Page 76 of Luck Be Mine
“FBI drop out.”
“Do tell?”
“She applied on the website. Believe it or not, we do hire people we don’t know.”
Laughing, Cait finished clearing her desk. She wasn’t hanging around tonight. She was going home to pajamas, a book she’d been wanting to read, and a pint of ice cream in the freezer. It was Hunt’s favorite, but he shouldn’t leave her home alone with it. “She’ll be a first.”
“Not true. We didn’t know Celissa when Elizabeth hired her.”
“True, but she doesn’t really work for you. She works for Elizabeth.”
“Hey, Mackey and I pay the bills.”
She deadpan stared at him. “I believe Elizabeth pays them as well as runs everything else around here except all the caseload, but I’ll let you think you do. I’m just saying.”
Quaid rose from his chair. “Why do I take this harassment?”
“You came in here and started with me.” Wiping the smile off her face, she got serious. “I’m not leaving, Quaid. Yes, I’m stretched a bit thin, but there are other solutions. Let me talk to Elizabeth.”
“You should. I don’t want to explain to Hunt why you’ve had a nervous breakdown.”
“Well, explain to Hunt his wife is lonely and would do a great deal better if he told the Navy no.”
“I don’t think it works that way.”
Cait snorted and shoved her files and iPad into the cabinet drawer and twisted the lock. “It would be a hell of a world if it did.”
“Not one I’d like to live in, and you should probably tell your husband all those things yourself.”
Again, she dropped the banter. “I’m really proud of him. I respect what he does, and I wouldn’t ever tell him he had to quit something he’s so damn good at.”
“I knew you had a foible. It’s what makes you so sappy.”
“Get out. I’m going home now unless there is some dire medical emergency.”
“None I know of. One case of the flu, no blood, no missions on tap that would cause blood. Get out and get some rest.” He walked to the door.
“Quaid?” He paused like she intended.
“Yeah?”
“Stop dating for a while. I’ve heard it works.”
Quaid smiled. “Amazing. I’ve already decided to quit. Now if I could stay off the world’s most eligible bachelor’s list.”
“Why? Gotta have a bit of fun.”
“Don’t need the headache. Good night, Doctor. See you tomorrow?”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I hear I need rest.”
“Yes, you do. We’ll make it work without you. We should think about hiring another doctor for relief.”
“Only if I get a say.”
“Of course. Always. Night, Cait.”
“Night, Quaid.”
