Page 80 of Undercover Hearts
Michelle's eyes crinkled with quiet humor as they reached her car. "Recovery requires projects. Doctor's orders."
As they pulled away from the courthouse, Jenna watched the imposing building recede in the side mirror. Inside those walls, they had been Captain Reyes and Detective Walsh, professionals delivering testimony that would secure justice. Outside, they were becoming something else entirely—something that had begun in pretense but had grown into the most authentic relationship either had known.
The symbolism wasn't lost on Jenna as Phoenix Ridge spread before them, no longer an undercover assignment but home in the truest sense.
A place where their shared future had room to unfold.
Two days after the preliminary hearing, Jenna found herself in Chief Marten's office. Michelle sat beside her, her posture impeccable despite the sling supporting her left arm. The formal setting created a strange dissonance after weeks of domestic intimacy.
Chief Marten studied them both, her shrewd assessment missing nothing as she leaned forward.
"The department owes you both a debt of gratitude," she began. "The PWC operation has been classified as an unqualified success. Three perpetrators brought to justice, an international trafficking network dismantled, and substantial evidence secured for ongoing prosecutions."
"Thank you, Chief," Michelle replied.
"However," Chief Marten continued, "your success has created certain administrative considerations we need to address."
Jenna felt Michelle tense subtly beside her. They had known this conversation was coming, but anticipation did nothing to diminish its significance.
"Department policy is clear regarding relationships between officers in direct reporting structures," Chief Marten stated, her gaze moving between them. "I assume I don't need to elaborate."
"No, Chief," Michelle responded. "We're both familiar with the policies."
"I've reviewed several options with the command staff," Chief Marten said. "Detective Walsh, your undercover expertise has proven invaluable. Lieutenant Hodges has requested you for the Special Investigations Unit permanently. It would mean a lateral transfer, but with advancement potential and no direct reporting line to Captain Reyes."
The solution was elegant in its simplicity. The Special Investigations Unit operated with considerable autonomy while still allowing for collaboration when necessary.
"I'd be honored to join Lieutenant Hodges' team," Jenna replied, genuine enthusiasm coloring her voice.
"As for you, Captain"—Chief Marten turned to Michelle—"your recovery timeline coincides with an opportunity I've been considering. We're establishing an Interagency Operations Division to coordinate multi-jurisdictional investigations. Your strategic abilities make you uniquely qualified to develop this new unit."
"I appreciate your confidence, Chief," Michelle responded. "I'm committed to making the division successful."
Chief Marten nodded. "These reassignments solve the reporting structure issue while capitalizing on both your strengths. They'll take effect next Monday."
A brief silence settled over the office as the implications registered. Their professional paths would diverge while remaining connected through the department's broadermission, a balanced solution that protected both their careers and their relationship.
"Now," Chief Marten said, her tone warming slightly, "speaking less officially, I'm not blind to what developed during your undercover operation. Nor am I the only one who noticed."
"We've maintained appropriate boundaries in the workplace, Chief," Michelle said, a hint of discomfort visible only to those who knew her well.
"And I expect that to continue," Chief Marten agreed. "But I also recognize that meaningful connections shouldn't be sacrificed to bureaucratic rigidity. Your reassignments ensure no conflict of interest while allowing your personal relationship to develop without professional complications."
The acknowledgment—so direct yet fundamentally supportive—caught Jenna by surprise. Law enforcement culture often forced officers to compartmentalize their lives completely.
"Thank you," Jenna said simply.
As they exited the office a few minutes later, Jenna felt a peculiar lightness. The conversation could have gone very differently—lateral transfers to separate precincts or forced choices between their career or relationship. Instead, Chief Marten had found a solution that respected both their professional contributions and personal connection.
"That went better than expected," Jenna observed as they walked through the precinct's bustling hallway.
"Diana has always valued effectiveness over orthodoxy," Michelle replied. "Though I didn't anticipate the Interagency Operations assignment."
"It's perfect for you," Jenna said. "Strategic planning, multiple jurisdictions, complex cases—exactly where your talents shine brightest."
They paused at the elevator as Detective Zoe Alvarez approached, case files tucked under her arm.
"Captain, Detective," she greeted them. "Heard about your reassignments. Special Investigations and Interagency Ops—impressive trajectories."