Sweet Dreams Boxed Set by Heather Graham, Alex Kava, Brenda Novak, Lee Child, Erica Spindler, Allison Brennan, Theresa Ragan, Carla Neggers, Cynthia Eden, CJ Lyons, Liliana Hart, J.T. Ellison, Tiffany Snow, Jo Robertson Page B

when the former LG died in office last year.”
    “What are you really saying? That you don’t like Hart and you’re the one who took a hit out on him?”
    He stared at her as if he hadn’t heard what she said. “Excuse me?”
    “I still don’t understand why you’re here. I’m not a cop anymore, remember? I don’t know Hart from Adam.”
    “Sergei Rykov is one of Hart’s major donors.”
    Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t say anything.
    Matt continued. “The FBI has opened an investigating into Hart for racketeering and political corruption, but they haven’t found anything solid. There are a few gray areas, but the FBI hasn’t been able to get anyone on the inside. One of Hooper’s informants said Rykov and Hart are tight, but just because Rykov is a known criminal we can’t pin that on Hart. Rykov also has some legitimate businesses, and you know we’ve never been able to pin anything on him.”
    “Because of me,” she said. “Just say it.”
    “It’s not because of you.”
    “Yes it is. Because I acted too soon, I couldn’t get in.”
    “No one blames you, Alex. You can’t possibly think that.”
    “It’s true. I was so close ... but I don’t know why you’re telling me this. You think Rykov put the hit out on Hart?”
    “I honestly don’t know—Hart has made a lot of enemies, but as far as we know, he’s still tight with Rykov’s people. It could be a power play by another faction, or something unconnected.”
    “I still don’t see what you think I can do.”
    “Feel him out.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “You saved his life today. He’ll reach out to you. Probably give you an accommodation or something. It’s news, Alex. Hooper and I would like you to use that—any in he gives you, take it.”
    She thought of the flowers, and the enclosed card. If you need anything ...
    Matt continued. “And talked to your dad. He’s going to invite Hart over for dinner or drinks to discuss his campaign.”
    She couldn’t have heard him right. Her dad? A political campaign? She wrinkled her nose.
    “Hart has been building endorsements from law and order independents like your dad,” Matt continued. “Andrew said Hart’s campaign already reached out to him, and the fact that you were shot protecting him is a good excuse for Andrew to call.”
    “I can not believe you’re dragging my dad into this. And Hart wasn’t even the target.”
    “What the hell does that mean?”
    “Get a copy of the report,” she said. “I’m not a cop.”
    “Dammit, Alex! How many times do I have to apologize? I feel like shit about what happened last summer. I’m upset that we couldn’t get Rykov, but more than anything I’m furious that you were hung out to dry by the department.”
    “It’s my own fault,” she said. “I agreed with Hooper that it was best to keep the FBI out of it. If they have a chance to stop that bastard, I don’t want to get in the way.”
    “You were nearly killed.”
    “That’s on my partner,” she said flatly, “and he’s in jail.”
    “Then why haven’t you talked to me in eight months?”
    “Why would I? It’s not like we’re friends.”
    “That’s not true. Alex—we are friends. At least, I thought we were.”
    Maybe I don’t want to be friends.
    “It was my decision and my responsibility.” She really didn’t blame Matt, but seeing him hurt. It reminded her of that difficult time. Working undercover. Lying to Jim and her friends. Getting shot. Losing her job.
    She was going to start feeling sorry for herself again. Before Matt could say anything else, she turned the conversation back to the shooting. “I think his legislative aide or consultant or whatever—Eric Huang—was the intended target. I analyzed the angle the shooter had, and Hart was blocked by a display of flowers. Good snipers want a clear shot. If he moved five feet to the right or left, the angle would have been completely different and he’d have had a clear shot of Hart. But