The growl came again, a quiet threat, when she noted her office was empty. But the door leading to Roarke’s was open. Rolling her shoulders, she started toward it, and heard the impatience in his voice as she approached the door.
“It’s neither possible nor is it convenient for me to make the trip at this time.”
“But, sir, the situation requires your personal attention. With Tonaka dragging their feet over this acquisition, and the delays in the environmental clearance on the tropical sector, we can’t hope to meet deadline without your immediate intervention. Cost overruns and penalties will—”
“You’re authorized to deal with it. I pay you to deal with it. I’m unable to make the trip to Olympus for the next several days, perhaps longer. If Tonaka is dragging feet, cut them off at the knees. Understood?”
“Yes, sir. If I could have any sort of estimate as to when you might clear the time to survey on site, it would—”
“I’ll let you know when I know.”
Roarke cut transmission, sat back, closed his eyes.
And two things occurred to Eve: First, that he had a complicated, vital, and demanding life apart from hers, one she too often took for granted.
Second, and more important, he looked tired.
He never looked tired.
The temper she’d hoarded like gold slipped away, unneeded. Unwanted. Still, instinct moved her into the room and kept a scowl on her face.
He sensed her instantly, his eyes opening. “Lieutenant.”
“Roarke,” she said in exactly the same cool and measured tone. “I have a number of things to say to you.”
“I’m sure you do. Would you prefer your office?”
“We can start right here. First, in my own fumbling way, I’ve managed to narrow my investigation—my homicide investigation—to one suspect. This suspect will be brought in, detained, and questioned before end of day.”
“Congratulations.”
“Premature. Questioning is not an arrest. At the same time, through another source and through police procedure, I’ve tied Ricker—loosely, but tied him—to those homicides and hope to charge him with conspiracy. It’s a stretch, but it could work and will certainly be enough for me to pull him in and interrogate him. I did those things without you going behind my back and over my head to formulate an operation with my superiors. An operation that puts you at considerable risk, not only physically but in ways we both understand. If the operation goes through, what’s said between you and Ricker will be admissible in court.”
“I’m perfectly aware of that.”
“Your immunity deal will keep you out of a cage, but could—and you know it—potentially damage your reputation and your business.”
Even through the fatigue in his eyes, she caught the glint of arrogance. “Lieutenant, my reputation and my business was forged in the same unsavory fire.”
“That may be, but things are different now. For you.”
“Do you honestly think I can’t weather this?”
“No, Roarke, I think you can and will weather anything, everything. I think there’s nothing beyond your capabilities when your mind is set. It’s almost scary. You pissed me off,” she added.
“I’m perfectly aware of that.”
“You knew you would. If you’d come to me with the idea first—”
“Time was short, and we were both busy. This involves me, Eve, whether you like it or not.”
“I don’t like it, but maybe not for the reasons you think.”
“Regardless, I did what makes sense, what’s most direct. I’m not sorry for it.”
“No apologies? I could make you apologize, pal.”
“Is that so?”