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Seth snorted. Like he had any chance of escaping from the watchful eyes of the nurses and doctor. “Get out of here and do your job. And Noah?”
“Yeah?”
“Watch your back. I don’t want to train a new partner.”
“Doubt I’ll have to watch it for long. The LT will take me off the case soon.” His lips curved at the corners. “My objectivity is questionable where you’re concerned.”
The knot in Seth’s stomach loosened. “Thanks.” At least his partner believed in his innocence.
Noah squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll update you on what I find out, as long as I’m still working the case.”
Knowing their LT, that wouldn’t be long.
His partner turned to Teagan. “You’re staying with Seth?”
After a slight pause, she nodded.
“If you have to leave before I arrive at his place, contact me.”
“No worries. He won’t be alone, Detective.”
Seth remained silent until the echo of Noah’s footsteps vanished. “You don’t have to stay with me, Teagan. I can takecare of myself.” Even if he felt like crap at the moment and would give anything to keep Teagan by his side.
“I’m staying.”
“You hesitated.”
“Because I need to let my team leader know I won’t be training with the rest of my teammates this afternoon.”
“I don’t want to cause you trouble, sweetheart.”
Her lips curved. “Should have thought about that when we started running together.” Teagan leaned down until her lips barely brushed against his as she spoke. “It’s too late to back out,” she whispered.
Seth cupped her nape to hold her in place. Based on what he knew of her job, Teagan could break free any time she wanted. She didn’t move. “No way am I backing off now. You heard Cloris. If I screw this up, she’ll be on my case. I do not want to disappoint that woman.”
“Wouldn’t be wise,” she agreed.
A man cleared his throat. “Pardon me for interrupting, Dixon.”
Seth kept his gaze locked with Teagan’s for a moment longer before he reluctantly allowed her to turn and assess a potential threat. He knew exactly what she saw. His lieutenant was a bear of a man with a perpetual scowl on his face. When Teagan’s hand inched toward her fanny pack, Seth wrapped his hand around her wrist. “Lieutenant.”
“What’s the word from the doctor?” His superior officer stopped at the foot of the bed.
“Twenty stitches to close the gash on my head. We’re waiting for the CT results to see if I can go home.” Where he would be miserable until the headache eased off. He prayed that would happen sooner rather than later. The possibility of puking had grown stronger in the past few minutes.
The frown on Lt. Burnett’s face deepened. “I’ll have a word with the doctor about your condition before I leave.” His gaze shifted to Teagan. He held out his hand. “Charles Burnett.”
“Teagan.”
“She’s my girlfriend,” Seth said, hoping if he claimed the relationship often enough, Teagan would get used to the idea and come to like it.
Burnett’s brows soared. “It’s nice to meet you, Teagan. If Seth gives you any problems, you come to me.”
Amusement lit Teagan’s eyes. “I appreciate the offer, sir, but I can take care of myself.”
“Offer is always open, young lady.” Burnett sobered and shifted his attention back to Seth. “What happened this morning?”
Seth recounted the events on the trail.