractive woman.”
“She’s along to protect you, not as entertainment.”
“You’re no fun at all.” Zach tapped the photo again. “Why her?”
“Hardcore cop. Ferocious. Loyal.” He paused. “She’s had to fight for it.”
“It?”
“Everything.”
Zach digested that. Compared it to his own life--everything had been handed to him on a silver platter.
Everything but one.
“Tell me more about her,” Zach said.
“She can’t be corrupted.”
“Everyone’s corruptible.”
“Not her.”
Zach gazed at her picture. Those straightforward brown eyes telegraphed honesty. The loyalty Parker had mentioned.
“Why?”
“She lives the job. Little social life, no romantic interest. Alienated from her few relatives. NOPD’s her family. She decides you’re good for the family, she’ll protect you to the point of death.”
“Sacrifice herself for me.”
“Yes.”
The static in his head spiked. Zach closed the file. “That doesn’t sound too heroic on my part.”
“Leave the heroics to her. She can’t do what you do.”
“And what if she doesn’t think I’m good for the ‘family?’”
“That wouldn’t be in the best interests of either of you.”
“Is that a threat?”
The rare hint a of a smile touched Parker’s mouth. “Not at all, Detective. Just keeping it real.”
Chapter Four
Monday, July 8
8:35 A.M.
Easy on the eyes didn’t begin to cover it, Micki realized, as her new partner entered the conference room. Neither did pretty boy.
Zach Harris was knock-down gorgeous. Brown hair, streaked by the sun, with just the right amount of wave. The bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Brilliant, million dollar smile.
Like that actor, Bradley Cooper. Better looking even. Although how that was possible she couldn’t fathom.
Why couldn’t he have been a troll?
He was accompanied by a dark-haired man in a suit. Put together, real slick. Carried himself like he had a steel rod for a spine. Or a corn cob up his butt.
FBI or military. She was guessing the former.
As she watched, Harris made a beeline for Captain O’Shay. “Aunt Patti,” he said warmly, then hugged her. “I’m so happy to finally meet you.”
Unbelievably good actor, Micki thought, noting O’Shay looked surprised as well. Effing brilliant.
If he could maintain that level of artifice and keep his story straight, this assignment might be less of a clusterfuck than she’d expected.
Harris turned. Looked straight at her. She saw his amusement and squared her shoulders. He could play this bullshit Sixer game all he wanted, no way she was playing along.
She smiled confidently and crossed to him, hand out.
He took it. Something about his fingers curving around hers felt too close. Ditto the way his gaze held hers. Startlingly intimate. But not in a sexual way. As if they really knew each other. Every secret. Their pasts, present fears, and future dreams.
As if he could reach into her soul.
For the love of God, Micki. Get a grip!
“Michaela,” he said softly. “Good to finally meet you.”
Irritated, she freed her hand. “Don’t call me that again. In front of the guys, it’ll blow your cover. And between you and me, I might have to hurt you.”
He laughed softly. “I like you, Detective Dare. This is going to be fun.”
“What do you think we’re doing here, Sixer? You think this is a game?”
“Of course not. This is serious, serious business.” Those spectacularly blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “At your service, Detective. Ready to help catch the bad guys.”
“You’ve been misinformed. I don’t need any help with that.”
He smiled again, real easy. Colored contacts, she decided. It had to be. Vain and cheesy.
“Some folks feel differently about that.”
He knew she was pissed and he was enjoying it. Son of a bitch was playing her. Pushing her buttons on purpose. Studying her reactions.
An angry retort jumped to her lips; she didn’t get the chance to utter it.
“People,” Chief Howard called out, “take a seat.”
They crossed to the table. Harris held out a chair for her.
“That crap stops now,” she said through gritted teeth. “Got it?”
“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” He took the seat for himself, leaving her standing. The last one standing.
“Detective?”
Dammit. She nodded at the Chief and slid into the closest available seat, clear on the other side of the table.
The Chief began. “Detective Harris, we’re excited to have you on-board. Agent Parker,” he continued, turning to the dark-haired man who had arrived with him, “Welcome.”
Micki’s lips twitched. Corn cob, check.
“I’ll be brief. We all know our roles. This initiative is top secret, leaking any information to the press will lead to immediate dismissal. Detective Dare, you blow cover, you’re out.”