Page 5 of Undercover Hearts
"Two former colleagues who became a couple after leaving their corporate positions," Michelle clarified, watching Jenna's reaction carefully. "The PWC's security is tight, but couples receive less scrutiny—presumably because they vouch for each other."
To her credit, Jenna didn't flinch or show discomfort at the prospect of playing one half of a lesbian couple. She simply nodded, processing the documents Michelle handed her.
"Let me test your adaptability," Michelle said. "You've just arrived at the PWC's first workshop. Someone asks how you and I met. What's your response?"
Jenna didn't hesitate. "We met five years ago at GreenTech Industries in Meridian Heights. You were heading the marketing division; I was brought in as your executive assistant after your previous assistant was promoted. We worked together for three years before you were passed over for the CMO position in favor of the founder's nephew." Her expression conveyed appropriate indignation on Michelle's behalf. "You left to start your own consulting firm, and I followed a month later—initially to help with the transition, but we both realized there was something between us beyond professional respect."
Michelle raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed by the seamless incorporation of their actual age difference and professional dynamic into a believable backstory. Jenna had constructed a narrative that would be easy for both of them to inhabit while incorporating enough emotional truth to be convincing.
"And if they ask about our relationship?" Michelle pressed. "How we went from professional to personal?"
A hint of a smile touched Jenna's lips. "Late nights working on the business plan. Sharing takeout over spreadsheets. You mentoring me through the transition from assistant to consultant." She shrugged lightly. "The classic story—we tried to keep it professional, but eventually admitted there was more there. The relationship gave us both the courage to make the leap from corporate security to entrepreneurship."
Michelle found herself momentarily captivated by the story—not just its tactical soundness, but how easily she could visualize it. How natural it seemed, despite being entirely fabricated.
That was the mark of truly skilled undercover work: creating scenarios so plausible they almost felt like memories.
"The operation would require convincing physical comfort with each other," Michelle said, her tone deliberately clinical. "The PWC leadership is vigilant about identifying law enforcement. Any awkwardness between us would raise red flags."
"I understand," Jenna said simply. "Undercover relationships require establishing boundaries in advance. Clear signals for when something crosses a line, protocols for maintaining both the cover and professional ethics." She met Michelle's gaze steadily. "I'm comfortable with whatever level of physical interaction the operation requires, as long as those boundaries are established."
The directness of her response was refreshing. No awkward jokes, no unnecessary reassurances—just a professional acknowledgment of the requirements and limitations.
Michelle found herself increasingly convinced that Jenna was the right choice, despite the rushed circumstances. Her instincts, her intelligence, her ability to think on her feet—all precisely what the operation needed.
There was only one remaining concern.
"This would be a significant first assignment," Michelle said carefully. "Intense, high-stakes, with potential career implications if things go sideways. I need to know you're certain you can handle it."
Jenna seemed to consider this seriously, which Michelle appreciated more than an immediate affirmative.
"I came to Phoenix Ridge for exactly this kind of challenge," she finally said. "I've handled extended undercover work inhigh-pressure environments. I adapt quickly, I maintain my cover, and I know when to prioritize safety over the objective." A quiet confidence entered her voice. "I can do this, Captain. And those women who died deserve justice."
The reference to the victims—showing she'd immediately grasped the human stakes beyond the professional challenge—sealed Michelle's decision.
"The operation briefing is tomorrow at 0700," she said, closing the file. "I'll have security clearance expedited tonight. We move into the safe house the day after tomorrow and attend our first PWC event three days from now."
Jenna's eyes widened slightly—the first sign of genuine surprise she'd shown. "That's...immediate."
"Is that a problem?" Michelle asked, instinctively tensing.
"No," Jenna said, recovering quickly. "No, it's just—" She smiled, a flash of genuine enthusiasm breaking through her professional demeanor. "Thank you for the opportunity, Captain. I won't let you down."
The smile transformed her face, lighting her eyes and revealing a natural warmth that would be invaluable for their cover. Michelle found herself momentarily distracted by it, a reaction she immediately filed away as irrelevant.
"This stays between us, Detective Julia Scott, and Chief Marten until the briefing," Michelle said, returning to her professional tone. "We can't risk any leaks."
"Understood."
Jenna stood to leave, her movements betraying a contained energy. At the door, she paused and turned back.
"Captain? Why me? There must be more experienced detectives for this."
Michelle considered deflecting but opted for honesty. "You have the right skillset, you're new enough that you're not associated with our department in the community's eyes, andyour psychological evaluations suggest you can handle the unique pressures of this type of operation." She paused, then added, "And sometimes fresh perspective is exactly what a stalled investigation needs."
Jenna nodded, her expression suggesting she recognized there was more to the decision than Michelle was articulating. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, then."
After she left, Michelle sank back into her chair, suddenly aware of the tension she'd been carrying in her shoulders throughout the conversation. Had she made the right call? Or had she let desperation push her into a risky decision?