it into a large room, separated into cubicles. Several were occupied by men and women in suits, probably other inspectors. Most were on the phone or typing on their computers. A few stood together and talked.
We walked over to where two desks faced each other. It was easy to spot Dodge’s. It was as neat as his apartment. The desk across from it was piled high with files, paper, coffee cups, and a couple of half-eaten donuts. Dexter immediately started straightening the piles.
I laughed as the top file slid to the floor.
Dodge frowned at me.
“Sorry,” I whispered.
Dexter must have thought Dodge’s frown was aimed at him because he picked up the file and his pace, straightening the desk. “I know it’s a mess, but it’s the way I work.”
“Just leave it.” Dodge took two files out of his desk drawer. “I’ve got the info we need here. Let’s use one of the conference rooms.”
“I hear Marge is joining us.”
“That’s what the chief says.”
“She’s a crazy bitch.”
Dodge scowled and this time it was definitely aimed at Dexter. “She is not.”
Dexter glared, then mumbled, “Okay, then she’s misunderstood.”
“Who’s misunderstood?” said a tall, sternly attractive woman in her mid-thirties with intense eyes as clear and blue as a tropical lagoon. She wore a tight Versace red dress, Prada red sandals, and carried a matching red Gucci purse. The woman had great taste, I’d give her that. It was the same dress I had chosen when going for the red look.
Dexter jumped back, his eyes wide. Was he afraid of this woman?
“Good morning, Marge,” Dodge said and nodded toward her. “I’m glad you’re on our team.”
She shook her head. “A team of misfits.” She pointed at Dexter. “You’re the biggest one here, so don’t be calling me crazy or a bitch.” Her brows furrowed in anger, but there was also playfulness in her tone.
Dexter’s face brightened with a huge smile. He put his arm around her shoulder. “A crazy bitch is just what we need to catch a killer.”
I followed them out of the squad room and into the main hallway. Marge definitely looked like a woman who lived on the edge. If I had met her before, I would have liked enjoying life through her.
They stopped in front of a door that said Conference Room A.
“Let’s take this one,” Dodge said.
Dexter stepped around Dodge and opened the door, “After you, my dear.”
Marge smiled and sauntered around both men.
Dodge scowled. “Don’t start already, Casanova.”
Dexter shrugged. “I can’t help it. I like the ladies.”
“Yeah, that’s how you landed on the chief’s bad side.”
“It’s not my fault his wife got trashed at the holiday party and ended up in my lap.”
“Sure, it’s not.” Dodge scowled. “Besides if you keep it up, I’m going to call Jessica.”
“Try and find her. The stupid Feds won’t even tell me where she’s working.”
“That’s what you get for marrying an undercover DEA agent.”
Dodge walked around Dexter and went into the room. Dexter followed and closed the door behind them. I was left standing in the hallway. That was a bit rude, but then again, doors aren’t a problem for me.
The door opened, Dodge came out.
I heard Dexter behind him say, “What are you doing?”
Dodge winked at me and said, “I thought I heard someone calling me.” He stepped into the hallway, I went into the conference room, and he came in behind me and closed the door.
Marge and Dexter sat at a rectangular table in the center of the room. One wall was covered with electronic whiteboards and another had a long table covered with several holographic computers. It was pretty high-tech for a police department.
Dodge laid the two files on the table. “I’m going to let the scheduling clerk know that we’ll be using this room for a while. I’ll be right back.”
He walked to the door and then glanced back at me. I waved him on and said, “I’m staying here.”
He shrugged and