by T Gephart
“Nope. Took some convincing but Presley let Leighton drive her home. I’d have done it myself, but she flat out refused. He checked out her apartment before leaving. Got a hot tip last night though. One of the boys in Ladder 151 out in Queens spotted his Audi.”
I had no idea who they were talking about, fascinated all the same.
“Nice to see you didn’t follow up on that lead, Tibbs. Proud of you.”
“Yeah, well, I said I’d tell you about it so here we are.” He folded his arms across his chest. “But Chief, I’m not going to sit on my hands either.”
Jared returned, a tray full of coffee and a selection of cookies. “Didn’t know if you’d had time to bake, Chief,” he smirked, handing out paper cups. “And wasn’t sure how you took yours so it’s black, but I got you sugar and cream.”
I accepted the cup, thanking him while Mack shook his head. “You won’t be getting squat if you keep giving me shit about it. And where the hell were you this morning? Tibbs said you took Presley home.”
Jared nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. “Took her home, checked out the place and then left. Then I—” his eyes shot to me, grinning. “Uh-hum, I was just busy, Chief.”
It was fairly obvious what he’d been busy doing, the need to elaborate it had been a booty call not necessary.
“And seems I’m not the only one in last night’s clothes.” His eyes flicked to Mack. “Funny that.”
Justin chuckled, taking a sip from his cup. “All jokes aside, you free to take a ride down to Queens tonight? I just want to check it out.”
“Hayden and I have plans tonight,” he answered, eyeing him hard. “And I don’t want you going out there alone.”
While I didn’t know the particulars—other than his sister’s boyfriend being an asshole—I could tell it was important. And while the last thing I wanted was to spend a night alone, I knew Mack’s mind would be elsewhere, feeling responsible if something happened.
“We can reschedule.” I offered, everyone turning to me, looking surprised I’d spoken. “I’m sorry, I know this is none of my business, Justin.”
Justin shook his head. “Tibbs, call me Tibbs.”
“Okay, Tibbs. I’m really sorry if something bad happened to your sister, and I’m really glad you’re all looking out for her.” I turned to Mack. “We can go to Club Retro next week, maybe have an early dinner instead? This sounds like somewhere you need to be.”
What I most admired about Mack was his unflappable integrity. He was ironclad, the kind of guy who didn’t litter or steal a ballpoint pen from a bank. And exactly the kind of man these guys needed.
Mack looked at me, squeezing my hand under the table and leaning in. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Positive.” I squeezed back. “Besides, we’ve probably both exceeded our limit for clubs for at least a week. Any more and I think we’re both going to need our heads examined. And you said it yourself. Club Retro is probably going to be crawling with millennials in faded T-shirts of bands they’ve never heard of.”
“Hey, not all of us are posers. And for the record, I know my 90’s grunge.” Riley coughed under his breath. “Not that I had a choice.”
Mack rolled his eyes, clipping the back of Riley’s head. “You should be thanking me. Then it looks like it’s all settled. We’ll head out around nine. Leighton, have any other business this evening? And North, what are your plans?”
“Yeah, as much as I’d love to come see how it all plays out, I’m going to have to pass. Not leaving Quinn two nights in a row. No offense, guys.” Riley raised his hands, clear he wasn’t going to be swayed. It seemed he got more than just his knowledge of grunge from Mack, integrity would be a safe bet as well.
“Probably for the best.” Mack cupped his shoulder, giving him a nod. “We’ll keep you in the loop.”
A silent dialogue passed between them that was incredibly sweet, the other two seeming to be in agreement that Riley should be with Quinn.
“Soooooooooo how did you guys meet? Please tell me he didn’t pick you up in a grocery store?” Jared raised his eyebrow, edging the cookies closer.
Riley laughed, grabbing one of the chocolate chips and taking a bite. “Hayden, I should probably warn you that Chief is like catnip to strange women in grocery stores. I think it’s because he looks like a deer in headlights. Those poor women just want to make sure he makes it out of there okay.”
