To Protect & Serve by V. K. Powell Page B

if the chief hadn’t made his choice clear. But Alex’s defenses still warned against it as they walked across the street to the deli.
    She and Beth settled into the last church-pew booth. The early lunchers at the Main Street Deli had already claimed most of the wall-hugging booths and were busy swigging sweet tea and eating the barbecue lunch special. The blue-haired waitress smiled when they came in and shouted their usual order to the cook.
    Beth studied the pained look that crossed Alex’s face. “I’m sorry about Stacey. I know you liked her a lot.”
    “Yeah, she was a great kid. That’s just one more reason I’ve got to make sure we do this by the book.”
    When Alex’s chef salad and Beth’s cheeseburger platter arrived, Beth took a mouthful and returned to business. “In that case, I don’t think you should eliminate her just because you like her.”
    “Who?” Alex tried for her most innocent look, but her clenching jaw and the heat in her cheeks gave her away.
    “You know exactly who—Keri Morgan. We’ve been over these files a dozen times and you have yet to say one thing about her, pro or con. That tells me you like her. And if you like her, you don’t want to work with her because, because, because…pick a reason. You’ve got a lot of them.”
    “It’s not that I like or dislike her. She’s already on the team, chief’s orders, unless there’s a very good reason not to have her.”
    “Then why are you working my ass off going through all these files?”
    “Because I need to know how she stacks up on her own merits, not because of a political favor the chief owes one of his commanders. You’d do the same thing if you were in my place.”
    Beth searched her face. “Yeah, I would. But you do like her. I know how you operate. You stay closed off by avoiding anything that resembles feelings.”
    “Okay, so she’s attractive and, do I need to remind you, a subordinate. And if that’s not enough, she seems impulsive and emotional. Would you trust her on a case this big?”
    “You bet I would. Your other candidate’s been on the force a long time. She’s got more experience but she’s also got a better chance of being known by Davis or one of his associates. Keri can be impulsive, but that often works in her favor. She’s got keen instincts and she’s got a hard-on for dopers that started about a year ago.”
    “What brought that on?” Last time Alex had an in-depth conversation with Keri, the only thing she seemed serious about was covering her bent partner’s ass.
    “I’m not sure if something happened or she just developed her skills in drug investigations,” Beth said. “Give her a chance. I’ll keep you both out of trouble.” She gave Alex a plastic grin and batted her eyes.
    “That brings me to the last reason I asked you to help. I’d like you to be my team sergeant.”
    Beth’s forkful of French fries hovered in midair. “You really do want to throw me in the fire, don’t you?”
    “You’ve got experience, and I trust you with my life.”
    “When you put it like that, how can I refuse? But there’s something you need to know.”
    “Yeah?”
    “I’ve arrested Davis before, and he’ll probably remember. I broke his damn smart-assed jaw when he resisted. So I won’t be much use to you undercover or even on close surveillance.”
    “That’s fine. I need you for planning, direction, and supervision, but thanks for telling me.”
    “Absolutely. So, who’s the final pick?”
    “Steve Alston from Vice/Narcotics. He’s the best, and I think they’ll get along.”
    “That’s a great idea. It sounds like you’ve got your team. When do we meet the others?”
    “I’ll call you as soon as I can pull it together. Thanks for your help.”
    “You bet. And stay away from psycho bitch. You want me to tell Keri about the job?”
    “No. I’ll do an interview first, just to be on the safe side. I don’t want her, or anyone else, thinking she was an automatic