She nodded. “So one of them transformed into Natalie King—”
“And took care of everything. You’re getting your job back, Mick.”
“But the tape—”
“What tape?”
Either he had developed a sudden, severe memory problem, or he was messing with her. “The video from the hallway outside King’s apartment, where I look like a crazy person. That one.”
“It’s not an issue anymore.”
Her hands trembled. With burgeoning hope, she realized. That this nightmare, all of it, might be over?
“I don’t understand.”
“Parker called. It’s been taken care of.”
“Somebody lifted it?” He nodded and she had to smile. “You’re telling me a Lightkeeper broke into the CE&P and stole a piece of evidence?”
“Or something like that, yes.”
She was grateful for their efforts, but it wouldn’t be enough to get her job back. “I appreciate all of this. But physical evidence or not, what was seen cannot be unseen. Major Nichols, Captain Newman, and Chief Howard, all saw the tape. I certainly can’t unsee it, and I can’t imagine how they could either. She got me, Zach.”
“That’s been taken care of, too.”
“Wait—” Micki tried to rein in the hope swelling inside her. “Like their memories were wiped?”
“Pretty cool, huh?”
On the nightstand, her cell phone sounded. The hope took hold again, swelling and spreading. She snatched up the device. “This is Dare.”
“Hold for Chief Howard.”
A moment later he came on the line, tone effusive. “Detective, how are you today?”
She wished she could tell him to cut the crap and get to the point, but doubted that would the best avenue to getting her badge back. “Very well, Chief. And you?”
“On top of the world. You saw Natalie King’s press briefing?”
“I did, yes, sir.”
“So you are aware that she rescinded her accusations against you?”
“I am.”
“Excellent. Effective immediately, you’re reinstated. I need you to report to the Eighth, ASAP. Lieutenant Jackson is in charge while the Major is recovering. He has your badge and weapon.”
And that was it? As if the worst of it never happened? She didn’t know how Professor Truebell pulled it off, but she didn’t care.
“Welcome back, Detective.”
“Yes, Chief. Thank you, Chief.”
She ended the call and leapt out of bed, whooping and pumping her fists. After a minute or two, she stopped, suddenly remembering Zach’s presence and the fact she wore nothing but a T-shirt and panties.
She looked over her shoulder at him. He smiled, those amazing blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “Please, don’t stop on account of me.”
She mock-glowered at him, then bent and snatched her jeans up off the floor.
He whistled. “Quite a view, Mick.”
She looked archly at him. “A gentleman would have looked away.”
He folded his arms across his chest and grinned. “I wasn’t aware there was a gentleman in the room.”
“Nice, Hollywood.” She scowled at him and yanked on her jeans. “Very nice.”
“I apologize.” He laughed. “I’ll never look again.”
It was a lie. They both knew it. And the truth was, they both knew she was glad it was.
“I’m heading in, so you might need to get out of here so I can get ready.”
“I’ll hang around, since you’re going to need a ride.”
“The Nova’s here, remember? We picked it up after . . .”
Her voice trailed off. She didn’t like the look in his eyes. She liked what he started to say even less.
“You’ve had a lot of good news this morning. Mick—”
“Don’t you say what—”
“—a little bad news would hardly make a dent in your—”
“—I think you’re going to say.”
But he did it anyway. “Sorry, Mick. Somebody jacked the Nova. I already called it in.”
About the Author:
Erica Spindler is the New York Times and International Chart bestselling author of thirty-three novels and three eNovellas. Published all across the globe, she has been called “The Master of Addictive Suspense” and “Queen of the Romantic Thriller.”
The Lightkeepers is Erica’s first series. It was born of her deep, personal faith and her lifelong fascination with angels, demons, and the end of days.
Erica splits her writing time between her New Orleans area home, her favorite coffeeshop, and a lakeside writing retreat. She’s married to her college sweetheart, has two sons and the constant companionship of Roxie, the wonder retriever.
Erica is currently at home in New Orleans, writing her next The Lightkeepers adventure, FOURTH HORSEMAN.
Other Books by this Author:
The Lightkeepers series
Random Acts (prequel)
The Final Seven
Triple Six
The Other Girl
The First Wife
Justice for Sara
Watch Me Die
Blood Vines
Breakneck
Last Known Victim
Copycat
Killer Takes All
See Jane Die
In Silence
Dead Run
Bone Cold
All Fall Down
Cause for Alarm
Shocking Pink
Fortune
Forbidden Fruit
Red
Look for
FOURTH HORSEMAN,
the fourth title in The Lightkeepers series -
coming 2019
http://www.ericaspindler.com/
Connect with Erica Online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaSpindler
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/EricaSpindler
Website: http://www.ericaspindler.com/
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