Mack shook his head, shooting Riley an irritated look. “Don’t listen to them. I’m just polite.” He turned to the rest of them. “And not that it matters but we met online.”
“Online?” Tibbs coughed out. “You know how to do that?”
It was my turn to laugh, the look of bewilderment on Justin’s face, hilarious.
“Yes, you moron. You’ve seen me on a computer, of course I know how. Any other questions?” He took my hand and kissed my knuckles in front of them, daring them to say something stupid.
It was like he didn’t care. Wasn’t concerned in the slightest what they thought or what they’d say, and wasn’t going to hide his affection. Not that I thought he was going to whip out a huge PDA and kiss me on the mouth in front of them, but he wasn’t backing down either. Like he’d said, he wasn’t interested in playing games, and that included hiding me away. Amazing how special that small gesture made me feel.
“Nope. But I might head out if we’re done here.” Jared stood, picking up his coffee. “Got more business to take care of,” he smirked before turning to me. “Hayden, it was a pleasure meeting you. Hoping we get to see more of you around, especially now we know why Chief has been in a better mood.”
“Be respectful, Leighton,” Mack warned. “And for Christ’s sake answer your phone later.”
Jared saluted, tipping his chin goodbye to the others before making his exit.
Tibbs pushed his chair back, grabbing his coffee and a cookie and standing. “I should probably call Presley, just to make sure. Will check in with you later. And Hayden, great meeting you.” He gave me a nod before grinning.
Mack smiled, probably anticipating their silence on our relationship wasn’t going to be permanent. They were saving it for when I wasn’t around.
“Likewise. Hope everything works out with your sister.”
“Yep, me too.” He waved goodbye, walking out the same door Jared had earlier.
Mack’s eyes swung to Riley who was still sitting across from us. “And you?”
“Kind of torn, Mack. Really want to get back home to Quinn, but this is just too fascinating to leave.” He leaned forward, grinning as he stage-whispered. “Now I see why he ditched us so fast last night. Lucky for him, I’m married and completely devoted to my wife or I’d make a play for you myself.”
It was utterly ridiculous that he was flirting with me. Mainly, because while I wasn’t quite old enough to be his mother, he didn’t look like the kind of guy that dated in my age bracket. And another thing, just like Mack, he was gorgeous. Before he’d put a ring on his wife’s finger, he’d probably had a different woman every night.
But even though I knew he was just being polite, or playful, or just plain doing it to annoy Mack, it was kind of flattering that he even bothered.
“I’m sure Quinn is a very lucky woman, but you’re not really my type,” I joked nestling closer to Mack.
“What? Smart, good looking, and talented?” He snorted, pretending to look shocked. “You know he mainly sits behind a desk these days, right? I’m the one running into burning buildings and making the city a safer place.”
“Jesus. Your ego gets any bigger, North, your head isn’t going to fit through the exit.” Mack laughed, shaking his head. “And I thought impending fatherhood would teach him some humility.”
“Speaking of my impending fatherhood. I should get going.” He checked his watch, pushing away from the table. “And thanks, Hayden.”
“For what?” I laughed, wondering what reason he could possibly have to thank me.
&nbs
p; He pointed to Mack’s face. “Haven’t seen a grin like that in years, and as much as I’d like to take responsibility, even I’m not that conceited. Behave, kids, see you soon.” And with a squeeze of Mack’s shoulder, he said one final goodbye, Mack and I watching him walk out.
I turned, facing Mack, wrapping my arms around his chest as I tilted my chin. “You really are amazing.”
He shook his head, actually looking bashful at the compliment. “Why do you say that?”
“Because you raised one hell of a man in him. Not to mention, Tibbs and Jared.”
He laughed, squeezing his arms around me and dropping a kiss on my forehead. “Can we call him Leighton? Every time you say Jared, it takes me a minute to work out who you’re talking about.”
“Fine,” I rolled my eyes. “I’ll call them whatever you want me to but it doesn’t change the role you play in their lives. They depend on you, respect you, and that’s all the proof I need to validate my claim of you being amazing.”
