Anna Ramirez threaded her way past the busy coroners and officers in the precinct courtyard and shoved the door open, looking distinctly unhappy.
"Sir, with something this big going on, even a desk worker like Ed got to stay at the scene. Why was I the one ordered to take a break?"
A desk worker? Was he any ordinary desk worker? That was Wang Wei... no, that was a desk worker with the Riddler switched on.
Li Jie rubbed his throbbing temples and gave Anna an irritated look. "Missing it was a good thing, girl. That wasn't a carnival. We were fighting for our lives. Several of our brothers are still lying in the infirmary with their arms stretched out. But since you're so energetic..."
He glanced around and found Raven sitting nearby, drinking hot cocoa. "What do you think? Is there still any danger right now?"
"Father won't give up, but the tide of danger has receded for now. I can't sense any approaching malice at the moment."
The girl was slowly regaining some color. She was still pale, but she no longer looked as though she might drop dead at any moment, as she had last night.
"Good. Officer Ramirez."
"Yes, sir."
"I have an important assignment for you." He pointed at Raven. "Stay close and protect her. Until I get back, you're her shadow. Wherever she goes, you go. Whatever she eats, you taste it first... uh, never mind that part. Just make sure she's safe. Understood?"
Anna looked at Raven, then at Li Jie, straightened her back, and snapped off a crisp salute. "Yes, sir! I'll get it done!"
Li Jie nodded, then looked toward Harleen, who was holding a cup of hot coffee, surrounded by tactical officers. The big boys were taking turns making her