16
I walked into the Phoenix Police Department building on Washington Street and found my buddy, Ortega, manning the front desk.
He glanced at me, and a smile opened up on his face. “How’s it going, Ballou?”
I fist-bumped him. “Going well. I see you earned some stripes.”
“Yeah,” he said, patting the sergeant patches on his arm. “Passed the exam a few months ago. You looking good, mama.”
“Shut the hell up, Ortega. God!” I blushed like a damned schoolgirl.
“You still chasing fugitives?”
“Matter of fact, that’s why I’m here. I need to talk to Hardin about one of his cases. He in?”
“Should be at his desk.” He handed me a visitor’s badge. “Homicide unit. Third floor.”
“Thanks.” I attached the badge to my belt. “Good to see you, man.”
My pulse quickened as I rode up the elevator and st
