Her thoughts went to Nisha—the attractive woman she’d met at the Yarnells’ cookout. Yes, the woman was Jed’s teammate, but Maria recognized that look—the one she’d seen when Nisha looked at Jed, but also the one Nisha had shot Maria when she’d arrived as Jed’s plus-one. Not disapproving . . . more threatened. Jealous. If Jed had lost interest over the past three weeks because of Nisha courting him, it could represent a big problem.

I’ve got to get his attention fixed back on me. Whatever it takes.

She strode to the coffee maker, but the thought of a cup nauseated her, so she resumed pacing instead.

The break room door swung open, giving her a start.

“What are you still doing here, Perez?” Lieutenant Marcum Reiss said from the doorway, an eyebrow up as if questioning her judgment.

“I’m heading home in a second, boss,” she said.

“It’s eight o’clock, Perez,” Reiss grumbled. “Which part of ‘take it slow and ease back into things’ didn’t resonate with you?”

“I am taking it easy, boss,” she said. “I promise. I didn’t even leave the precinct today. Catching up on paperwork the whole day. I’m up next to catch a case, and I guess I hoped . . .”

Reiss’s face softened. “I get it, Maria,” he said, nodding. “You love your job and you’re eager to get back, but the gunshot injury protocols are well studied and exist for a reason . . . that reason is your mental health. You’re no good to anyone if you have an emotional or physical breakdown. You need balance in your life.”

“You say that, but you’re here, sir,” she pointed out with a smile.

“Don’t be a smart-ass.” He chuckled. “Look, before I promoted, this job almost cost me my marriage. But no more. My balance is my family—Susan and the kids. And I’ve also taken up running. Now I know you don’t have a family yet, but you need something outside of here, okay? Not because you got shot in the line of duty, but because you’re a good detective and also a good person. Don’t let this job steal your joy.”

“I won’t, sir,” she said. “I’m heading out now, I promise. And I’ll take it slow and easy.”

“Do that,” he called after her as she left the break room.

She sighed and looked at her phone again.

Nothing.

She chewed the inside of her cheek, thinking what to do next. So long as Jed was uncooperative, she couldn’t execute her mission. And Victor was anything but a patient man—or whatever he really was.

Maybe it’s time to shift to the backup plan.

She tapped a message into her phone.

Hey, Rachel. With Jed tied up, I’m feeling lonely. Wanna grab coffee or lunch tomorrow? Would love to catch up with you and hear how Sarah Beth is doing.