The In Death Collection Books 6-10 - J. D. Robb [367]
“It so happens I already have that information, or most of it, for you.” Roarke grinned at her when she turned around and stared at him. “Welcome back, Lieutenant.” He held out a hand to her. “You’ve been missed.”
“It’s good to be back.” She went to him, took his hand. “Roarke, however this turns out, the department may consider it more efficient damage control to . . . they may not reinstate me.”
His eyes on hers, he brushed his fingers through her hair, rubbed them firm and steady over the tension at the base of her neck. “That would be their very great loss.”
“Whatever happens, I have to do this. I have to finish what I started. I can’t walk away from the faces I see in my sleep. I can’t turn my back on the job that saved me. If, after it’s done, it’s still over for me . . .”
“Don’t think that way.”
“I have to prepare for it.” Her eyes were dark and steady, but he could see fear riding in them. “I want you to know I’ll get through it. I won’t fall apart on you again.”
“Eve.” He cupped her face in his hands. “We’ll make this right. Trust me.”
“I am trusting you. For God’s sake, Roarke, I’m going rogue. And I’m taking you with me.”
He laid his lips firmly on hers. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You’ll probably enjoy the hell out of this,” she muttered. “Okay, we’d better get started. Can you do something to the computer in my office to confuse CompuGuard?”
“Is that a rhetorical question?” With a laugh, he slid an arm around her waist and started toward the connecting doors.
It took him under ten minutes. She tried not to be impressed, but the simple fact was, it baffled her just how quickly those clever fingers of his could seduce electronics and make them hum.
“You’re clean and clear,” he told her.
“You’re sure CompuGuard won’t click to it when I run NYPSD data on here?”
“If you’re going to insult me, I’ll just go play with my own toys and leave you alone.”
“Don’t be so sensitive. I could do a lot of time in a cage for this, you know.”
“I’d visit you every week.”
“Yeah, from the cage next door.” When he only grinned at that, she shifted close. “How do I access the data?” she began, only to have him slap her hand away before she could touch the keyboard.
“Please, you’re such an amateur.” He danced his fingers over the keyboard. The machine hummed cooperatively, lights blinking. When a husky female computer-animated voice announced, “Transfer complete,” Eve raised her eyebrows.
“What happened to the default voice on this?”
“If I’m going to be working on this unit, I get to pick who talks to me.”
“You’re awfully simple at times, Roarke. Now, get out of my chair. I’ve got work to do before they get here.”
“You’re welcome,” he said just a bit testily, but before he could rise, she grabbed his shirt, yanked, and crushed her mouth to his in a long, hard kiss.
“Thanks.”
“You’re very welcome.” He patted her butt as they shifted positions. “Coffee, Lieutenant?”
“A couple of gallons would be a good start.” She managed a smile. “Computer, print out stills of all crime scene photos, all pertaining files. On-screen, autopsy results on Bowers, Officer Ellen.”
Working . . .
“Yeah,” Eve said under her breath. “We’re working.”
Within thirty minutes, she had hard copies of specific data tucked in a drawer and had scanned reports to bring herself up to date. She was ready when Feeney arrived with Peabody and McNab.
“I’ve got one thing to say,” Feeney began before Eve could speak. “We’re not letting it go down this way. I’ve said my piece to Whitney, official and personal.”
“Feeney—”
“Just shut up.” His usually rumpled face was tight with anger, his voice clipped. When he jabbed his finger at a chair, Eve sat