Free Dirty Deeds by Sheri Lewis Wohl Page B

fed. At the time, Louie's own career as a Spokane Police officer had been going great guns. She'd done her time on patrol and moved forward to work as a K9 officer. The training was incredible and her dog an absolute joy. Better than she'd ever imagined. Five years ago, everything looked great for all three of them.
    One night, one moment, changed it all. A bullet in Chris's head had ended his career and hers. The day the SPD gave her brother's attempted murder a cold case status was the same day she turned in her badge and gave up her dog. If they wouldn't continue to actively track down the sonofabitch who tried to kill Chris, she would. Harry'd been there to offer the perfect solution. Unlike her failed romantic relationships, he was the one guy she could always count on.
    Now she was worried. Harry looked haggard and his weight concerned her more than a little. She wasn't ready, by a long shot, to be left alone in this world, so he better damn well get with the program. There'd be no heart attack on her watch. Louie was ready to tell him as much when he turned and walked away, his cell phone pressed to his ear. Well, so much for a motherly lecture. Just like Harry to wander off before even a hello came out of her mouth.
    Her gaze shifted to the clock on the far wall. It was well past eleven. Where had the morning gone? She didn't have time to ponder that one either because the doorway just vacated by Harry was just as quickly filled with another man, equally tall but with far less girth. Paul McDonald stepped inside. He looked like a new man in a dark gray shirt tucked into a nice-looking pair of black jeans. A very nice pair of jeans. He turned to close the door, giving her a fine view of his backside. Off topic, she chastised herself. The last thing she needed was to get sidetracked by long legs and a great ass.
    He made himself comfortable in the chair across from her desk. "What have you found?" he asked, leaning forward, his elbows resting on long legs.
    Louie settled back in her chair and crossed her arms. "And hello to you too, Mr. McDonald."
    "Paul." His reminder was given with a raised eyebrow.
    She rolled her eyes. "Paul."
    "Well?"
    "Well, what?"
    "Well, what've you found?"
    "I know I told you to get some rest but if I'd known this is what sleep did to you, I'd have suggested you stay here."
    He shrugged. "I do feel better and probably look better too, eh?"
    Better didn't even begin to describe how he looked to her, but she'd be damned if she'd tell him. "If you're fishing for a compliment, you're fishing in the wrong pond."
    He gave her a small smile that sent a spark rushing up her back. No wonder he had such a following. Damn, he was a looker. Maybe it was the red hair, a little long with a hint of curl. She wanted to touch it, to run her fingers through it, let it wind around her hand. Oh yeah, it was definitely the hair. Or the hot body. Or the deep voice. Or…hell, it was just about everything.
    Again he shrugged. "No biggie. I'm really here to find my brother. I can find him by myself, I'm pretty sure of that. I just think you can help me track him down faster. I'm all for having a professional on the team."
    "A professional? Is that a compliment?"
    "Of course. You know, Ms. Russell, I wasn't born yesterday. I know a cop when I see one. Or in your case, an ex-cop, I presume."
    "You figured that out all by yourself?" She didn't try to hide the skepticism.
    He steepled his fingers beneath his chin and grinned once more. "Sort of. I had a hunch, and a friend who happens to be on the SPD confirmed it for me."
    "Anybody I know?"
    "Jason James."
    "Ah yes, I do indeed know Jas. Tall, blond and usually pretty quiet." She would give him an ear full next time she saw old Jason. For a quiet guy, he certainly could tell tales when he felt the urge. Or maybe he was just bucking for box seats to a hockey game or two.
    "Maybe around you. The guy talks trash non-stop on the ice. Rec league," he explained before she could