Second In Command by V.K. Powell

Author:V.K. Powell [Powell, V.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635551860
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2018-11-24T23:00:00+00:00

* * *

“Well, that certainly wasn’t how I thought we’d start our day,” Karen said.

“Yeah, me either.” Jazz regretted her sharp comment to Emory the minute she said it. She understood Emory’s need for order and control. It often made life easier, more predictable, especially after significant life events. Emory was still finding her way after losing her girlfriend, trying to keep her job, and managing a process that could have devastating results for children if handled improperly. Jazz accepted Emory’s rules in principle, just not the need for such strict adherence. Still, her comment was thoughtless, born of frustration on multiple levels. No excuse.

“Hey, you okay?” Karen asked.

“Yeah.” Jazz’s skin tingled from Karen’s hand tucked into the crook of her arm, but her whole body burned from Emory’s dressing down. She didn’t understand what it was like to be a child without anyone to trust, but she was certainly passionate about her beliefs, and that was appealing in a totally different way. And she was right. Jazz should’ve had a conversation with Mrs. Broadmoor before seeing Shea and giving her a cell phone, but bottom line, she’d do whatever she could to help Shea, with or without permission.

“What was that all about?” Karen asked. Jazz gave her the highlights, and Karen said, “Spending time with Shea will improve your mood. Trust me.”

“Thanks, but I should apologize to Mrs. Broadmoor.”

“Later. Shake it off, Lieutenant. We’re here to have a good time.” She pointed two rows down from where they stood. “There’s Shea. Let’s have some fun.”

Jazz stopped when she saw Shea seated beside Louis and Denise Robinson. “What the—”

“Told you I had a surprise.” Karen smiled and kissed her cheek. “I work quickly when motivated.”

“Good to know,” Jazz said as she approached the group. “This is great. You guys have been holding out on me.”

Louis stood and offered his hand. “Ms. Patrick made this happen, with a little help from you I’m guessing.”

Jazz nodded to Denise. “And quickly. I saw Shea yesterday, and she didn’t say anything.”

“Didn’t know,” Shea said.

“I wanted final approval for the trial period before I told you. Got it this morning and thought this would be the perfect way to let you know,” Karen said.

Jazz reached for Shea’s hand. Sometimes her work was rewarding, but nothing compared to seeing the smiles on Shea’s and the Robinsons’ faces. “Mind if I take Shea to the concession stand?”

Louis and Denise waved them away, and Louis added, “Bring lots of food, Lieutenant. Being a dad gives me an appetite.” He winked and his eyes sparked with genuine joy.

Jazz led Shea up the steps through the bleachers to the concession area. “So, how are you with this new development?”

“Good.” Shea grinned. “I like Louis and Denise.”

“They’re good people. Louis works at the substation with me.”

“He said. Maybe we can visit sometime. He and Miss Denise introduced me to their grandchildren this morning, some my age. And I got a tour of the house so I know where everything is. Their place isn’t huge, but it feels like a home.

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