Lifeline

The corner of his mouth lifts, then he steals a kiss before heading to the oven to take the garlic bread out.

God, we’re dealing with too much too soon.

O’Brien

It’s been two weeks since JJ and I cleared the air between us. I’ve been giving her time to get used to the idea of us being a couple.

Walking into the Organized Crime Unit’s office space, whistles and cheers sound up, my team gathered to welcome me back.

Thick emotion wells in my chest. “I haven’t been gone that long. Let’s get to work.”

“Shut up and take the welcome,” Finch says, coming to give me a brotherly hug.

“Missed you,” Rossi says, hugging me as well.

“Finally,” Eric sighs. “This place has been morbid without you.”

Uncle Carl grins from where he’s standing outside his office. “I’m going to make you work your ass off, O’Brien.”

“Yes, Chief.”

JJ tries to keep her distance as her eyes rest on me, her love for me shining from her deep blues. “It’s really good to have you back.”

Grabbing hold of her arm, I yank her closer and plant a kiss on her lips.

“I haven’t told the team yet,” she mumbles against my mouth.

“Like we didn’t know,” Rossi laughs. “Took you long enough.”

I wrap my arms around JJ, holding her prisoner against my chest, and kiss her again.

When I lift my head, she smiles at me. “Thanks for the flowers, but you have to stop now. I have zero space left in my house.”

I glance at her workspace and laugh when I see the fresh bouquet on her desk. I’ve been sending her flowers every day the past two weeks, alternating between peonies and poppies.

“Get to work, people,” Chief snaps, and I let go of JJ.

Walking to my desk, I say, “Catch me up with work, JJ.”

She pulls a chair closer to my desk, then says, “Still nothing on the whereabouts of Dobroshi.” Her eyes meet mine. “You wouldn’t know where he could be hiding?”

Joseph.

My heart actually lurches a weird mixture of relief and tension, hearing he got away.

Shaking my head, I reply, “I have no idea.”

She stares at me for a moment longer, then continues, “We’ve brought charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons trafficking, murder, kidnapping, bribery, sex trafficking, and rape against all the members of the Bregu syndicate. We’ve been assured there will be no bail set as they’re all flight risks.”

“That should get them back-to-back life sentences,” I say, letting out a heavy breath.

“Yeah.” JJ shifts in her chair. “We’ll have to testify.”

I nod, but then realize she said ‘we.’ “You as well?”

“Yes.” Clearing her throat, she explains, “I’m testifying against Berisha, Sadiki, Idrizi…” she clears her throat again. “And Rama.”

I start to shake my head but then ask, “On the stand or a recorded testimony?”

She lifts her chin. “On the stand.”

“JJ. No.”

“I have to,” she glances down at my empty desk, then takes a deep breath before meeting my eyes again. “I have to do this. For me. For the girls on that yacht.”

Understanding where she’s coming from, I reluctantly let it go. Reaching for her hand, I give it a squeeze. “I’ll be there every step of the way.”

She gives me a thankful smile, then gestures at the meeting room. “While we’re waiting for the court date to be set, we have a new case.”

Getting up, I follow JJ to the room and stop in front of the whiteboard. My right eyebrow lifts, and I let out a chuckle. “Polish Mafia? Who’s idea was this?”

“Mine.”

I glance down at JJ. “You got all this information in two months?”

“I had a lot of time to kill.”

“Good work, Jefferson,” I praise her, making a grin form on her face. “Okay, who’s who?”

We spend a solid four hours with JJ bringing me up to speed before Uncle Carl comes into the room. “Take a break, guys.”

Glancing at the time, I notice it’s past twelve. “Shit, we’re going to be late.”

“For what?” he asks.

“Appointment with Dr. Ramsey,” JJ answers for me. “O’Brien agreed to come with me.”

A smile spreads over my uncle’s face. “Damn, JJ. You’re a miracle worker.” He stands to the side. “Get going before O’Brien changes his mind.”

As we head toward the elevators, I smile down at JJ. “My uncle loves you.”

Her eyes widen. “You think?”

“I know.”

On our way down to the underground parking, I lean back against the panel and stare at JJ until she starts to fidget and asks, “What’s with the look?”

I shrug. “Just admiring you.”

Her lips instantly curve up. “In that case, admire away.”

Letting out a chuckle as the doors open, I exit first, my eyes automatically scanning for threats, before I place my hand on her lower back.

“A gentleman would let the lady exit first,” JJ teases me.

“Hell no,” I disagree. “And let you take the bullet first? Not a chance in hell.”