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“Why the hell not?”

“I think my partner and your best friend might be having a little… moment.”

“Jesus Christ,” Quinn grunted in reaction to Cody’s obvious amusement. “Have these two not exhausted themselves on their Italian trip?”

“Apparently not.”

“Yo, Janet!” Quinn banged on the door. “Get out here now.”

There was an audible groan and giggling, then the door opened and out strolled the two women. Janet Foxx, genius neurosurgeon and even more flamboyant in character, with her arm slung over her girlfriend’s shoulders. Detective James, no longer technically a rookie, still managed to blush harder than a juicy beetroot at the sight of her lieutenant standing there. Janet, far from shy or intimidated, simply reached out to pinch her cheek.

“Well, look here.” She smirked. “If this isn’t the rain on my parade. Got a problem, Lieutenant Grumpy?”

“Yeah, get a room.”

“No way, is that a thing?” Janet kissed her partner soundly on the mouth, eliciting more furious blushing. Then she grabbed Quinn’s arm. “I need a word with you, Wesley.”

“Tough, I’m busy,” Quinn groaned.

“You got rank. Delegate.”

“Miller,” Quinn snapped.

“Yes, Lieutenant,” Cody said with a wide grin.

“You and your partner are in charge of beer and cake.”

“Roger that, Boss. I think we can handle it.”

As Quinn allowed her to steer her away, Janet chuckled in amusement.

“You know your detectives get a kick out of watching me boss you around?” she remarked.

“Or trying to. I am aware, yes.”

“You don’t mind, do you?”

“Not at all. They know you’re a special case.”

“Well.” Janet snorted. “I’m going to choose to take this as a compliment.”

It was, and Quinn gave her an affectionate squeeze. They found a spot to sit together in the shade of a gnarly apple tree by the side of the pool.

“So, how was Italy?”

“Superb!” Janet exclaimed. “Amazing! Splendid!”

“Ah!” Quinn laughed. “Great.”

“Yes, that too. And then some.”

“I’m delighted to hear it.”

“Traveling with Ellie is so easy and wonderful. Being on the road with her like that was an absolute dream come true for me.” Janet beamed, her face glowing in pure joy and pleasure. “You know what I mean?”

“I know the feeling.” Quinn smiled, remembering some of her road trips to Mexico with Lia. “There’s nothing better in my mind than taking off on an adventure with the love of your life.”

“Totally. And even at home, you know, every day with Ellie is better than the previous one. Happier, and a little bit sweeter.”