Page 3 of Justice for Samara

“No. I know Gray didn’t tell him. Gray wouldn’t tell him. There’s a lot you don’t know.”

“Got it, sir. None of my business.”

“I have a feeling it will become your business in the very near future. Now, I want you to go back to your desk, don’t say a word, and I’ll call Watson back here.”

“How do you think he’s going to take it, sir?”

“I have no idea, but we’re about to find out. Did Marjorie jerk a knot in your tail last night when you got home?”

“Tried, sir, but I told her you came by.”

“Shit. You didn’t tell her about the promotion, did you?” Carter hissed.

“No. No, sir. You told me not to say a word, and I didn’t.”

“Good. Because I know these women around here. If you had told her, she would’ve called five of her friends and everybody in town would know by now.”

Michael chuckled. “Yes, sir. I’d say that’s an accurate assessment.”

“Okay. Back to your desk. And if he says anything to you when he comes out, tell him to take it up with me. From this moment forward, if anybody gives you any lip, remind them of who you are in this department. Don’t take it from them. You’re no longer just one of them. You’re their boss.”

“Yes, sir.” Michael stood and headed for the door, but he turned with his hand on the knob. “Thank you, sir.”

“You’re welcome. Thank you. Leave it open.” Michael nodded and in seconds, he was back at his desk.

“Watson, could you come into my office for a minute, please?” Carter called from the end of the hallway.

“Yes, sir.” When Justin walked by Michael’s desk, he was grinning like the Cheshire cat.He knows about Gray, Michael surmised. They’d probably been talking about it, even though they weren’t good friends. Michael heard Justin ask, “What’s up, sir?”

But he didn’t close the door.

Carter kicked off the conversation, and their voices were just loud enough that Michael could hear everything. He had a feeling that was by Carter’s design. “I just wanted to let you know that Lewis will be leaving in a few weeks. He’s taking a position in LittleRock.”

“Yes, sir. He told me.”

“Did he tell you… Never mind. That’s his business. The reason I called you back here was to tell you about some changes in personnel around here.”

“Yes, sir?”

“With Lewis gone, that leaves a position open in the department, and I already know who I want to fill it.”

“Yes, sir. And thank you, sir.”

“You’re welcome. I don’t mind keeping everybody informed.”

“No, I mean?”

“I’ve chosen Edwards to be the new chief deputy.”

“Wh-wh-what, sir?”

“He’ll be assuming Lewis’ old position as soon as Lewis is gone. I trust there won’t be any issues.”

“But sir… Edwards? Seriously? I’ve got five years on him in the department, and I’ve been?”

“Let me tell you what you’ve been, Watson.”I can’t wait to hear this, Michael thought. “Every time I’ve asked you to take some overtime, you’ve told me you had something else to do or already had plans. Every. Time. I can’t think of a single time when you’ve accommodated the department in that way. Always a fishing trip with buddies, or your cousin’s wedding, or something like that. Edwards, on the other hand, has done everything, and I meaneverything, I’ve ever asked him to do.”

“But sir, if I’d known it meant that much to you?”