Drawn in Blood (Burbank and Parker 2)

“I advised Headquarters that you’ll be submitting your application for reinstatement within the next few days,” Gary concluded. “Barring unforeseen circumstances, you should be leaving for Quantico right after the first of the year. Understand that, even though it’s been only two years since you left the Bureau, you will have to put in the full twenty weeks at the Academy to be current on your training.”

A twinkle. “I suspect there will be aspects of it, like firearms, that you’ll breeze right through.” Gary cleared his throat, finishing up on a serious note. “As I’m sure you’re aware, your background for the two years you were gone will have to be updated to ensure you receive a top secret security clearance. If you had a full polygraph before you left, that’s good for five years, presuming you didn’t have any overseas travel. And, obviously, you won’t have to go through the interviewing process again. So, Bull’s-Eye Burbank, I’d say that by next summer, you should be a special agent again.” A pause. “If that’s what you want.”

Sloane blew out a long breath. The truth was that even she hadn’t realized how much she wanted it until now. “Yes, sir. It’s definitely what I want.”

“Good. Then that’s settled.” He rose, and extended his hand. “Congratulations. I look forward to your rejoining the Bureau, where you clearly belong.”

“As do I. Thank you so much.” Sloane shook Gary’s hand, then leaned forward to shake Tony’s. “I can’t begin to tell you what this means to me.”

“From what I’ve heard about your fierce struggle to heal, I’d say I have a pretty good idea,” Gary replied.

“Congratulations.” Derek spoke up for the first time, giving Sloane a very quick, professional hug. “And welcome home. Being that I’m the grateful agent whose life you saved, and that I’ve worked with you in the past, I think I can confidently say the Bureau is lucky to have you.”

“You forgot to finish that sentence,” Rich informed him, straight-faced, as he shook Sloane’s hand and wished her the best. “What you meant was ‘The Bureau is lucky to have you, and so am I.’”

A collective chuckle went through the room.

“Speaking of which,” Tony added. “Derek, you can take those two weeks’ vacation in December you asked for.”

Derek flashed him a grin. “Thanks, boss.”

“Anything special planned?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.” Protocol be damned, Derek looped an arm around Sloane’s shoulders. “A wedding and a honeymoon. When Bull’s-Eye leaves for Quantico, she and I will be husband and wife.”

“That’s great news.” Tony slapped Derek on the back. “Congratulations to you both.”

Everyone else echoed the sentiment.

“Life’s finally coming together,” Sloane declared. “New marriage. New career. That leaves only one unresolved question.”

“What’s that?” Derek asked, turning to gaze quizzically down at her.

Sloane met his gaze, her lips twitching. “Between the two of us, which one is going to be the lead case agent in life?”