Page 4 of Undercover Hearts

Michelle headed back to her office, her mind shifting into operational planning. She'd need to modify the cover story, adjust the approach strategy, and prepare a comprehensive briefing. All within the next forty-eight hours if they were to maintain their timeline.

Yet as she worked through the logistics, she found herself repeatedly distracted by the image of Jenna’s confident stance, the intelligence in her quick responses, and the warm timbre of her voice.

Strictly professional assessment, Michelle told herself firmly, focusing back on the operation parameters. Nothing more.

She couldn’t help her mind flashing back to the beautiful curve of Jenna’s breasts.

Stop it, Michelle. For god’s sake.

Michelle had just finished updating the operation briefing when her desk phone rang.

"Captain Reyes," she answered.

"Detective Walsh is here to see you," her assistant said.

Michelle took a deep breath, centering herself. "Send her in."

She stood as the door opened, using the moment to study Jenna Walsh more closely than she had during the briefing. The detective moved with natural grace, her stride confident without being aggressive. Up close, Michelle could see that her eyes were a warm hazel that shifted between green and amber in the office light, alert and observant as they took in Michelle's evidence wall before settling on Michelle herself.

"Detective Walsh." Michelle extended her hand across the desk. "Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."

Jenna's handshake was firm, her palm warm and dry. "Captain Reyes. I have to admit, I'm curious about why you wanted to see me on my first day."

Michelle gestured to the chair opposite her desk. "I understand you've specialized in undercover operations. Tell me about your approach."

If Jenna was surprised by the direct question, she didn't show it. She settled into the chair, her posture attentive but relaxed.

"I believe the best cover identities incorporate elements of truth. Complete fabrications are harder to maintain under pressure. I build characters with authentic emotional responses,even if the circumstances are invented." She smiled slightly. "And I find it's less about acting and more about listening. People reveal what they want to see, and that's the version of yourself you show them."

Michelle nodded, impressed despite herself. It was a sophisticated understanding of undercover work that typically came only from extensive field experience.

"Your work on the Hudson Development case," Michelle prompted. "Seven months undercover is a significant commitment. What were the most challenging aspects?"

"Isolation," Jenna answered without hesitation. "Extended undercover work means limited contact with your real support network. And the constant vigilance—never knowing when a casual conversation might become an inadvertent test of your cover story."

She paused, seeming to consider whether to continue, then added, "But the most difficult part was actually the relationships. You form genuine connections with people who don't know who you really are. People who will be hurt or betrayed when the operation concludes." A shadow crossed her expression. "The administrative assistant who helped me navigate office politics my first week at Hudson…she cried when I testified. That stays with you."

The unexpected moment of vulnerability caught Michelle off guard. Most officers would have emphasized the procedural challenges or the dangers. Jenna had gone straight to the ethical and emotional complexities—precisely the aspects that would be relevant in the PWC operation.

Michelle made a quick decision and opened the operation file on her desk.

"What I'm about to share is classified," she said, her voice dropping. "We have an ongoing investigation into the Phoenix Women's Collective, a presumed advocacy organization that webelieve is using their legitimate operations as cover for drug trafficking."

Jenna's expression turned serious, all traces of casual ease vanishing as she leaned forward slightly.

"We've been monitoring them for six months," Michelle continued. "Three deaths linked to designer stimulants traced back to their distribution network. We have a major shipment arriving in ten days, and we need to be inside their organization before it happens."

"Inside," Jenna repeated, her mind visibly working. "You need undercover operatives."

Michelle nodded. "We had an operation ready to launch. My partner, Detective Fleming, was injured yesterday—motorcycle accident. She'll be in recovery for months." She met Jenna's gaze directly. "I need a replacement. Someone who can step in with minimal preparation time."

Jenna didn't immediately respond, her expression thoughtful rather than eager—another point in her favor. Overeagerness was dangerous in undercover work.

"What's the cover story?" she finally asked.

"Two former corporate professionals who left the rat race to start a consulting firm empowering women in business," Michelle explained. "The PWC runs workshops for exactly that demographic. We'd be attending as clients initially, working our way into their inner circle."

Jenna's brow furrowed slightly. "Two colleagues starting a business together?"