“Anything else?” O’Neil asked.

Which was exactly the wrong thing to say.

“Actually, Michael, there is.”

They rarely used each other’s first names. This was a shot across the bow. “I want to know what’s on your mind. And if you say ‘Nothing,’ I’m probably going to scream.”

“Been a long day.”

“That’s as much of a screamer as a man saying ‘Nothing.’”

“Didn’t know that was a gender issue.”

“You’re right. But you’re the one acting out here.”

“Acting out.”

“Yes.”

“Well, if I’m pissed off, it’s because this hasn’t been the most successful operation on record. Losing the perp is one thing. But we also got an officer wounded down there.”

“And that was unfortunate. But we didn’t get him shot. He got himself shot by not being aware of his surroundings. Basic street procedures, and I’m not even a street cop. But, come on. No bullshit. Tell me.”

The jaw and tongue form an obvious configuration to make the nasal occlusive sound—that is, a word beginning with the consonant n. O’Neil’s face was clearly forming that, a preface to the word nothing. Instead he said, “You’re making a mistake.”

“Mistake?”

“Okay. The truth?”

As opposed to what? she thought and lifted an ironic eyebrow.

“The Guzman Connection, Serrano.”

This surprised her. She was sure he was upset to find Jon Boling had spent the night.

“How do you mean? What about Serrano?”

“I don’t like you involved, not the way you’re handling it.”

This was news to her. O’Neil wasn’t involved in either Operation Pipeline or the subsets, the Guzman Connection and the Serrano matter.

“Why?”

“I just don’t.”

As if that told her anything. She sighed.

“Let somebody else run it.”

“Who? I’m the only one.”

This wasn’t completely accurate, and his silence called her on the matter. She was angry that she felt defensive. “I want to run it.”

“I heard you with TJ. The Serrano thing tomorrow. There’ll be somebody from the task force. Who else’s going with you?”

“Al.” Big Albert Stemple. Her muscle.

“Why not take a whole team?”

“Because that’ll set off alarms.”

“And what if some banger finds out a key player in the Pipeline op is in Motel Six with one of his boys and he sends in a team of shooters to take you out?”

“I’ve thought about that. It’s an acceptable risk.”

“Oh, define that.”

“Michael.”

“Just take a weapon. That’s all I’m saying.”

Oh, so that’s what this was about.

“I’m Civ-Div, and I—”

“You are not. You’re full investigative. That’s the way you’re acting, at least.”

“Well, I can’t have a gun. Procedures. There’s no alternative.”

“Take one anyway. A Bodyguard, a Nano. I’ll give you one of mine.”

“It’s a breach of—”

“It’s only a breach if you get caught.”

“And getting caught could ruin everything.”

“Okay, Serrano’s your priority. You want to play that out, fine.”

Like he was giving her permission.

“Then give up Solitude Creek. I’ll run it with my people. Coordinate with TJ and Rey. Even bring Connie Ramirez in.” His voice was raw, like a purple line of storm cloud moving in. He added, “CBI’ll get full credit.”