Harley didnt like the way this was going. Spent a weekend in Vegas last year.

Whens the last time you took time off? Regular working hours, I mean?

She blinked, unable to remember.

Its taking a toll on you, Harley, Lloyd continued. Nobody can keep up that pace and expect to be fine.

Its worked so far, she answered. She needed the workit was what allowed her to make sense of the world. When she wasnt on a case, she felt listless and adrift.

Lloyd rubbed his temples. You need a break. A chance to recover, find some hobbies.

That was when it hit her. She looked from Lloyd to Pope, who regarded her with a cold gaze, and then back to Lloyd again. Youre putting me on leave?

Its temporary, of course, Lloyd added, as if this would cushion the blow. As if he hadnt just pulled the carpet out from beneath her feet.

Harley couldnt believe what she was hearing. She frowned, trying to understand. I dont get it. I just brought Kavers in, and you want to shelve me?

Lloyd sighed. Look, we both know your methods can be…

Effective?

Unconventional. Dangerous, even.

Its a dangerous job. Were catching killers, not shoplifters.

And that makes it even more important we do things by the book. What happens when his case gets thrown out because you got ahead of yourself? What happens when he kills again?

She had already considered this. He wont. I was careful.

Careful? Popes voice was a low rumble, like a truck in the distance. You searched that van long before the judge signed the warrant. If that comes to light, the whole case gets thrown out.

She stared hard at him, unwilling to back down. And if I had waited, he would have ditched the van and hed still be out there.

This isnt the Wild West, Harley, Lloyd said. You cant just make it up as you go.

She turned toward the Unit Chief, filled with a sudden sense of desperation. Dont do this, Lloyd. I need this jobits all I have. Without this… It was like a black hole, and she was spinning uncontrollably down into it. Her hands felt sweaty, her mouth dry.

Its final, Lloyd said in a quieter voice. The OPR has already opened an investigation. Im sorry. The OPR was the Office of Professional Responsibility, the FBIs version of Internal Affairs.

Harley glanced at Pope. She knew he was the real reason behind this, the master pulling the puppets strings. He could have done so from a distance, but instead he had come in person, probably because he wanted to see the expression on Harleys face.