Jane felt beyond embarrassed that all the big, strong men in the room felt the need to watch over the little woman. “Hey,” she barked. “I can take care of myself. Rapp, I’ll be safe enough with these guys. But I’m not off the case.”
He looked right at her. “Never said you were.”
“Okay then.” She nodded. “I’ll be in later tomorrow.”
Rapp ignored the stern looks from Hal and Joe. “Make it Friday. And before you argue, I want you to do your best to think. What is it you know that you don’t know you know?”
“What?”
Hal nodded. “Valid question. She’s on it. I’ll help.”
Rapp considered him and nodded. “Ah, right. The Toy. Heck, yeah. We’d love your help on this.”
Hal preened. He’d be tough to live with for the next few days.
Joe opened his mouth, but Rapp cut him off. “My only goal is for my people to remain safe while we catch a killer. Do what you need to, not that you need me telling you that.”
Joe nodded, his expression odd as he glanced from Rapp to Jane. “So you’re not a couple?”
“What?” Rapp and Jane said at the same time, sounding horrified.
Wait. Why isheupset? I’m a treasure. He should be flattered Joe suggested we’re a thing. Not that Rapp’s ever going to be that lucky.
Joe seemed pleased at the reaction though. She just wished Hal would stop grinning like an idiot.
“Okay then,” Joe growled. “Jane’s protected. Shut this down fast, Rapp. Before I have to.”
“I’d like to. Trust me. If I had my way, I’d…” Rapp glanced at Jane. “I’ll talk to Gambol. See if he wants this done my way—your way—or by the book. See you on Friday.” Rapp nodded to her. “Hal.Randall.” He snorted with amusement when Hal stepped between him and Joe. “Talk to you soon.” He sauntered out the door, not looking back.
Joe kept rumbling beneath his breath, and none of it was complimentary. “I can’t believe you’re working withhim.”
“What’s wrong with Rapp? Besides the obvious, I mean?”
Hal cocked his head. “What’s the obvious?”
Jane ticked off her fingers. “He’s arrogant, standoffish, way too mysterious, and obviously some special ops whiz kid now playing at being a Fed.”
“Well, that hits all the right marks,” Hal agreed. “Joe’s upset because he thought, wrongly, that you two were dating.” Joe made a noise, but Hal continued, “He doesn’t think Rapp will watch out for you, but he’s not a bad guy to have at your back.” After a pause, he added, “Although he’s not someone you want with a knife at your neck.”
Jane huffed. “Who is?”
“Good point.” Joe wrapped an arm around her shoulders, engulfing her. “You make sure he stays on your good side, sweetie. If he does anything you don’t like, you let me know.”
“Don’t like?” Then his meaning settled. “Oh geez, Joe. Seriously. We arenotdating! He’s my not-boss.”
“Not-boss?”
“I work for Gambol. I workwithRapp. And with any luck, I’ll work for a new supervisor at the field office just as soon as OPR clears me.”
“Right.” Joe and Hal shared a look.
“What?”
“Never mind,” Hal said with emphasis that made no sense to her.
Joe shrugged. “Forget it. I’m just being paranoid and protective. But nobody shoots at our Jane and gets away with it.”
“Especially not twice,” Hal said. “Now let’s head home. That’s if the ferry is back on schedule yet. What morons shoot up the ferry and expect it not to be a huge mess?”
