With a laugh, Rachel threw her arms around Nick’s neck. “You did it,” she murmured to him. “I want you to remember that. You did it.”

“I’m not going to jail.” He hadn’t been able to allow anyone, even himself, to see how much that had terrified him. He gave Rachel one last squeeze before turning to Zack. “I’m going home.”

“That’s right.” Zack held out a hand. Then, with an oath, he dragged Nick into a hug. “Play your cards right, kid, I’ll even give you a raise.”

“Raise, my butt. I’m working my way up to partner.”

“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I have other clients.” She gave each of them a highly unprofessional kiss.

“We have to celebrate.” Zack caught her hands. There was nothing he could say. Too much that needed to be said. “Seven o’clock, at the bar. Be there.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Rachel,” Nick called out, “you’re the best.”

“No.” She tossed a laugh over her shoulder. “But I will be.”

She was a little late. It couldn’t be helped. How could she have known she’d get a case of criminal assault tossed at her at six o’clock?

Two years with the PD’s office, she reminded herself, grinning a little, as she pushed open the door of the bar.

When the cheer went up, she stopped cold. There were streamers, balloons, and several people in incredibly stupid party hats. A huge banner hung across the back wall.

Next to Rachel, Perry Mason is a Wimp.

It made her laugh, even as Rio hauled her onto his shoulders and carried her to the bar. He set her down, and someone thrust a glass of champagne in her hand.

“Some party.”

Zack tugged at her hair until she turned her face for a kiss. “I tried to make them wait for you, but they got caught up.”

“I’ll catch up…” she began. Then her mouth dropped open. “Mama?”

“We’re already eating Rio’s short ribs,” Nadia informed her. “Now your papa is going to dance with me.”

“Maybe I dance with you later,” Yuri informed his daughter as he swept Nadia off for what was surely to be a polka.

“You invited my parents. And—” She shook her head in wonder. “That’s Alex stuffing meatballs in his face.”

“It’s a private party.” Zack clinked his glass against hers. “Nick made up the list. Take a look.”

She craned her neck and spotted him at a table. “Isn’t that Lola’s daughter?”

“She’s really impressed that he’s been shot.”

“It’s one of the top ten ways to impress a woman.”

“I’ll keep it in mind. Want to dance?”

She took another sip of champagne. “I’d bet a week’s pay you don’t know how to polka.”

“You lose,” he said, and grabbed her hand.