Rex 01 The Atomic Circus
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“I’m sorry, sir,” he replies. “Not that it isn’t an honour to be asked, but…it’s just not my place.”
“But it could be,” pushes the older man.
Cae shakes his head again, more firmly this time. He has a new set of clues to follow, and pushing papers and signing forms as chief of police will only get in his way. “No,” he says. “It’s not what I want. I’m an investigator. I intend to stay that way.”
The commissioner gives a little sigh. “Well that is disappointing,” he says. “But I appreciate your conviction, son.” Hardy taps his thin fingers together at the desk. “I was hoping to put you straight in, you see. I need someone with the knowledge to take charge right away.”
“There are plenty of good people working in this station with the same training as me, Commissioner,” Cae says by way of apology for his refusal.
“I know,” he replies. “Good people, but not great people. I wanted someone with that spark, you know. Someone to lead with principle. Someone with a real fire about them.”
And even though he’s running on empty now, that wicked streak of inspiration that Caecilius Rex is known for suddenly hits him with an idea. A rather brilliant idea.
“Well, I could make a recommendation to you, Max,” Cae says, his usually rough tone turning smooth.
Hardy sits up happily in his chair, grey brows rising. “Do you mean it, Rex? You know someone like that? A real hero to lead the force?”
“Oh yes, sir,” Cae replies, starting to smile. “I know just the woman.”