9
Taylor
“How many?” Taylor asked, leaning against a wall in the hallway.
She and Gloria, the District Manager, were discussing the number of graduating recruits that were to be assigned to her district. As the commander’s secretary, it was her job to place them.
“Seven,” she responded with a huff. “Seven fresh out of the academy, wet behind the ears, know every damn thing, thirsty ass rookies just for us.”
Taylor laughed. “Damn, girl. Why so mad?”
“Please,” Gloria scoffed. “You know why. When you were on the street, didn’t you have to work with ‘em?”
“Hell, at some point, I was one of them. We all had to learn and the only way to learn was to work the beat.”
“Hmph…whatever,” Gloria responded with an unflattering lip purse.
In Taylor’s opinion, it took a lot of nerve for Gloria to criticize. She was a civilian. She’d never made the decision to risk her life on a daily basis in order to make the streets a safer place. Her entire career was spent behind a desk, criticizing police officers. Taylor knew all too well that the department couldn’t function without its civilian workforce. However, that didn’t give them the right to shit on hard-working cops.
“Why are you so worried?” she asked. “You don’t have to work with ‘em.”
Gloria’s lips parted as if she was about to respond, but she quickly pressed them back together. Maybe she’d sensed Taylor’s annoyance with her negative attitude. But then her eyes widened, and she looked beyond her.
Taylor turned around and peered down the hall. Her heart fluttered when she saw her gorgeous husband taking powerful and purposeful strides toward her, wearing a navy-blue pinstriped suit and a crisp white shirt. Of course, he was surrounded by his security detail, headed by Gregor.
He smiled as he approached, showing off perfect white teeth and cratered dimples just above a strong, masculine jawline.
Taylor frowned. It wasn’t like Victor to show up at her job in the middle of the day. She instantly began to worry that something bad had happened.
But since he was still smiling when he snaked an arm around her waist, she relaxed a bit.
“Hey, sweet thang,” he whispered in a deep sexy voice, pulling her close.
He held her protectively and tight and kissed the top of her head. Judging by his behavior, something was definitely on his mind. Work or not, she wrapped her arms around his waist and inhaled the fresh, manly scent of mint and sandalwood.
“Honey, what are you doing here?” she whispered against his chest. “What’s happened?”
He gripped her shoulders and took a step back. Taylor looked up and gazed into his intense emerald greens. Despite the smile on his beautiful face, she could see conflict swimming in his expressive eyes. She’d read The Times. She had a pretty good idea what was bothering him, but she didn’t want to be the one to bring it up.
“Everything is fine, sweetheart. I had a meeting nearby and I wanted to see my lady.”
“Must be nice.” Gloria muttered, sarcastically. Taylor had completely forgotten her negative ass was still there.
She turned without actually facing her. “Yep,” Taylor dryly affirmed. “Very nice. I’ll catch you in a minute.”
Gloria eyed Victor up and down before slithering to her office.
“Who’s your friend?” Victor asked.
“That’s Gloria. I wouldn’t call her a friend. She’s the District Manager here. But…are you okay?’
Victor smiled again, showing off his sweet dimples. “Yes, ma’am. I’m fine, just missing my beautiful wife. How are you feeling? Did you eat?’
Taylor smiled and rubbed his back. “Yes, love. I’ve eaten, and I’m feeling just fine.”
“Good to hear.”
He turned and nodded at one of his guards. The officer stepped forward and handed her a basket.
