Imitation in Death (In Death #17)(121)

"Partner? Your partner." Peabody's lips trembled, and the tears won.

"Oh for God's sake! Close the door if you're going to blubber. Do you think I want the bull pen to hear crying in here? They might think it's me."

She sprang up, slammed the door herself, and then found herself caught in another of Peabody's bear hugs.

"I take this as a yes."

"This is the best day of my life." Peabody stepped back, rubbed the tears off her cheeks. "The ult. I'm going to make you a hell of a partner."

"I bet you will."

"And I won't do the hug and blubber thing except in extreme circumstances.

"Good to know. Get out of here so I can finish my work. I'll buy you a drink after shift."

"No, sir. I'm buying." She opened her hand, showed Eve her badge. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Yeah, it is."

Alone, Eve sat at her desk again, then took out her own badge and studied it. Tucking it away again, she looked up at the ceiling. But this time, she smiled.

It felt right. It felt exactly right.

The End