Servicing the Target (Masters of the Shadowlands #10)(122)

She glanced at her parents, “Can you—”

Her mother shooed her off with a gesture. “We’re fine. They drove all this way to speak with you. Go ahead, dear.”

“Thanks, Mom.” When she checked Ben, he simply smiled and stayed beside her brother.

As soon as she took a seat across from the two Doms, Galen leaned forward and fixed her with his dark gaze. “I have a proposal for you.”

“What kind—”

“Come and work for me.”

“What?” Too many surprises in one day, in one month. If this kept up, her baby was going to be born hooked on adrenaline.

Not waiting for her to recover, Galen continued. His new company was inundated with contracts to find missing people: runaways, wives, husbands, stolen children, embezzlers…everything. And she had a reputation as being the best skip tracer in the business. She could write her own ticket—work full time or part time, set her own hours—and he’d pay her three times what she’d earned at the bail bond company.

“Problems?” Ben was suddenly beside her. He rested a hand on her shoulder in concern. He’d probably seen the shock in her face.

“Actually, no.” Galen’s offer would solve her employment problem. Much as she’d loved the active part of bail bond pickups, she couldn’t put her unborn child at risk. “Galen offered me a position with his company. No travel. No danger. My own hours.”

Ben squatted beside her. “You know I can support us both while…uh, for a while. There’s no rush to find a job.”

“Damn you, Haugen.” Galen’s annoyance turned his New England accent even crisper than normal. “Don’t listen to him, Anne. You’d be bored within a week. If we—”

A hum interrupted him. With an annoyed sound, he pulled out his cell phone, checked the display, and answered. “Right. Yes. Going on right now. You want a turn?”

Anne frowned.

“Since we’re in a bidding war for your services, Anne, here’s another contender.” Galen was laughing as he set his cell on the table between them. “You’re on speaker, bro,” he said to the phone, “so watch your language. Go.”

“What’s going on?” Anne asked.

“Anne, you’re there. Good.” The voice from the phone was Vance’s, Galen’s partner who still worked for the FBI. “You’d be wasted working for Galen. You have the skills we need in the FBI. Let’s talk about it.”

She bit her lip to keep from breaking down. After feeling as if she wasn’t valued at all, now she had two job offers at once.

“The FBI?” she heard her mother say.

Looking up, she realized her family had ignored politeness and blatantly moved close enough to eavesdrop. She should have known.

They were totally snoopy. And interfering. And loving.

She firmed her voice. “Thank you, Vance. Much as I appreciate the work you Feebies do, I’m a little too settled to want to move around. I’m afraid the FBI isn’t for me. But thank you.”

“Well, I’m disappointed. If you ever change your mind, I want to know.”

“Excellent decision, Anne,” Galen said loudly enough for Vance to hear.

“Asshole. You win this one, bro,” Vance answered. “I hope you realize what a prize you got. See you in a bit.”

“In case Sally didn’t tell you, you’re cooking tonight.” Galen closed the phone over his co-husband’s curse.

Dan grinned at Galen, then fixed Anne with an intent gaze. “My turn.” He leaned forward. “Don’t you think it’s time to return to law enforcement, where you belong? We have an opening—and I know you’ll find my station more to your liking than the archaic one where you started.”

She smiled at him. He’d been after her for years to rejoin the force.

To the police, fugitive recovery was a necessary evil, but not held in high respect. And in all reality, many of the agents were wanna-be cops who’d not scored a law enforcement job. She was the rarity that went the other direction.

Wasn’t it nice to be wanted? She squeezed Ben’s hand before telling Dan, “I’m afraid that wouldn’t work. I’m looking for something part time.”

Ben’s exhalation of relief was audible. He wouldn’t stand in her way, but he’d worry his heart out if she worked law enforcement. Just as she would if he chose that career, actually.

Dan sighed. “Fine.” He glanced at Galen. “Might you contract her out to present skip tracing workshops at my station?”

Galen’s gaze met hers. “Are you accepting my offer?”

“Assuming the contracts and all that look good, yes. I’d be delighted to work for you.”

“Wicked good.” He offered his hand, and they sealed the deal with a handshake. “We’re all set.” He turned to Dan. “We’ll map something out to get you access to her expertise.”

“Anne!”

The familiar voice had her turning to see her two uncles walking up the steps.

Way to ruin a fine day.

She fixed an accusing stare on her father. He’d obviously told his brothers that she was home and having a party.

When he held his hands out in a “What could I do?” gesture, Anne’s mother glared at him as well.