He looked down at the abandoned cookies and our half-consumed coffees. “Whatever the reason, Hayden, I’m just glad you stuck around. Oh, but for future reference, or if anyone asks, it’s because I’m amazing in bed.”
I laughed, tossing my head back like a sorority girl. “Oh, you totally are. Now let’s go get this breakfast you promised me. I have a whole day with you to myself before I have to share.”
He stood, pulling me to my feet and pressing me against his chest. “Sweetheart, the one thing you’re never going to have to do is share me.”
Mack
DINNER WITH HAYDEN had been great.
Determined for it to be a regular date, I dropped her home a few hours earlier so she could get ready, and then took her to a small bistro not far from where she lived. It didn’t have the noise or craziness of Gino’s, but the food was great and I got to hold her hand without some asshole picking up the phone and telling my entire battalion.
Not that I gave a shit what people thought, willing to hear jokes about me dating again until the end of time if it meant I got to be with her.
It fucking bewildered me she had no idea how beautiful she was. Or how much I wanted to be with her, looking at me doe-eyed and surprised when I whispered all the things I wanted to do to her the minute I got back.
That was the other thing, not many women would have been so understanding. She didn’t know Tibbs or Presley, and other than giving her the basic rundown, had no idea what kind of cocksucker Lewis was. Would have been easy for her to dig in her heels, remind me it had been my idea to take her to that stupid club and not given two shits about anyone else. Probably would have been fair too, considering I’d been such a hard ass about keeping commitments.
But she hadn’t even blinked, insisting I go and being completely cool about it. And not going to lie, initially I did think it might have been some kind of test. Melinda used to do it all the time, tell me she was “fine” with something only to throw it back in my face. To say it was confusing was an understatement. But Hayden was nothing like Melinda. And fuck me, was I into her more than I thought was possible.
“You sure it was the shit stain’s Audi?” I asked Tibbs, my truck idling in the parking lot of the Cineplex in Flushing. While I trusted Lucas from 151’s word, I wanted some kind of reassurance we weren’t going to jack up some oblivious tool who would—quicker than shit—file a harassment charge.
Tibbs kept his eyes on the parking lot, cars filled with teenagers or couples on dates accounted for most of the traffic. “Yep, he said the plate numbers were different, but he has that stupid holographic sticker on his bumper. He thinks he’s a fucking DJ, and it’s his dumbass logo.” He rolled his eyes.
Even if he had amnesia—forgetting Lewis brandished a gun in his sister’s face and broke into her apartment—he’d been less than impressed with Presley’s choice. I’d only met the guy twice, and that was enough for me to agree he wasn’t someone I’d want my family around.
“How do we know it’s not some other jerkoff’s Audi with the same sticker?” I tapped the steering wheel, wondering what the chances were he was still in the neighborhood. He had to know Presley would have made a statement, and at the very least the police would haul him in for questioning.
“C’mon, Chief. Same make, model, color, and the fucking sticker? You and me both know there’s no such thing as that many coincidences.”
He was right about that.
Singularly, the Audi TT coupe could be anyone’s. But add in that hideous Pulse Orange paint job, the unique sticker on the bumper, and the fabrication year of the car lining up—and chances were remote.
“You’re quiet.” My eyes landed in my rearview, Leighton sitting in the backseat like a boy scout. “Your afternoon activities wear you out?”
He coughed, squaring his shoulders before meeting my eyes. “You want to talk about ladies we’re entertaining now, Chief? Because if that’s what we’re doing, then you should probably start.”
I flipped him off, wondering if I’d been as big a pain in the ass when I was his age. Christ, I hope I wasn’t, reminding myself to call my old captain to apologize, just in case. “We are not talking about Hayden. And I know I don’t have to remind you that unlike the two of you, I don’t fuck around. She’s obviously important to me. But on the chance your memory is foggy, you’ll be-fucking-have. And for God’s sake, tell me you’re being safe. A pregnancy is the least of your problems, and that’s saying something considering you procreating is a goddamn nightmare.”
