Part 23 (1/2)

Jack cracked his neck. ”Look. You know I'm looking for Marisa, but some other people are, too. Could be only two guys, but I'm thinking maybe three or four.”

”What do I do if I notice a group like that?”

”Call me. I have some free time on my hands.” Jack sarcastically rolled his eyes.

He inhaled as Kendra moved her hands up his sides. He was used to her flirting, but he could tell this was something different. Her hands went back to his hips when he saw the color rise in her cheeks.

”Well, I was thinking, if we're not working together...and if you're not hot with her...” Kendra raised an eyebrow as she pulled him a little closer. He could tell she was a little bolder after a couple of drinks.

Great.

”Kendra, right now-”

”Don't tell me tonight. I'm still holding out hope you stay on the force.”

Jack looked up and exhaled. ”Me too.”

He glanced back at the table where Replacement was still talking animatedly with Tina.

That's not good.

Kendra pulled Jack's chin around. He shrugged. ”I gotta go check on her.”

”Tina's with her.”

”She could be upset about the email.”

And I'm amazed she didn't go ballistic over me dancing with you.

Jack headed back for the table with Kendra in tow.

”Why would Alice get upset about the email?” Kendra asked.

She sent it. I can't tell her that either.

When Replacement looked up, her face said it all-she knew.

”That stupid email I sent, that's why you're suspended?” Replacement put her hands on the table and looked up at Kendra.

”You sent it?” Kendra put her hand on her hip.

”I was pretending to be Jack. I sent the email. Can I tell someone? Collins? They shouldn't...I'm so sorry.” Replacement's lip trembled.

”Don't you start worrying.” Jack put his hand on her shoulder. ”I'll figure it out, kid.”

Kendra looked at him to see Jack shake his head once.

Jack flagged down the waitress. ”Two cheese pizzas. One for the table, one to go, please.”

”Are we leaving?” Replacement asked.

Jack nodded. He was tempted to get another drink, but he had to get back to the apartment to see Kiku.

Tina sniffed. ”Alice was just telling me about all you have done for her, and I just want to say...you're the nicest man.”

Jack shook his head. ”I'm not, really.”

”Why don't you just tell Collins?” Kendra whispered.

Jack's hands went out as he glanced at Replacement. ”What? I can't say she wrote the email.”

The three women started to speak at once. All of them offered their opinions of what he should do. Jack held up his hands.

”Hold up. Let me explain something. I can't say anything. If I do, I jack up Alice and...”

Tina exhaled as she put her hand on her chest. ”I understand. You'd never do that to your girlfriend.”

Jack's eyebrows went up, but Kendra's went down.

”Girlfriend?” Kendra asked.

Tina nodded while Jack shook his head. Kendra glared at him.

He mouthed, ”we're not.”

Kendra shot him an ”I sort of believe you look.”

He leaned toward her. ”Just do me a favor, don't say anything about that stupid email. Keep a lookout for those guys. I've got to go.”

The waitress came over and put one pizza down before she handed a pizza box to Jack. Jack gave the box to Replacement.

He took out a handful of cash, pa.s.sed it to the waitress and then turned to Tina. ”Nice meeting you.”

”See ya.” Kendra gave him a sideways sulk as he headed for the exit.

”What was all that with Kendra?” Replacement asked as they walked out the door, headed for the car.

”I don't get you.” Jack put the pizza box in the trunk. ”You're driving.” He tossed her the keys.

”What did I do now?”

”I thought you were going to stop messing with my head.”

”I'm not.” Replacement started the car, but when she put it in reverse, she gave it too much gas, which made it hop back before she jammed on the brake.

”Well then, you're messing with my life. Don't tell people we're together,” Jack cautioned her.

”Kendra? You go dance with a girl right in front of me and think I won't say anything? Kendra was all over you, and I could have made a huge scene or planted a little mine. So I planted a little mine and told Tina we're a thing.”

”We're not. You said stop.” He shook his head. ”h.e.l.l, we never started.”