Free Avenged by Janice Cantore

what?”
    She told him about Wiley’s visit. When she finished, Nick sat back in his chair, and Carly studied his face for some hint about what he was thinking.
    “Hmm, that’s an awesome career opportunity. Have you looked at the information yet?”
    “No, right after Wiley gave it to me, Barrett came in totell me about the complaint. The bad news makes me think the task force is the ticket. I got so angry after hearing about Barton’s complaint—maybe working with the feds is the change I need.”
    Nick took a minute to respond, chewing thoughtfully. “You need to look over the details and be certain about everything the job requires.”
    “I agree, but it almost seems like an answer to prayer.” She hated the fact that he had such a great cop face. “I know we both need to look at it. But it was you who said I need a change.”
    He hiked a shoulder, but she still couldn’t read his expression. “While I agree you need a change, I don’t think you should make such a big decision just to avoid a situation in patrol you don’t want. It will be a commitment in time and energy, babe, and you need to ask yourself where you want your career to go.”
    She sipped her coffee, knowing he was right but feeling irritated just the same. “You haven’t read it, and it already sounds like you don’t want me to take it.”
    A hint of a frown marred his features for an instant and then was gone. “I don’t have to read it to know that this is a job that will put you on a path you’ve never said you wanted to be on. It’s a stepping stone to either move up in rank or out to a federal agency permanently. Do you want that?”
    Carly sighed and pressed her fingers to her forehead, not wanting anger to rule her response. “I don’t know what I want right now. I thought I wanted to work with Joe inpatrol forever, but I know nothing lasts forever. In fact, Joe said that just the other night.”
    “We’ll pray about it, then. I’m sure Agent Wiley would want you to be 100 percent certain before you decide.” He drank his coffee. “Don’t think you don’t have any options or that you have to decide too soon without considering all the variables.”
    “Lately I’ve just felt like I’m spinning my wheels, working hard to put people in jail and then seeing them slither out on technicalities.”
    “That’s Burke frustration. You know that’s not true with every case.”
    Carly huffed. “Well, I thought I’d be in a patrol car for thirty years. It surprises me that the task force sounds so inviting.”
    “It’s an honor.” His elbows were on the table, and he held his coffee in both hands. “Maybe this is a broader career nudge for you. If not in the direction of the task force, maybe it’s time to think about detectives here at home.” His thoughtful gaze held hers.
    “Hmm, you might be right.”
    “It’s just a thought. I know you hated juvenile, but that was an involuntary transfer. This would be your choice. If you do need a change, several details have openings. I’d think you’d want to look at all your options before making a huge leap.”
    She sat back and looked toward the coffee bar, where Londy worked the espresso machine. Mary Ellen was busingtables on her own, and the crowd had thinned. “I guess I like the idea of being challenged. A federal task force makes working in Las Playas look like working in Mayberry.”
    “We’re not LA, but we’re not Mayberry. You never know—you might love working a detail like violent crimes or even homicide.” He reached across the table and gripped her hand, rubbing her palm with his thumb. “Or maybe the change you’re looking for is in a different area. Maybe we can think about starting a family.”
    Carly jerked her hand away. “What?”
    Nick chuckled. “Babe, you look like I just asked you to cut off your leg.”
    “Maybe you did. You’re the one who always says that kids end the parents’ life.”
    “It’s been a long time since I said