“In case Sally didn’t tell you, you’re cooking tonight.” Galen closed the phone over his co-husband’s curse.
Dan grinned at Galen, then fixed Anne with an intent gaze. “My turn.” He leaned forward. “Don’t you think it’s time to return to law enforcement, where you belong? We have an opening—and I know you’ll find my station more to your liking than the archaic one where you started.”
She smiled at him. He’d been after her for years to rejoin the force.
To the police, fugitive recovery was a necessary evil, but not held in high respect. And in all reality, many of the agents were wanna-be cops who’d not scored a law enforcement job. She was the rarity that went the other direction.
Wasn’t it nice to be wanted? She squeezed Ben’s hand before telling Dan, “I’m afraid that wouldn’t work. I’m looking for something part time.”
Ben’s exhalation of relief was audible. He wouldn’t stand in her way, but he’d worry his heart out if she worked law enforcement. Just as she would if he chose that career, actually.
Dan sighed. “Fine.” He glanced at Galen. “Might you contract her out to present skip tracing workshops at my station?”
Galen’s gaze met hers. “Are you accepting my offer?”
“Assuming the contracts and all that look good, yes. I’d be delighted to work for you.”
“Wicked good.” He offered his hand, and they sealed the deal with a handshake. “We’re all set.” He turned to Dan. “We’ll map something out to get you access to her expertise.”
“Anne!”
The familiar voice had her turning to see her two uncles walking up the steps.
Way to ruin a fine day.
She fixed an accusing stare on her father. He’d obviously told his brothers that she was home and having a party.
When he held his hands out in a “What could I do?” gesture, Anne’s mother glared at him as well.
From the way the two incoming resembled Anne’s father, Ben figured they were the asshole uncles from the bail bond company. Fighting back irritation and amusement, he squeezed Anne’s thigh and said in a low voice, “Got a feeling your dad’s going to be sleeping on the couch again tonight. Want me to dispose of the trash for you, Mistress?”
Amusement replaced her frozen expression, and she gave him a light kiss. “I can handle my uncles—and I love you.”
That was definitely his win. Rising, he took a position where he could guard her six.
“Now, Elaine, don’t be mad at Stephan,” said the gray-haired uncle. “Anne, we asked him if we could come by and apologize.”
With a Mistress’s self-possession, Anne folded her hands in her lap. “All right, Uncle Matt. Go ahead.” Head tilted, she waited for her apology.
She’d put them right on the spot.
Biting back a laugh, Ben saw Travis and Harrison doing the same.
Matt gaped for a second and glanced at the other. “Russell, tell her.”
“Right.” Russell ran his hand over his shiny bald pate. “We want you to come back, niece. We’ll let you take over the team again.”
“We need you,” Matt said. “No one is as good as you are at skip tracing.”
“Anyone in the business in Florida knows she’s the best.” Openly amused, Galen butted in. His nosy submissive undoubtedly kept him up on Shadowlands’ gossip—including Anne’s fight with her uncles. “Which is why I hired her the minute she was free.”
“What… You did what?” Russell’s face reddened. “Who the hell are you?”
“I’m a man who appreciates talent and will pay well for the privilege of having Anne in my company,” Galen said smoothly. “Even better, I got here before the Feds made their offer.”
“Feds?”
At the nasal voice, Ben spotted Anne’s asshole cousin Robert.
Harrison straightened.
Scowling, Travis handed the kitten to Anne’s mother. The party was going downhill fast.
And yet, Anne still sat, cool and composed. There were times he appreciated that Mistress armor of hers.
“She’s a police force dropout.” Joining his father, Robert asked Galen, “Did she tell you the FBI wanted her? And you believed her?”
“Actually, my ex-partner at the bureau, Special Agent Buchanan, made the offer and is pretty steamed she turned him down.” Galen had a wolfish grin. “I win.”
“Don’t know your source of information, boy, but she’s not a dropout,” Dan said. “She quit the force. A lot of us have been trying to get her to return to us, where she belongs.” As Detective Sawyer leaned back in his chair, his jacket fell open enough to allow everyone a good long look at his holstered weapon.