Put a politician in charge and everything is sure to go to hell.
Josh stared at his boss, giving him an opportunity to amend his
statement. Frank said nothing. When Frank cleared his throat, Josh
relented. As long as hell came in the form of a beautiful woman with
legs that wouldn't quit!
"Okay, got it." Was this assignment pure coincidence? "But
why me?"
"The Senator and the Chief are old friends. You know the area,
the snitches, and you keep your mouth shut. Ms. Tait felt the two of
you could work together."
Together?
"Be careful, Josh. The press can't get wind of this." Frank
leaned forward. "If you need anything, day or night, call me on my
personal line."
Once Libby had exited the office, Frank called his name. At the
door, Josh hesitated and turned.
"Josh, this is important. Wallace has asked the Chief for a
personal favor. You know how it goes in politics. Both our butts are
on the line." Shaking his head, Frank rose. "Don't screw this up.
Once you find the girl, I don't care what memories you and Ms. Tait
relive, but until then, keep it professional."
"No problem."
Frank removed his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. "I
saw how the two of you looked at each other. And I know you."
"Honest, Frank." Josh lowered his voice, "Ms.
Tait's attractive
but it's been years."
Frank's lips curled. "Come on, Josh. You've ended up in bed with
every female partner I've assigned you."
"Single female partner," Josh corrected. "It's happened twice."
"I'm counting uniforms, too."
Josh winced. Frank had a point.
"I'm the one who had to explain why a news chopper caught you and
Officer Delancy naked on a rooftop. I'm the one who had to explain
why Detective McNeeley has the nickname of "Kneeling McNeeley". Find
Angela Wallace, keep your hands off the Senator's lady, and I'll
wipe the slate clean."
Senator's lady? Was Frank referring to Libby's job or her
relationship with Wallace? Did it matter?
He owed Frank. "Enough said."
Josh caught up with Libby at the elevator. Despite her
conservative suit and hairstyle, Libby radiated sensuality. Her lips
were petal pink and lush. She smiled as she spoke, keeping her voice
lowered so passing department employees couldn't hear their
conversation.
"So, you became a cop. The youngest detective on the force."
"Yeah." He opened his jacket to reveal the weapon in his shoulder
holster and the shield clipped on his belt. "They even gave me a gun
and a badge."
Libby smiled. "So they did."
His gaze slid over her face, hesitated on her mouth. "So you
became a politician."
"Max is the candidate. My job is to help him get elected."
Josh wondered how many staff members called the Senator, Max. "So
how's our old classmate Hal doing?"
"He's remarried. Two kids, a boy and a girl."
Josh punched the down button. "So you divorced him? Find Mr.
Right?"
She shook her head. "Mr. Right doesn't exist."
Josh raked his fingers through his hair. Twenty-four seven took
another interesting twist.
"What about you? Married, engaged, living in sin?"
He displayed his left hand. "No ring. No wife. No intended. I
live alone."
"What do we do now, Detective Logan?"
A couple of interesting ideas popped into his head. Sorry,
Frank. I'm trying.
"I'll need to shed these court clothes and pick up a few things
at home."
His gaze raked her from head to toe and back again. "I suggest
you do the same. Your suit will stand out like a sore thumb. You'll
need to blend in."
One of the most popular guys at Lincoln High, Josh Logan in his
loose tie and dark suit still had a way with women. The combination
of sexy, blue eyes and tough cop was a powerful lure. Libby wondered
how many women's hearts he'd broken over the years.
"I won't get in your way, Josh. Think of us as a team. Tell me
how to blend in."
Hands on his hips, he cocked his head to one side and studied her
face.
"You'll need a new hair style."
"Any suggestions?"
A grin teased his lips. "Let it down. Shake it out. Do something
messy."
He touched her chin. "More makeup. Lots more makeup. Wear more
lipstick. Darker shade." His gaze skimmed her legs and settled on
her feet. "Change your shoes."
"Three-inch heels, right?"
He grinned and punched the down button again. "I like heels,
especially the kind with tiny straps. Forget the pantyhose."
"What have you got against pantyhose?"
"What's sexy about pantyhose?"
"What's sexy about boxers?"
He laughed. The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside.
"Meet you at the Grand Hotel in one hour."
"Any chance I can leave my rental car here and ride with you? I
need to go shopping and since you know the town, we could save
time."
"Shopping?"
"I don't have the type of heels you prefer."
"We'll use my department wheels." He punched a button with a
large B on it. Doors closed, the elevator began a slow descent.
Again, his gaze swept her from head to toe. "While you're at it,
buy new clothes. We won't be hanging out in City Hall."
"Short, tight and sexy?"
In a flash, his eyes changed and his gaze held hers. An easy
smile curled the corners of his mouth. "You're the one in charge,
Ms. Tait."
