A Bid For Love

found a way to mesh with the squad, not like a lot of units did. Whether it was the highbrow aura in general or some personality quirk, he just couldn't seem to relax with them. With Scott's affections so evident in Asher's heart now, even so mild a show of his lack of place in his team's life just cemented his resolve. A new start in a new unit where he might be a better fit didn't seem as onerous as he knew Scott feared it would.
    "Nothing as earth-shattering as your expression would indicate." He took one of the tweed-covered chairs in front of Warren's desk, letting the process of settling his long frame cover the mental rehearsal of his words. "It's just time for a change. Nothing big, I'm not looking to leave town, but I've been getting...a restless vibe, I suppose." A lot less sleep because of making love to Scott counted as "rest-less," so it wasn't a lie of any sort. And wouldn't leave Warren twitching.
    "Restless?" A frown appeared, gears visibly grinding behind dark, intelligent eyes. "You're asking for a transfer, Asher? Just because you feel restless?" Warren sighed. "Fine. You have your ten years and I can't make you stay." He checked the form. "Yeah, you might like Benson's unit." He signed his approval. "I'll miss your expertise."
    "Thank you." Asher heard the ream of unspoken questions and decided to give Warren at least a little comfort. "I swear, it's got nothing to do with anyone else. It's just about me."
    Warren considered him for a long moment. "All right. I hope you find what you're looking for, Asher. It won't be easy to replace your experience."
    Asher noticed Warren didn't say it wouldn't be easy to replace a friend, and that the other man didn't try to talk him out of the decision to relocate.
    Warren settled back with a quizzical look. "I'll tell the unit you're leaving, but you get to explain the reason to Scott."
    "Scott?" What does he mean? Surely it can't have been so obvious. I've sat directly across a desk from Scott for years and had no idea it showed. A new little flutter started in his stomach. "Why would I need to explain my transfer to Scott?" Aside from the fact that Scott constituted the real reason for the transfer, so he already knew anyway.
    "He's not going to like the idea of breaking in a new partner in crime." Warren grinned. "He's pretty possessive about his friends." The grin grew. "Just a warning."
    "Ah." Asher returned the grin, his stomach settling again. "Well, we'll just plot mischief from opposite ends of the building and let whoever happens to be in between take the crossfire. Hopefully it'll be the cretin who runs Office Services." He stood, offering Warren his hand. "Thank you, Warren. I've learned a lot from you."
    "It's been a pleasure, Asher. Most of the time." Warren took the offered hand, his grip warm and firm. "Don't get into too much trouble in the new unit; people will think I taught you bad habits."
    "But if I never get into trouble, they'll think you taught me too many good ones." Warren's chuckle warmed Asher through. "Back to work, then. Criminals to catch. I'll talk to you later."
    Okay. One step down. The gold walls of the hallway seemed a little brighter with the first weight off his mind. Holly would know the reason for the transfer. Asher suspected whatever token protests Eva voiced, at heart she'd be more than happy to see him go regardless of the reason. Noah...not sure yet. That could go either way.
    "Good timing, Asher." Noah's voice greeted him the instant he stepped into the more or less imaginary confines of the bullpen. "I was about to outline surveillance for our new case. I'm glad I won't have to repeat myself."
    Asher nodded, ready to settle into work mode as soon as he sent a quick, surreptitious look to Scott assuring him all was well.
    "Meet Ryan Turnbull." Noah tapped a photo on the case board. "High-end antiques dealer, or so it says on his resume and his website. What we've uncovered is Mr. Turnbull deals in a bit more than Victorian sofas and Tiffany lamps. He does a rather lucrative offline business in Sidewinders and AK-47s."
    "Lovely to see someone making a profitable transition in these economic times." Asher refilled his coffee cup, enjoying Scott's snicker with new appreciation.
    "Yes, well, here's where life gets interesting." Oh, that gleam in Noah's eye was one Asher knew all too well and had little to do with the adrenalin rush to catch a criminal. "Seems our antiques dealer likes to do his side business out of a