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“I’m not sure the timing is practical,” Katelyn tried.
“Connor,” he cautioned. “We’re the EPA. Tell them to make time Thursday or else.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And Benson,” he said before we escaped the office.
I turned. “Sir?”
“You’re riding with Connor until you pass probation.”
After that, Katelyn mumbled curses directed Powell’s way before she locked herself in the big conference room to call the companies.
Ten minutes later, Katelyn told me she had the appointments set up.
“I’ll be ready.”
“He’s such an ass.” She shook her head and went back to her computer.
It would be my first trip back to Thousand Oaks, and after the last time, I wasn’t looking forward to it.
That evening,I wandered into the kitchen in bare feet and my comfy sweats.
Duke was at the stove sautéing mushrooms with his back to me—a very enticingly naked back with a smattering of tattoos.
Before sipping from my second glass of Chablis, I surveyed the stainless appliances and stark white cabinetry of the kitchen. It was all so masculine, with offsetting black granite countertops. It suited him.
Duke raised a brow. “Easy there, slugger. Save some for dinner.”
I gulped down half the glass. Tonight, I’d need more than this to quell my anxiety. “What if Katelyn tells Powell I can’t cut it in the field?”
“I thought she was paired with you to help out?”
“Haven’t you ever had a bad boss?
“Uh…”
“See? You don’t get what office politics can be like. Powell wanted the job to go to Remy. This is his opportunity. I’m on probation. Katelyn gives me a bad report card and that combined with wrecking a car my first time out gives him what he needs to send me back to my old desk.”
Duke gingerly took the glass from my hands, set it on the counter, and wrapped me up like a burrito, rocking me back and forth. “You’re afraid the fix is in?”
I nodded against his shoulder.
“Then we unfix it. I’ll give you a bug to wear that’ll record everything so you have the evidence to fight back if you need it.”
“Really?”
“Sure. Fight sneaky with sneaky.”
“When?”
“Day after tomorrow.”
He adopted that ate-a-lemon face of his. “I don’t like it. Put it off for a week or two.”
“I would if I could, but this is a command performance. And get this, I’m not allowed to wreck another government vehicle.”
He laughed. “Not allowed, huh? Even with another person, I still don’t like it. I obviously can’t ride along with you.”
