Visions in Death (In Death, #19)

by J.D. Robb

“Overcoming and getting over are two very different things.”

“Sir, I don’t think I can tone up appreciably before dispensing sexual favors if you want the vehicle by end of shift.”

“Get out.” Eve smacked her in the shoulder. “How’d you pull this off?” “A little fast talk, some slight exaggeration, a lot of prevarication, and a little assistance from an e-fairy who knows how to hack.” “You got it through unethical and possibly illegal means.” “Damn straight.” Eve set her hands on her hips, looked Peabody square in the eyes. “This is such a proud moment for me. A proud, proud moment.”

“Jeez.” She chugged Pepsi as she strode the half a block north toward the first fitness center. “It’s weird enough, this whole cozy gathering, but now I have to do it on no sleep and with bodies piling up. My life used to be simple.” “Mmm.” “It did. Because it didn’t have all these people in it.” “If you need to shove somebody out, you know, to simplify? Could you give Roarke the push? See, McNab and I have this understanding. If Roarke’s clear, I get to take my shot at him. McNab gets one at you.” When Eve choked on the last swallow from the tube, Peabody gave her a helpful thump on the back. “Joking. Just sort of joking.” “You and McNab have a sick, sick relationship.” “We do.” Peabody beamed. “It makes us very happy.”

“Got it. Just let me slap myself around and wake up. I’m on my way.” “Get there now. I’ll slap you around.” “You sweet-talker.”

“The department appreciates your time and assistance, blah, blah.” “Please, you’re much too effusive in your gratitude.”

She briefed Summerset, kept it short, to the point, then headed out to her car. “I can’t believe I’m asking him to commit an illegal act.” “It would hardly be the first of his life.” “ And that I’m asking him to assist in a police investigation.” “That may very well be a first.”

“People tend to get cross when someone threatens to pull their brains out of their nostrils.” “You’d think they’d give me points for creativity.

“I won’t be put in the ground when my time comes,” he said, quietly. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, whatever the hell, I won’t make that transition in the bloody dirt. I’ll take the fire, quick and clean.” “Maybe you can bribe God and live forever. You’ve got more money than He does.” He managed a small smile to please her. “It’s worth a try in any case.”