“I’ve been following your career since the earlier incident that we don’t need to rehash now. But let me just say I admired the way you handled yourself after that, and your superiors have nothing but praise for you and your work. It’s an honor to offer you the deputy chief position if you’re interested.”

This was it. “I’m interested—and nervous. It’s not every day that a detective is promoted three ranks. I expect to have some pushback from my colleagues.”

“Which I’m sure you’ll handle with the aplomb and professionalism you’ve exhibited thus far. I made it clear from the beginning, after Conklin was relieved of his position, that I wanted a woman in the job. Your boss turned me down cold, twice, but she enthusiastically recommended you, as did Captain Malone and Chief Farnsworth.”

That brought tears to Jeannie’s eyes. She had so much love for Sam Holland as a boss and a friend and tremendous respect for the captain and chief. “That’s nice to hear.”

“So, have I found my new deputy chief of police?”

“I should mention I’m expecting my first child this summer.”

“We can work around that, but thank you for letting me know—and congratulations.”

“Thank you. We’re excited, and now this is happening.”

“Does that mean you accept my offer?”

“I believe it does.”

“Excellent! We’ll hold a press conference at city hall in a day or two to announce the news. In the meantime, tell the people you need to tell so they hear it from you. The deputy chief works closely with me and my office, and in the wake of the FBI report, it’s safe to say we have hard work to do. I’m looking forward to doing that work with you, Deputy Chief McBride.”

Hearing that title attached to her name for the first time would go down as one of the most amazing—and surreal—moments of Jeannie’s life. “Thank you for your faith in me, ma’am. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise, and please, call me Monique. I’ll be back in touch about swearing you in, and in the meantime… Jeannie, you might want to see about acquiring new uniforms.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you again.”

“My pleasure.”

Jeannie ended the call and sat for the longest time in her car, trying to process that this was really happening before she remembered Michael was waiting to hear from her. She pressed his name at the top of her Favorites list.

He answered on the first ring. “So?”

“How does Deputy Chief McBride sound?”

“I think it sounds wonderful. Aw, baby, I’m so proud, I’m bursting.”

“There’ll be a swearing-in ceremony at city hall in the next day or two. Can you be there with me?”

“I wouldn’t miss that for anything.”

Chapter Twenty-Six