Frown on her face, she absently massaged the scar on her abdomen, left behind from the bullet she had taken for the team, as she replayed the timeline of events in her mind. The last time she’d seen Jed, he’d explained over coffee that he was about to begin a training evolution that would put him “out of pocket” for three weeks. It was unclear to her whether he was giving the training or receiving it, but regardless the module should have ended by now. They’d agreed to touch base and reconnect after, but that hadn’t happened. She could see he’d read her texts, but he’d still not responded to any of them or returned her calls, all of which had gone straight to voice mail.

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.