Newburys eyebrows shot up. Pope? That man wouldnt know talent if it bit him in the ass. Hes a by-the-book man, which is great for a lawyer and terrible for a field agent. Your talent is wasted over there.

Harley had always been sensitive to words of praise (a consequence, perhaps, of being overlooked by her father throughout so much of her childhood), but she tried not to show it. She didnt want Newbury buttering her up.

If the investigation goes his way, she answered, it might not matter where I am.

Alex waved a dismissive hand. Its all posturing. Theyll try to crucify you, sure, but at the end of the day, youre the woman who put the cuffs on John Kavers. Youre the reason he wont be victimizing anyone else. No OPR report can change that.

Even if the investigation cant prove anything, though, nothing says it has to end quickly. Hell prolong it as long as possible, bully me into quittinghe knows Ill fall apart if I sit on my hands. I might not be able to go back to work for months.

Alex leaned forward, eyes intent on Harleys face. That doesnt mean you cant work for me.

So thats why Im here, she thought. Not to share my thoughts on a case, but to join the taskforce. She did not know whether to feel flattered or manipulated.

She pressed her lips together in a polite smile. Theres an open investigation on me, remember?

Ever heard of innocent until proven guilty? You said it yourself, its a witch hunt.

Youve been talking with Lloyd.

The big man shrugged. He might be Popes crony, but hes not a bad man. Plenty of decent fellows get put into leadership positions when they dont know a damn thing about leading. Anyone with half a brain would have given you a raise, rolled out the red carpet for youanything to keep you around. But those two knuckleheads? He shook his head.

Harley rose and straightened her skirt. I appreciate your confidence in me, but I came out here to see familynot to transfer from one field office to another.

I understand, Newbury said. And I apologize if this turned into a recruitment pitch. That wasnt my intention.

Newbury opened a drawer, slapped a manila folder on the desk, and slid it toward Harley with three fingers.

Harley raised an eyebrow. Whats this? she said, though she had a pretty good idea she knew the answer.

Call it food for thought. He raised both hands in a defensive posture. I know, I know. You cant take on a case right now. But just read it, will you? If you decide you have nothing to say, you can shred the file and go about your life.