Burnout (NYPD Blue & Gold) Read Online Free PDF Page B

job with the NYPD, but no way would he go back. He’d take the serenity of this town over any big city, especially New York. Too much politics there. Too much noise. Too much damn everything.
    He picked up a newspaper lying on the counter and noted the headline: Governor Hosts U.S. Senatorial Candidates . He snorted in disgust. Another high-priced political tea party at the taxpayers’ expense. Nope, he much preferred the simplicity of life in Hopewell Springs. Not a day went by that he didn’t pat himself on the back for making the move up here.
    Rose cocked her head toward the newspaper in his hand. “While he’s not saying so directly, all the news shows are hinting the governor’s looking to do whatever he can to oust crooked incumbents in New York’s neighboring states, especially New Jersey.” When he didn’t answer, she prodded, “Well, what do you think, Chief?”
    “I’m a public official.” He gave her a cynical smile. “No comment.”
    “And as a public official,” she said, pointing a finger at him, “it was about time you got a haircut.” Mike chuckled and put down the paper to run a hand through his now close-cropped hair. “But I think the women in this town will love you no matter how long or short your hair is. Better get your order in fast. Business has picked up over the last few days and we might be out of chili already.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” He inhaled something meaty and spicy and his stomach rumbled. “What smells so great?”
    “Probably the chili. Got a brand-new menu and a brand-new chef.” Rose glanced to the kitchen and for some odd reason winked at him. “Looks like Jimmy didn’t tell you, things weren’t all that quiet while you were gone. I fired Mon Sewer Pierre.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “No kidding.” And no great loss. The man couldn’t make good chili if his life depended on it, and chili was Mike’s favorite thing for lunch. Maybe even his favorite food period.
    “Sure did. Grab a seat and let me know how the new chef measures up.” The corners of Rose’s mouth lifted in a wicked smile.
    “Will do.” Mike pushed from the register desk and narrowed his eyes. Something’s fishy here.
    He headed to the one empty stool at the end of the service counter, acknowledging greetings from Sue, Ginny, and several customers. He was about to sit down when the sound of metal whacking on metal stopped him. He moved around to the back of the counter to identify the source. From where he stood at the entrance to the aisle running between the kitchen and the counter, he had a clear view.
    Beneath one of the ledges where various pots, pans, and plates were stacked, a shapely blue jean-clad ass wiggled into view. Mike’s lips twitched upward. It was one ass he didn’t recognize, and it was his job to know everyone in town. He cocked his head to ass- ess the situation from another angle.
    Definitely don’t know her. I’d remember an ass that great.
    The body attached to the spectacular backside puttered beneath the counter, clearly searching for something and not finding it. Metal smacked against metal again, making Mike grimace. The woman made more noise with stainless steel than a brass band. She rose and bumped her head on the ledge. A stream of muted curses spewed out of her mouth as she clapped her palm on top of her head and angled toward him.
    The woman from last week.
    The first woman who’d got his blood pumping in a very long time, and it had been far too long since he’d been with a woman who could actually do that. Particularly since he’d made himself a personal vow years ago not to get too involved. He sure as hell didn’t need to go through that again. It had just about killed him. Literally.
    Mike continued to watch her fume behind the counter. This woman had something about her, and it wasn’t just her looks. He’d been with lots of beautiful women, but he’d never had to reel his tongue back into his mouth before.
    A bright red, sleeveless V-neck