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    makes any sense to me. Why on earth would Breathwaite want to take a demotion to come back? And what the blazes does that have to do with Redfield? Are they connected in some way? Am I just being paranoid here?”
    Jay started to jump in, but Peter interrupted quietly, “I don’t think you’re imagining this, my friend. I’m just having trouble putting the pieces together right now. Redfield was never a Breathwaite fan, to be sure. So that’s a tough one to reconcile. I’ll have to think about that and get back to you. As for Marisa, well, she’s not the sharpest crayon in the box, so I can’t say I’m surprised that she would be doing her ex-boss’s bidding. At the time they created the new position for him, Breathwaite had managed to draw too much heat. I think the governor actually was getting set to fire his ass. The ‘promotion’ was a way to keep him out of trouble while allowing him to save face.”
    “Do you know whose idea the new job for him was, Peter? Who conceived it and who created it?”
    “I don’t know, Jay, but I suspect that if we find the answers to those questions, we might have a better handle on what’s really behind all this.
    I know the governor had to sign off on the new spot, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t his idea.”
    The three friends finished their meal in contemplative silence, each mentally trying out scenarios that might explain the inexplicable without success. At 10:15 p.m., Peter bid Kate and Jay good night with a promise to keep in touch and an admonition for his best friend. “Katherine, you be careful. Redfield and Breathwaite don’t play nice, and they sure as shooting don’t play by the rules. If there is something going on, it looks like you’ll be right in the thick of it. I want you to keep track of everything and anything that looks suspicious. Collect any evidence if there’s any to be had, and make me copies. Don’t overlook anything. The devil may truly be in the details here.”
    When he had gone, Jay took Kate in her arms. “Sweetheart, it’s going to be okay. With Peter’s help, we’ll get to the bottom of this. I have to tell you, though, my first reaction is to go down there and bash some heads.”
    Kate smiled fondly at her spunky partner. “Have I told you lately just how much I love you?”
    “I never tire of hearing it, babe.”
    Jay ran her fingers up Kate’s abdomen, brushing gently over firm breasts before resting her hands on broad shoulders. Their kiss was equal parts passion and tenderness.
    “Mm, can I interest you in a little ice cream?”
    “Nope.” Jay continued to nibble on Kate’s lower lip.
    “Um, how about some cheesecake?”

    The Cost of Commitment

    “Negatory.”
    “Jamison Parker turning down dessert? I don’t believe it!”
    “Who said anything about turning down dessert?” Green eyes gone black with desire captured blue in a timeless moment of understanding.

    Lynn Ames

    The Cost of Commitment

CHAPTER THREE

    ’m only going to say this once: either you do what I say, or I tell Iyour wife about your little girlfriend. The choice is yours, but I suggest you make it quickly. If that editorial doesn’t go to print on Sunday, you might be finding your clothes in your front yard.”
    On the other end of the line, the receiver went dead.
    “Heh. This is even more fun than I thought it would be.”
    His gloating was cut short by the ringing of the phone.
    “Breathwaite.”
    “David, we have to meet. Lunchtime at the club. Be there.”

    “Enright.”
    “Hey, Technowiz. Hungry?”
    “When and where?”
    “Now, Lombardo’s.”
    “See you in fifteen.”
    “Right.”

    “What do you think you’re doing, Breathwaite?”
    “Bob wanted results, I’m getting him results, Bill. What part of that don’t you understand?”
    “You’re being so heavy-handed, it’s starting to raise eyebrows. The commissioner wants to know what the hell’s going on, and so do I. What have you