Excerpt: Caution to the Wind

"This is Paz," her supervisor Carlisle introduced to the round of new officers.

"Carmen," she elaborated.

"We call her Paz," he went on. "She does mostly audio and video analysis, but you can sometimes catch her with questioned documents."

"I also like guns and their parts," she smiled.

"She's a Jane of all trades," Carlisle said. "But she's best with audio and video."

She gave a little nod to the officers as they walked along. A couple of them smiled back. At the end of the group stood a familiar face. She put on her best face and pushed her glasses up.

"Detective McRaven. Fancy seeing you here," she greeted.

"Hello Technician Paz," he smiled. "It's been awhile."

"I think before your first case," she reflected. "And I don't think I've gotten a chance to say congratulations making detective. Congratulations."

Again the smile. "Why thank you, Miss Carmen. That's very sweet of you."

She nodded and hoped her smile seemed natural. "So what can I do for you, Detective?"

"Maybe I just wanted to visit."

She laughed a little. "I doubt it. No one just comes to visit here. Besides, I know that look in your eyes."

He cocked an eyebrow. "And what look is that, Carmen?"

"It's the look that says you want something."

He grinned. "Fine, you caught me. The surveillance tape from the armed robbery last night?"

She nodded and sat down to her computer. "I did what I could, but you know those cameras aren't the best out there."

While Jake had his eye on the screen, Carmen stole a glance at him. She thought about mentioning Las Vegas, but decided against it. How embarrassing would that be? She decided that she would act surprised when she saw him there. Maybe he wouldn't even notice her. She could hope.

"Thanks, that does help."

She nodded. "Anytime."

She could feel his eyes on her and she looked over at him. "Was there anything else?"

He just smiled again. "I'll catch you later, Carmen."

"Sure," she smiled back.

With a little wink, he turned and walked out. She watched him for a moment, then shook her head and went back to work.