Page 5 of Zero Divergence
“I do,” Royce replied, nodding. “You’ll be back to work in no time as long as you do what Connie tells you.”
Sawyer shivered dramatically. “She’s scary.”
Chuckling, Royce leaned over and kissed Sawyer goodbye. “Just do what she says.”
“Yes, dear.”
He fucking hated coming to work without Sawyer.
“Your partner will be back in no time,” Blue said, correctly reading Royce’s mood.
“Thanks, Blue.”
“Good morning,” Commissioner Rigby said, stepping into the bullpen with a tall, distinguished-looking Hispanic man at her side. Royce recognized Deputy Chief Emilio Mendoza right away and had a feeling he knew what was coming next. “Many of you’ve had the privilege of working with Deputy Chief Mendoza over the years, and I’m proud to announce I’ve chosen him as our next chief of police. I am making his promotion official today at noon during a press conference but wanted to show him around so he can get settled quickly afterward. I have every confidence Chief Mendoza will be an amazing fit for the entire Savannah Police Department, but especially the Major Crimes Unit.”
“Thank you, Commissioner Rigby,” Mendoza said in a baritone voice. “I’m honored by the confidence you’ve bestowed on me, and I look forward to working with the men and women who make up the MCU. I believe we’re going to do excellent work together.”
Rigby snorted. “They’re going to give you gray hair.”
“More gray hair, you mean?” he asked, gesturing to his temples where his coal-black hair had just begun to turn gray. Royce could tell he was a man who would age well, earning titles like distinguished gentleman and silver fox along the way.
Rigby laughed. “Yes. More gray and faster.”
“Good to know.”
Each of the detectives took turns introducing themselves. Mendoza’s handshake was firm, and he gave each one of them his undivided attention, never moving his shrewd gaze away during their brief conversations. He was sizing them up and didn’t bother trying to hide it. Royce liked direct people, and he’d always had positive dealings with the man. Mendoza wasn’t Rigby, but he would do in a pinch.
“MCU will also be gaining two new detectives. With so much going on, I neglected to give you all advance notice so you could attend their pinning ceremonies this morning and welcome them to the unit. I am counting—” Rigby’s words ended abruptly, and she turned to Chief Mendoza. “Sorry. Old habits and all that.” Mendoza chuckled and gestured for her to continue. “Wehope you’ll do your best to countermyoversight and make them feel welcome.” Rigby made eye contact with everyone as she spoke but lingered on Royce during the last bit.
“You can both count on us,” Royce said, speaking for the team. They’d never been into hazing or playing practical jokes on the rookies entering their unit. “May I ask where our newest recruits are?”
“And who?” Ashcroft added.
Royce thought he knew the identity of one but didn’t speak up.
“The newest members of your team are Christopher Carnegie and Diego Fuentes. They are currently meeting with HR.” She directed her attention to Royce. “Once they finish, I want you to give them a tour of the facility.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Rigby raised a brow, remembering the conversation they’d had on the morning not long ago when she told Royce he was getting a new partner. He’d disobeyed her request, doing his damnedest to pretend Sawyer didn’t exist. Royce had to bite back a laugh because they both knew how that had turned out. The corner of her mouth twitched, letting him know she was thinking the same thing.
“The last time we had a promotion ceremony, Mrs. Rigby brought us pastries,” Detective Kyomo Chen said, starting to sound like Royce.
“Did someone say my name?” Sherry Rigby asked, entering the bullpen with a large pink box in her arms. Two tall men strode in behind her. Fuentes aimed a cocky grin at Royce before glancing around the room.
“Team,” Chief Mendoza and Commissioner Rigby said at once, then turned to look at one another in amusement.
“I warned you it would be hard for me to let go,” Rigby teased.
Mendoza chuckled, “Yes, you did.”
“I’ll try harder,” Rigby said wryly. “Starting now.”
Good humor sparkled in Mendoza’s dark eyes. “Team, I’d like to introduce you to the newest members of your unit—Christopher Carnegie and Diego Fuentes.” Mendoza rattled off a brief bio for the two men before gesturing for them to say a few words.
“My friends call me Topher,” Carnegie said. “It’s been my goal to join the MCU since graduating from the academy, so it’s an honor to work with all of you.”
Fuentes stepped forward when Carnegie finished. “Like Topher, making detective was my primary career objective, and working in this unit is the cherry on top of the hot fudge sundae. I am humbled and eager to learn.”