Hard Days Knight: Under-Cover Knights, Book 1 by Livia Quinn Read Free Book Online

here who would categorize himself or herself that way. How many of you know a cop personally?” No hands went up.
    “Well, now that’s just sad. Cops are people, too. Well now, you can say you know one and I hope you’ll think of me as a friend. The thing is, you can run across a bad cop like you can a crooked store manager or a bad parent; but the majority of police officers are here to serve and protect. Passing judgment is not our job.”
    She looked over at Luc, wondered if he was thinking about the day she’d thought him a thief, and just yesterday, a Lothario.
    “You all know the code to dial for emergency—911? Well just put an extra one on the end and you have my badge number. 9111. If you ever need anything or you find yourself in a situation you can’t get out of, call the Police Department at 555-2222 and ask for badge number 9111. They’ll put you through no matter where I am or what time it is. My partner’s name is Jed just in case you get put through to him. Just mention I’m your friend, and he’ll respond as if it was me.
    “If you have a passion for fairness and the will to stand in the gap between those who prey and their victims, you might be my next partner.”
    They clapped for her as she stepped aside. Luc took her place.
    He thanked Del and turned to the group. “My turn. We’ve been talking about positive attributes today. Talents. Have you identified your best quality? Knowing that might lead you to discover your passion. Maybe it’s not even community related. You might be the next Michelangelo or American Idol.”
    They were suddenly shy, looking at their laps, fiddling with hair, so Del said, “I have an idea. Sometimes it’s easier to see the good qualities in our friends. I’ll go first.” She looked at Luc. “I haven’t known Mr. Larue long, and he’d be too shy to admit it about himself…”
    Luc groaned. She wouldn’t. He tried to communicate with a panicked stare. She smiled back at him drawing out the moment just for meanness.
    “Luc Larue… is a very generous man. Would you all agree?”
    “And he’s got a wicked lay-up,” said Jude.
    “Yeah, that too,” Del said, looking at Luc, who let out a relieved breath.
    Monette said, “I can tell you one of Angel’s strengths.”
    Angel rolled his eyes as if to say the whole conversation was silly, but Del noticed he moved forward in his seat to hear her more clearly.
    “He’s loyal. He sticks by his friends and doesn’t let anyone disparage them.”
    “Ugh…what does ‘disparage’ mean?” asked the small boy behind her with a whine.
    She turned around. “And you, Jeremiah,” she said. “You are always trying to learn, always asking questions.”
    “Well, Monette got us off to a good start. Anyone else?” asked Luc.
    Tia said quietly, “Jude is compassionate and tenderhearted.” She looked down at her twisting hands.
    Jude jumped up from his seat suddenly and said to her, “That’s not true.”
    Angel rose as well. “This is stupid. I got somewhere I have to be.”
    Angel glared at Tia and stomped after Jude, handing the leash to Jeremiah before they left through the front door.
    From the stunned silence came a small voice. “I think I’m a geek.”
    Even blinking back tears, Monette didn’t miss a beat. “Reuben’s right. He is always trying to figure out how video games are made. It’s kinda irritating, Reuben.” She bumped him on the knees with her shoulders and smiled. Reuben obviously didn’t think that was a compliment.
    Luc needed to salvage the exercise. “Sometimes we don’t see ourselves as others see us. There’s almost always stuff going on with one side or the other that should be taken into consideration. Let’s not be too hasty to judge.
    “I appreciate everyone coming out today. Don’t forget the basketball game Tuesday night at 6:00. Monette and Tia, if you’d remind Jude and Angel.”
    “Sure, Mr. Larue, but they wouldn’t miss a game for nothin’.” The girls