Chapter 533

"Stop joking," Ava Quarles frowned deeply. "That's not even possible!" "Oh, why not?" Isabella Goodwin started counting on her fingers. "Look, your bureau's going nuts trying to figure out your personal life. You're still actively serving, right? So your partner's gotta have an impeccable political background, understand your job, be at least equivalent in rank to you. And of course, they can't look bad either..." "Hold on," Ava interrupted her. "Are you telling me this is arranged by the bureau?" "I can't say about others, but this one? Definitely." Ava didn’t pick up on the hint in Isabella’s tone. Isabella continued, "Matthew—Captain Perry—he’s actually recommended by Mr. Larkin’s buddy from the Air Force Command. Pretty solid on paper, good-looking too. So, what do you think?" "Not interested." "See, I told Alan Parker that you wouldn’t go for it. He's too old, right?" "That's not it," Ava looked a little awkward, aware that talking about a superior behind their back wasn’t appropr