The Murder That Never Was (Forensic Instincts 5)

“I’m fine, sweetheart.” Hutch reached over and squeezed her hand. “In perfect health. It’s nothing like that.”

Casey felt a surge of relief. “Thank God. In that case, would you stop scaring me and get to it?”

A hard nod. “You’re right. Okay, here it is in a nutshell. I’ve been working a bunch of high-profile cases lately, with both the counterterrorism and the cybercrime squads. Our team was the one who cracked the cases wide open. Most recently, I worked a counterterrorism case for which I was in the forefront. I tracked down the subjects and ended the threat. That’s all I’m at liberty to say.”

“In other words, you were a hero,” Casey said. “I know you. You’re one of a kind and an asset to the Bureau.”

Hutch’s lips curved slightly. “An unbiased opinion. But thanks.” He cleared his throat. “My contributions caught the ey

e of several ASACs. One of them controls all the Violent Crimes Programs in his field office. We have a history. He mentored me when I was a newbie.”

ASAC. Assistant Special Agent in Charge. Casey knew the acronym. She also knew its importance and where this might be heading, even before the next words came out of Hutch’s mouth.

“Thanks to his recommendation, I’m being offered a huge opportunity in a different location,” Hutch continued. “A lateral move but a job that’s in high demand, and a field office to work out of. Obviously, that means I’d be moving away from Quantico. My new role would be squad supervisor of the field office’s NCAVC. I’d be the BAU coordinator and head of all the Violent Crimes squads.”

Casey was trying to absorb all this. “The NCAVC?” she asked, searching her mind for the meaning of that acronym.

“Sorry. The National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. It’s comprised of all five BAU units, including the one I’m transferring from.”

“Wow.” Casey’s eyes widened.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” Hutch continued. “The competition for this job is fierce. It’s in major high demand, sought after by a long list of qualified agents. I caught a lucky break.”

“Lucky break, my ass.” Casey jumped up and went over to hug him. “You earned this promotion, and you deserve it.” She planted a lingering kiss on his lips. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks.” Hutch returned the kiss. “I’m pretty stoked about this.”

Abruptly, Casey’s mind focused on the carefully omitted details.

“A field office.” Her brows drew together. “I’m assuming it’s a major one, but I notice you didn’t mention the city. Are you about to drop the bomb that you’ll be moving to LA?”

“No.” Hutch held her gaze. “I’m about to drop the bomb that I’ll be moving to New York.”

Casey’s jaw dropped. “As in Manhattan? Are you serious?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

Blindly, she shook her head, sinking back down onto her stool. Her head was spinning.

“I haven’t accepted the position yet,” Hutch added, studying her reaction.

Her chin shot up. “Why the hell not? This is the opportunity of a lifetime. You’ll be able to utilize everything you learned at the FBI, the BAU included, plus everything you learned—and loved doing—as a cop.”

“That’s all true,” Hutch replied. “But that opportunity of a lifetime includes being with the woman I love, having a real relationship, not a long-distance affair. It’s a major commitment, and it’s one I want. Do you?”

“Yes,” Casey answered, tears filling her eyes. “That’s all I’ve been thinking about every night when I’m alone in my bed—how we can be together. Really together. It’s what I prayed this talk would be about. That somehow, miraculously, you’d found a way. And, yes, I was prepared to make a real commitment. I was dying to make a real commitment. I just couldn’t figure out how it could happen, given the obstacles. Well, those obstacles are gone now. No more five weeks in between seeing each other. No more seven-hour commutes. No more trying to coordinate our work schedules. This is the best present you could give me. I want to pinch myself to make sure it’s real.”

“It’s real.” Hutch jumped up, closed the gap to Casey’s stool, and pulled her into his arms. “I want this—and you.”

“I want you, too,” Casey murmured, her voice still choked with emotion. “When will this transfer happen?”

“Within weeks—once I accept the job.”

“Which you’ll be accepting in half an hour.”

“Really.” There was a smile in Hutch’s voice. “And what will I be doing during that half hour?”

“Making love to me.”