Like hell, Cruz wanted to say, but swallowed the words. Diplomacy was a gift and, with the captain, a necessity. He remained bonelessly molded to his chair, and when he spoke his tone was mild. “I usually work alone.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“I prefer it that way.” Cruz felt compelled to continue. He turned his head to include Madeline. “No offense to my would-be partner,”

“Will-be partner,” Ritter corrected him. “That’s the way it’s going to be, Detective, at least on this case. You two can start pairing up tomorrow.”

His tone brooked no argument, and Cruz subsided. With one last long look at Madeline, he rose and left the room.

She started to follow him, but Ritter stopped her. “Shut the door, Sergeant. I have something else I want to discuss with you.”

Madeline obeyed, and returned to her seat. The look on the captain’s face would have been a glower had it appeared on another’s countenance. It only made his features appear more hang dog. However, there was nothing comical about the suppressed steel in his voice. “I know you didn’t choose this assignment, Detective Casey, but I feel compelled to share with you my distaste for it.” He gave her another fierce look, daring her to respond, but she remained silent. “I met with your captain at Internal Affairs yesterday, and I have to tell you, this whole mess bothers me. A lot. I don’t like Internal Affairs running undercover cases in my district, conducting investigations on my men. I especially don’t like it when one of my best detectives is under suspicion.”

“I understand, sir.”

His brows met over his nose at her even response. He rose to pace around the desk. “Martinez is a great detective. Uncanny instincts. He’s got the best record for closed cases in the district. He’s also on the fast track for lieutenant. One breath of scandal could freeze his career for good.”