“Oh. Okay.” Frank looked momentarily confused.
“Something wrong?”
“I just figured there was some sort of pass I needed to get in and out.”
Alex tried not to look at Sylvie. “Nah, if we’re only keeping Betty a few hours, just call to let us know.”
Frank nodded, then smiled. “Thanks. Be seeing you. I hope.” He turned to Stan. “Any word on when or if one of us gets cut?”
Stan rubbed his chin. “Well, I was gonna wait, but, yeah, I just got confirmation they’re not gonna create a new position, so that just leaves the one.”
Sylvie and Frank exchanged looks. Then, Frank extended his hand and Sylvie shook it. “Well, this sucks, Rookie. I was hoping we could both make it.”
She nodded. “It would’ve been great, having my mentor continue onto the Unit with me.”
Frank grinned. “Woulda been nice to continue mentoring you once I’m on the Unit.”
“Sure wish you two had some sort of competitive spirit,” Stan remarked with a smirk. “And really, you both would be an asset to the team. The minute a second position opens, whoever doesn’t make it this time will be notified.”
Frank headed out to his car with Betty. Sylvie started to follow when Stan cleared his throat. “Hand on, Madden. Need to talk to you, too.”
Oh, shit. This is it. He knowsAlex thought.
“What’s up?” Her voice stayed cool and even, as if she didn’t have a care in the world.Excellent acting.
“Something you need to know. The Unit’s already made up its mind and they want you.”
Sylvie’s face filled with joy. “Really?” She glanced at Alex, giving him a dazzling smile and he smiled back.
“Unless you blew it on the written exam today, and I doubt that. But there’s a couple problems and before they offer you the position, I want to make sure they’re cleared up.”
Joy was replaced by wariness. “What are they?”
Fuck. Here it comes.
Stan fixed Alex with a stare. “Well, actually, the first one’s cleared up as of now. I had to make sure that there was no favoritism going on here.”
“Stan—” Alex started, but the man held up a hand and looked at Sylvie.
“I understand the circumstances with the HOA, Sylvie, and that Alex here stepped in because he wants to help, and he knows you’d do great on the Unit.” He looked at Alex again. “Good that just now you offered Frank the same deal without me saying anything. That shows fairness, so I’m gonna drop it.”
“Thanks, Stan.”Bullet dodged. Alex couldn’t imagine how much it would’ve hurt Sylvie to lose out because of him.
“Now, the other thing, Sylvie, and this one’s a real problem. You’re gonna have to figure out that situation with your HOA moving forward. You and Chewie are required to be together twenty-four-seven once the integration training starts. Everyone knows that going in, and I can’t make an exception for you. You’ve got a couple weeks to figure it out.”
She nodded but looked determined. “No worries, Stan. It’ll be settled.”
“If not, the position automatically goes to Frank. I’ll be talking to him about all this tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
They said their goodbyes. Alex ached to walk Sylvie to her vehicle. He could see the tenseness in her shoulders and wanted to take care of it now, not later. He’d see her at the ranch and it would be more torture not to touch her there.This’ll be over soon, one way or another. Once she officially made it onto the Unit and training was over, he was no longer obligated to remain neutral. And the second that happened, he’d kiss her in front of the entire world.
CHAPTERELEVEN
Shake it offSylvie told herself as she drove up the road from the kennels to Arden’s ranch house. She scratched Chewie’s head, who had the rare pleasure of sitting up front beside her for the short drive. She was glad to have the dog for comfort and company. That was just too close. She’d been so afraid that Stan was about to accuse Alex of favoritism, and then Watchdog would lose their contract with the police department, and it would be all her fault. Of course, she’d be upset if she didn’t make the Unit, but she’d still have her job. Alex might have lost his. She couldn’t have that. Those dogs were his life, Kyle and the other men were his brothers.
“I’ll be glad when this is all over, Chewie, won’t you?” The dog looked at her with his ears down, picking up on her emotions if not her words.
