Authors: Kathy Clark

Deep Night (28 page)

BOOK: Deep Night

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Nick stared at her, but she wasn't blinking any time soon. “You've just described a dog.”

“Bingo. Peter told me you were bright.” Bobbi pushed a business card across the desk. “You are to call Jamie Chambers at
Woof Gang Kennels
. She's the owner and head trainer. She'll help you choose the right dog and get itâ¦and youâ¦trained to support your work.”

“It's a joke, right?
Woof Gang?
”

Bobbi wasn't smiling. She rarely did. “This is in addition to your regular job. I'm putting you on the synthetic cannabinoid caseâ¦We've had three students at UT die in the last month.” She pushed a large folder across her desk to Nick. “Someone is selling loosey-goosey cigarettes with the paper dipped in this new synthetic drug and packed with fruit-flavored tobacco. You'll need to buy some on the streets and get that into Jamie's training for your new partner.”

“Anything else?” Nick felt like he was no longer a DEA special agent but fast becoming a pooper-scooper for a four-legged rookie who was going to do nothing but get in his way.

“That's a good start.”

He shifted on the chair. “I'd rather not, if it's all the same to you. I don't have time to take care of myself, much less a dog.”

“You don't have a choice. You need someone to keep you from doing anything stupid again. At least a dog will know if it's drugs or caffeine. Besides, it's a partner who won't complain and will save us money. No health care, dental or 401(k) matchingâ¦and no embarrassing headlines.”

Nick waited for her to smile and say she was kidding. But she dismissed him by looking down at the newspaper. The subject was clearly closed, but at least he hadn't been fired or moved to a desk. He stood and pocketed the card. “I'll call her.”

“Today, Nick. Today.”