Jack felt a tingling sensation in his scalp. Though he wasn't entirely politically correct in his thoughts, he certainly didn't mind attractive women being close to him. However, the pair who had misbehaved in the back of his patrol car when he first joined the precinct were an exception—too much of an eyesore and utterly disgusting.
For most lecherous old men, seeing two attractive women getting intimate was only a pity for being wasted, followed by pure appreciation. The problem was, this seemingly attractive woman seemed to be targeting his girlfriend, which was displeasing. Though he was confident in Hannah's sexual orientation, as Zoe had mentioned their long-standing rivalry, it shouldn't have dragged on until now if something were to happen.
But if she employed indirect strategies, it could spell trouble. Jack wasn't good at rejecting beautiful women in his previous life, let alone someone only slightly less curvaceous than Hannah.
Sure enough, after the awards ceremony, Jack had barely taken a few steps off the stage when Taylor Kelly, smiling brightly, stood in front of him with the distinguished-looking middle-aged man.
"Officer Jack Tavola, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon. This is my father, Vincent Kelly."
Seeing the middle-aged man extend his hand, Jack quickly responded with a respectful handshake.
"Hello, Your Honor."
As a judge in the LA Superior Court, Vincent Kelly was approachable but had little to talk about with a low-ranking patrol officer like Jack. After a few polite exchanges, he seamlessly integrated into the group with the police commissioner and the governor.
Taylor Kelly, however, remained standing before Jack, her sweet smile now tinged with a hint of reproach.
"Why haven't I received your call?"
Do upper-class girls in the USA always act this directly? Jack instinctively put on his business smile, his pearly whites dazzling under the lights.
"I'm sorry, Miss Kelly. I already have a girlfriend."
His gaze unintentionally fell on her chin, where two pimples, barely concealed by foundation, had appeared since their last meeting. Noticing the slight redness in her pretty blue eyes, he mused that the job of a news anchor was indeed tough.
"Am I not better than that country girl Hannah from Texas?"
Taylor Kelly's tone carried an air of superiority but couldn't hide the mischievous glint in her eyes.
Tch, what kind of cheesy American teen drama lines are these? Anyone unaware might think she was attending a high school prom.
Realizing that she was a bit of a drama queen, Jack nearly sang out, "Please don't insult the goddess in my heart."
There were two stifled laughs behind him—Zoe and Maureen were eavesdropping.
The banquet hall was crowded, and Taylor Kelly didn't have Jack's keen hearing, nor did she notice the two elegant women pretending to whisper behind him.
Knowing her act had been seen through, Taylor Kelly smiled wryly.
"It seems Hannah told you a lot. I know she pursued you, but I'm still curious, in your eyes, how am I not as good as her?"
Jack didn't reply, scrutinizing her again. To be fair, the low-cut blue starry evening dress did suit her, blending sweetness with a touch of cunning.
Noticing Jack's gaze lingering on her chest, Taylor Kelly's face darkened, and she gritted her teeth.
"Are you still a nursing infant?"
Though the cleavage looked a bit forced, it was still better than Lucy's B-cup, but not as impressive as Maureen's, let alone Zoe and Hannah's ample figures.
Finally, Taylor Kelly left in a huff, leaving Jack to sigh, wondering about this whole ordeal. Was this news anchor genuinely interested or just out to antagonize Hannah?
Ordinary men would quickly succumb to such a well-connected, attractive woman, but he, being the good man he was, could resist. He would definitely seek some compensation from Hannah later, and if not, her sister might pay some interest first.
"Have you heard of the BAU?"
Amidst the steam and the scent of oak in the bathroom, Maureen had instantly fallen in love with Jack's homemade large bathtub, often soaking for an hour each time.
Acting as a human cushion, Jack shook his head. Americans loved their bizarre acronyms.
"It's the Behavioral Analysis Unit under the FBI. They're rebuilding a team to handle nationwide serial cases, and they need a smart, capable rookie. I recommended you."
"Are you joking?"
Jack was surprised. He knew Maureen was a specially appointed LAPD psychologist, but he didn't realize she had such influence in the FBI. Him, a rookie cop, catching the FBI's eye seemed exaggerated.
Maureen stretched comfortably, her floating curves mesmerized Jack.
"Actually, they found me. I was assisting the BAU with a profile on a serial murder suspect, and they had some questions about your file, so they asked me to verify."
Jack looked up at the ceiling, trying to stay focused.
"Why would the FBI be interested in a rookie cop's file?"
Maureen rolled her eyes.
"You've had a lot of administrative leave in less than six months at the Wilshire precinct."
"Uh," Jack was stunned, thinking he wouldn't have racked up so many kills without the main crew.
"The BAU wants a rookie without fixed thinking patterns, but with real-world experience and strong learning ability. They reviewed numerous files, narrowing it down to five candidates, and you were one of them."
"I told them you were my student, set to pursue a master's in psychology under me after completing your bachelor's. The BAU checked your academic records and chose you."
Jack was thrilled. This saved at least three or four years of effort. This privilege was indeed sweet!
"Professor Cahill, I don't know how to thank you enough."
Maureen moaned softly, slapping away his mischievous hand.
"Carry me out, the water's cold."
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter