Identity Crisis. Kate Donovan

one thing—” his demeanor grew tentative “—I’m going to stop taking my problems out on you.”

      “Pardon?”

      “This is the long-awaited apology, so sit back and enjoy it.”

      “Oh.” Kristie gave him a sympathetic smile. “It’s not necessary, Ray.”

      “Sure it is.” He hunched toward her, his expression sincere. “The other morning—when I lost my temper with you after you had just saved Lizzie Rodriguez’s life—it wasn’t you I was really mad at.”

      “It was Colonel Payton, right?” she guessed. “Because he ordered you to give me a commendation? I’m still mortified about that.”

      “You deserved the recognition. But yeah, it was tough to take, coming from him.”

      Kristie nodded. “Everyone knows SPIN is your creation. It’s unfair that the president lets that—well, that Neanderthal—interfere with your judgment.”