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“I’m trying to catch a killer.” Logan kept his voice level despite the tension crackling in the air. This was no time to be apologetic.

Ashcroft’s jaw tightened, and Logan braced himself for the verbal assault that was surely coming. He’d been specifically ordered to stay away from the case, and here he was, right back in the middle of it.

“My office,” Ashcroft said curtly. “Now.”

After a quick glance at Yazzie, Logan followed the captain down the hallway, his mind racing through possible explanations and defenses.

But what could he say?

He’d deliberately disobeyed a direct order, and Ashcroft had every right to suspend him, maybe even recommend termination.

However, that wasn’t going to stop him from investigating.

CHAPTER

FORTY-EIGHT

Ashcroft closedthe office door behind them and moved to his desk, but he didn’t sit down. Instead, he stood with his hands braced on the desktop, studying Logan with an unreadable expression.

Logan remained standing as well, shoulders squared, ready for whatever was coming.

“Sir, I know you told me to stay away from this case, but?—”

Ashcroft held up a hand, cutting him off. “After the press conference today, I had an interesting conversation with Mayor Hendricks.”

Logan blinked, thrown by the unexpected direction of this conversation. “The mayor?”

“She made a point of asking about you specifically. Seems your name came up in several conversations she’s had with concerned citizens and other city leaders over the past few days.” Ashcroft’s expression was still stern, but something in his tone shifted. “People who’ve worked with you before, people who trust you, who think you’re the cream of the crop, so to speak.”

Logan waited, not sure where this was heading.

“The mayor reminded me that this case has the entire city on edge. Three murders, a missing woman, and a killer who seemsto always be one step ahead of us.” Ashcroft straightened, his eyes meeting Logan’s directly. “She suggested that maybe this isn’t the time to let personal considerations override practical ones.”

“Personal considerations?” He raised his brow.

“Your connection to Morgan Riley. I was concerned it would compromise your judgment.” Ashcroft moved around his desk to face Logan directly. “But the mayor pointed out that it might also be exactly what gives you the insight we need to catch this maniac.”

Logan felt something grow in his chest. Hope? Relief? He wasn’t sure which.

“I’m putting you back on the case, Gibson. Full reinstatement, effective immediately.” Ashcroft’s voice carried its familiar edge of authority. “I’m placing you in charge. Yazzie and Reeves will help. I want you to use whatever knowledge you have about Morgan Riley to help us find her.”

“Thank you, sir. I won’t?—”

“Don’t thank me yet.” Ashcroft’s expression hardened. “You get one chance at this, Gibson. One. If you let your emotions cloud your judgment, if you go rogue, if you do anything that compromises this investigation, I’ll have your badge and your career. Are we clear?”

“Crystal clear, sir.”

“Good.”

“One request, however.”

Ashcroft’s gaze narrowed. “I don’t think you’re in a position to request anything.”

If the mayor wanted Logan on this case, then he did have some leverage. But he didn’t say that. Certainly, the chief already knew but would never admit it.

“I need to loop in my friends with this case,” Logan said. “They’ve been a huge help, and I really think we could use their manpower.”

“You want them to be consultants?” Ashcroft practically scoffed as he said the words.