I didn’t hear much of the conversation as Carter, Eric, and Sean greeted her, and she introduced herself to Emanuel. No matter how much I tried to look away, I always found my attention traveling back to her.
“What are your credentials?” Emanuel asked. “Other than being Corey’s sister.”
Jocelyn lifted a perfectly arched eyebrow. “Aside from my five years with the Williamsport Police Department working undercover, and three years working on my own as a private investigator…” She paused. “Nothing.”
“She’s legit,” I added, my voice coming out harsher than I’d anticipated. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Carter and Sean’s heads turn my way. I briefly wondered if they, too, heard the protective nature in my voice.
We talked for a while longer, Jocelyn peppering the meeting with some questions of her own. I updated the group on our visit to Angela’s bar and the evidence I’d collected there. Everyone was eager to get this son of a bitch. None more than me.
I ended the meeting by assuring them that we’d find this son of a bitch. While I meant it, that promise started to feel hollow. I wanted more than promises. I wanted fucking action. Results.
“Are you all right?” Jocelyn asked as we made our way around to the front of the station, where we were both parked.
Narrowing my eyes, I pinned her with my gaze. “I’d be a hell of a lot better if you would’ve stayed in the car.”
She smiled, and it damn near had my head spinning.
“You knew I wasn’t going to remain in the car,” she said. “You probably didn’t even want me to stay there, did you?”
My lips twitched. No, I hadn’t wanted her to stay in the car. I wanted her near me at all times, it started to feel like.
She started to get into her car, but I took her hand in mine.
“Let’s go eat,” I said.
“Where? And what about that Captain Rogers you and Emanuel went to go see?”
“We can talk about Rogers over food. I’m hungrier than a hostage.”
She smirked. “Let’s go.”
“The pizzeria around the corner is delicious.”
“I trust you.”
I stilled. For a moment, she looked like the mouse who’d gotten caught with the cheese.
Within seconds, she schooled her features and gave me a plastic smile. “With food choices,” she clarified. “I trust you withfoodchoices.”
Jocelyn
I hadn’t meantto tell the man I trusted him. We were talking about pizza, for goodness’ sake. It’s not like someone could mess it up. Dough, sauce, and cheese. Three basic ingredients.
As I stared at Don’s plate, however, I began doubting my decision.
“Pineapples? Seriously, pineapples on pizza?”
“Ham too. Don’t forget the ham,” he replied as he sprinkled pepper over his two slices.
I made a disgusted face, removed my jacket, and slung it over the back of the wooden chair.
“Want to taste?” he asked, holding out a slice.
I waved a hand in front of my face. “No, thank you. You and Corey. Ugh.”
“I’m the one who got him hooked on it in the first place.” He laughed and bit into his slice. “We were still in training, and he’d said he never had it.”
“My mother’s allergic to pineapple, and she did all the cooking and ordering the food growing up. I don’t think I knew what Hawaiian pizza was until I went away to college. It’s still nasty as hell.”