Leighton laughed, satisfied he’d hit a nerve. “You’re such an easy target, Chief. And you know I’m a saint. Wouldn’t dream of messing with your woman, even as a joke. But, if Hayden continues to inspire the baking,” the asshole had the nerve to chuckle, “I’d like to formerly request brownies. Double chocolate.”
My fingers pinched the bridge of my nose as I groaned. “I swear you’re worse than preschoolers. How you guys made it through the academy is a mystery.”
“It’s ’cause we’re brilliant, Chief.” Tibbs piped in from the passenger’s side.
“Not to mention, fearless warriors,” Leighton added from the back.
I shook my head, not able to honestly disagree. “And your own biggest fans too. Let’s keep the appreciation society for later, like much later, when I’m not around.”
Deciding we’d sat in the parking lot enough, we took a scenic drive of the surrounding area. Lewis apparently had friends in Queens, not that any of them admitted to speaking to him, let alone seeing him since last Saturday. And who even knew who his family was? He’d told Presley he wasn’t on speaking terms with any of them. The kid was slick, I’d give him that. And because Presley hadn’t filed any official assault charges, it was a standard B&E, and not a high priority for an already overworked force. Even as a favor for a fellow first responder, their hands were tied. Unless we found him, then they’d happily look the other way too.
“Presley working tonight?” We headed back to College Point Boulevard, keeping our eyes peeled for the bright douchey car.
“Yep, but she promised she’s getting a ride home with one of the girls from the bar. We still don’t know if he did it just to mess with her or if he was looking for something. And I don’t trust the guy.”
“Speaking of people we can’t trust.” Preferring to talk about anything else, but needing to ask. “Either of you two clowns see Melinda?”
Tibbs shot Leighton a look, making it obvious something had gone down, both of them remaining tight lipped despite me having outright asked.
“Spill it. What did she say? And don’t try and tell me it was nothing because you’re terrible liars.”
“So, I saw her at the bar,” Leighton started, fessing up to what I already assumed. “I swear I didn’t say anything, but she walked up all the same and offered to buy me a drink.”
“And?” I waved my hand, knowing there was more to the story.
He blew out a breath. “And . . . suck my dick.”
Hadn’t been expecting that.
“Chief, I told her I wasn’t interested. And I’d never—like ever—go there. But before she left, she told me to give you a message. Either you call her back and give her what she wanted, or she was going to make your life a living hell.”
I shook my head, trying to remember a time when I’d loved her. God, I had to have at some point, right? But lately, she was making it hard to summon the recollection. “I’ll take care of it.”
Wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to do that, but me meeting her demands wasn’t happening. And I wasn’t going to be extorted. She’d better have more up her sleeve than idle threats. And she could blow the whole battalion for all I cared, because if she was trying to make me jealous, she was shit out of luck.
“So what does she want?” Leighton asked, obviously not informed by my charming ex-bride of her plan to harvest my fucking seed.
I swear, even in my head it sounded batshit level crazy. What the hell did she think I was going to do? Get her pregnant and then walk away from my kid? Especially knowing how much I’d wanted one when we were together? There wasn’t a chance I’d be a sperm donor dad, knowing that if or when I made that commitment there’d be a ring on their mother’s finger and a promise I’d never leave. And that was ignoring the fact I’d never condemn them to the persecution of having her as a mother. Even if she was the only female on Earth and the survival of the race depended on it, I’d still turn her down.
“Nothing she can get from me.”
We circled the streets a little more but didn’t see the Audi or the dipshit, deciding he was probably laying low. Not to say that we wouldn’t take another drive if we got more intel, but so far we’d come up empty.
Tibbs and Leighton shared an apartment in Hell’s Kitchen, not far from my place on Tenth. So we drove back to Midtown, giving me a chance to drop them off before heading back to my place to pack an overnight bag.
As much as it would suck getting up early and fighting traffic from Inwood to the station in the morning, I wasn’t spending a night away from Hayden. And not just because I promised her I’d stop by after I was done with Leighton and Tibbs. But because the idea of sleeping alone when she was an option was unthinkable.