Opal cleared her throat. “I’m getting drowsy again. Before I fall asleep, I want to make you the offer I’d planned to at lunch, Nari.”

Nari paused. “What offer?”

Opal coughed. “You quit because your feelings were hurt, but you’re good at your job. I’m creating a position for a psychologist who will answer to the chief of staff regarding the mental health of the agents under me. All of them. I want to concentrate on their overall well-being. In addition, this person will be consulted on a myriad of cases. You have all the attributes I want in the ideal candidate.” She trailed off toward the end. “Think about it, and we’ll talk when I can keep my eyes open.” She fell asleep.

Nari gaped. That sounded like a dream job. Her dream job. Well, she’d still be with the HDD and under Quan on the organizational chart, and she wouldn’t get to work with Angus or Roscoe. But those days were gone.

Quan released Opal’s hand. “You’re my daughter and I do care about you, but you’re a liability. Do not take this job.”

A shadow crossed the doorway. “You are such a dick,” Angus Force said, storming inside. His shirt and several of his belt loops were torn, and blood dripped from a cut on his bottom lip. His knuckles also looked swollen. He took one look at Nari. “You okay?”

She settled. For the first time that day the world centered itself. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. “Yes.” Then she barreled into his warm body, burying her face in his hard chest.

* * *

Angus took the impact of her small body, tucking an arm around her. He glared at Quan. “Could you be any more of an asshole?”

Quan glared right back. “My daughter wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for you.”

Yeah, that was probably true. It didn’t give the jackass the right to hurt her feelings like this. Angus held her more tightly and smoothed her hair away from her face. “Is the administrator all right?” he whispered, running his gaze over Nari’s face to make sure she was healthy and in one piece.

Nari nodded. “Bullet to the upper arm, easily extracted, should go home tomorrow.” Her voice was thick with emotion and her dark eyes looked tired. “Why are you all bloody?”

He smiled and held back a wince as his lip protested. “Vaughn and a couple of his buddies tried to stop me from getting to you.”