This sounds more involved than I think Im up for right now. Ive seen how Jasper Otis operates. The guy runs a media empire and isnt afraid to use it to crush people who get in his way. Do you really want to hand this over to a part-time profiler whose attention is focused on her invalid boyfriend and her rebellious sister?

I wouldnt have reached out if I didnt think you were up for it, he told her. And frankly, I dont have much choice. All my HSS detectives are on other cases right now. Youre the only experienced hand at my disposal.

She sensed that he wasnt being completely forthright.

Captain, is that the only reason? she pressed.

Officially, yes, he said, before adding after a brief pause, Unofficially, I dont trust anyone else on this. Obviously Jasper Otis is an incredibly high-profile person. The pressure on this thing is going to be enormous and I know you can handle it. I also know you can move fast. Once the press gets word of this, itll be a circus. We have to stay ahead of the news. Do you know anyone more qualified for the job than you are?

When he laid it out so bluntly, turning the case down felt even harder.

But you said you dont even have a detective assigned yet? she asked, incredulous. He really was throwing her to the wolves.

No. I thought Id let you pick your partner for this one. Since HSS is a priority unit, I can pull from any station in the city if the need arises. Any detective not currently assigned to a case is yours for the taking.

Jessie smiled despite herself.

I know what youre doing, Captain, she said.

Whats that? he asked, feigning innocence.

Youre hoping that by telling me Im the only one who can handle this case and letting me pick who I work with, youll make it too tempting for me to say no.

He shrugged noncommittally.

Thats a scurrilous accusation, he said mildly. Did it work?

She sighed. It was tempting. Her class didnt start until next week. Hannah would be back in school tomorrow. If need be, she could have the nurse work full-time for a few days. And if things got too time-consuming, she could beg off and leave the case in the hands of someone she trusted.

Two conditions, she said.

Go ahead.

First, I have to be home to take care of my family. That means normal hoursno running out in the middle of the night. Second, if it gets to be too much, I can bail without consequence. You can keep the detective for continuity but Im not putting my home life on the back burner for any case, even one involving a billionaire. Deal?

Decker scrunched up his face and she thought he was about to balk.

What detective do you want?

CHAPTER TWO

Hello? Detective Karen Bray said sleepily.