Raw Redemption (Crossing the Line #4)(75)

“I need you there with me to give it meaning,” Henrik had said the morning Derek dropped in to deliver news of the department’s decision. Knowing how much having his badge back meant to him, Ailish had urged him to take the honor as soon as possible, but true to his word, he’d been more concerned with her comfort at the hospital. Making sure the doctors were attentive, bringing by her new friends—Erin, Sera, and Polly—to entertain her.

Which had promptly backfired. Listening to the exciting stories of their undercover squad adventures had sparked an interest in Ailish. The possibility of being a part of a team was something she’d never allowed herself to hope for. But she’d had something to offer. Maybe the girl she’d been while growing up within the walls of her father’s home wouldn’t have thought herself capable of adding to such a group of skilled individuals—criminals or not—but she wasn’t that girl now. When she’d brought up her idea to Henrik, he’d looked seasick, but warmed to the idea upon realizing Ailish wouldn’t be in harm’s way.

Ailish was now the accountant for the undercover squad, a position that had become necessary thanks to the department’s influx of funding after they’d not only broken up Caine’s operation, but implicated over twenty local politicians in his various schemes. Now that the team members were being paid a salary, they even turned to Ailish for advice sometimes. Some of them, thanks to their growing families.

Case in point, Bowen and Sera, who had just walked into the auditorium. Bowen guided Sera into the empty seat beside Ailish, even more protective than usual because of the baby she carried in her belly, three months along. “Sorry we’re late,” Sera whispered. “Did we miss it?”

Ailish shook her head. “He’s going up soon.”

Bowen winked at Ailish, then went back to staring at his wife. Ailish smiled to herself, thinking back to the squad meeting when Sera had announced she was pregnant—out of necessity, since the ex-cop couldn’t work in the field until the baby was born, or risk Bowen’s sanity.

Sera had gotten queasy during a case breakdown and Austin had handed her a wastebasket, casually asking her when she was due, effectively blowing Sera’s surprise. Bowen hadn’t been capable of speech for the better part of an hour, simply holding Sera on his lap and speaking in low, urgent tones against her ear, his eyes suspiciously wet.

Speaking of Austin, he and Polly were in the back row, closest to the exit. They weren’t in a place just yet where trusting a roomful of cops was in their repertoire. The pair had become something of a legend among the department in the last few months, their undercover disguises and fabricated identities known for being airtight, putting them in high demand.

Erin and Connor, hovering near the auditorium window, were still Ailish’s favorite, though. She and Erin had continued their tradition of taking nightly walks in various locations around Chicago, while their boyfriends sweated out their absence at home. Now Erin sent her a pinkie wave, then gave her the universal sign for hand job, while Connor smiled down at her fondly. Ailish didn’t keep any secrets from Erin. She’d confided the trials of her childhood to Erin and in return, the blond escape artist had told Ailish enough. Enough for now. And they got a little further every day. One secret she hadn’t related to Erin had something to do with the ring box in Connor’s pocket—containing the sapphire engagement ring she’d helped pick out. But come tomorrow, hopefully that secret would take care of itself.

Yes, Ailish had a family now, and they were more than she could have asked for. They were loud, challenging, and loyal to a fault. She loved them all. But it was nothing compared to the love contained inside her for Henrik. As if she’d called his name across the crowded room, her fiancé found her gaze through the audience and smiled that bedroom smile of his. The one that said, we’re going to lose everything but the fitted sheet tonight, baby.

Ailish cooled her cheeks with the backs of her hands. Henrik had proven to be…creative. Understatement. Since that stolen night when he’d given her a spanking in the closet of her old house, they’d discovered new things about each other and themselves. Things that involved a lot of teasing. And a whole heap of discipline. Things she craved. No matter where they were. Even a long-awaited induction ceremony where her future in-laws were occupying the row in front of her.

Applause broke out around Ailish when Captain Tyler was announced on the podium. The whispered conversations taking place around her ceased immediately, an air of respect and fascination falling over the crowd. Derek had become a revered icon among his peers, and it showed in their silent deference. Not only had he quieted the naysayers who’d doubted his ability to handle a squad of criminals effectively, but his investigation into Caine had created a ripple effect around Chicago. With the evidence produced by Ailish and Henrik going undercover, Chicago had the lowest crime rate recorded in decades. The captain ruled the city with an iron fist, daring anyone to doubt him again. Well, he ruled everyone but his wife, Ginger, and toddler daughter, Dolly, who both beamed up at him from the front row, clearly ruling the captain with ease.

“I’m not going to make a speech,” Derek started. “I have to get back to work. But I’m proud to say Officer Henrik Vance will be getting back to work with me. Even honest men makes mistakes, and Vance is as honest as they come.” The captain tipped his head toward Ailish’s stoic fiancé. “Vance. Come get your damn badge back.”