“Ok, now we can cuddle.”
Shane was feeling much stronger and it had been a few days since his last dizzy spell. He decided it was time to get back in the cage. First he needed Luke to approve it or Buddy wouldn’t allow it. He had talked to Luke a few times over text but hadn’t seen him since last week when he rushed off to the hospital. That was another reason he made an appointment, he wanted to see him.
“Mr. Hart, the doctor will see you now.”
Shane stood up and followed the nurse into the exam room.
“Have a seat, the doctor will be right in.”
Shane sat down on the exam table and waited for Luke. Finally, the door opened and in he walked.
“Hey, Doc.”
Luke smiled.
“How’s my famous patient, today?”
Luke walked over to Shane. Before Luke realized what was happening Shane lifted up his legs, wrapped them around Luke’s and pulled Luke between his legs. Finally, his wrestling experience came in handy. He reached up his hands, grabbed Luke’s face and kissed him. Luke pulled back.
“We can’t do this here.”
“Here or not at all?”
“Right now you are my patient and I can’t risk someone walking in and seeing us fucking around, Shane.”
“Fine.”
Luke shook his head. He knew Shane was upset but he should understand and not act like a pouting child.
“So any dizziness? Headaches?”
“Been fine, I feel good. I just want to get back in the cage.”
Luke checked Shane over. Then he walked over to the counter and typed some stuff into his computer and scribbled on a note pad. Then walked back over to Shane.
“Here’s a note for your trainer.”
“So I’m good to go?”
“I think so. Just listen to your body and if something doesn’t feel right then don’t push it.”
“Like us?”
“Shane…”
Shane got up and headed to the door.
“Goodbye, Dr. Martino.”
Chace and Kyle had spent the last three hours going through clues, witness statements, and dead end leads. They were up to six victims now.
“We have to be missing something.”
“Chace, maybe we need to walk away for an hour and regroup?”
“Sawyer said something like that last night about stepping away when we were talking to him and your brother.”
“See, I’m right. Come on, let’s go grab some lunch and clear our heads.”
Chace got up and grabbed his jacket and tossed Kyle his. As he opened the door Chloe ran smack into his chest.
“Whoa!”
Chace peeled Chloe off of him and backed up.
“I, I know I shouldn’t have but I did and you won’t believe this.”
Chace looked at Kyle and then down at Chloe who looked like a cross between horrified and ecstatic.
“Chloe, calm down and explain.”
Kyle grabbed her by the elbow and walked her over to a chair and sat her down.
“Chace, sit down. Chloe, exhale, take a minute to relax and then explain.”
“These murders have been keeping me awake at night. It is all I think about. I…”
“Is the big, bad coroner scared?” Chace laughed.
“You’re a jerk, Chace.”
“She’s right, Chace. Keep a lid on it. Go on Chloe.”
Chace gritted his teeth and looked away from Chloe.
“So it is quite evident that the numbers which are carved into the victims have a meaning…”
“Thank you, Captain Obvious.”
Kyle turned around and looked at Chace.
“Either shut the fuck up or leave.”
“It suddenly occurred to me this morning when I found a phone number in my pocket from last night, that maybe it was a phone number…”
“Nope. We’ve only had six victims and I’ve never heard of a six digit phone number.” Chace laughed.
Chloe got up and walked over to Chace.
“You are not only rude but you are WRONG!”
“Wrong?”
“Yes, there have been six victims but the last one had a double digit number, hence seven numbers, and a phone number.”
Kyle stood up and pulled his phone from his pocket. Chace rolled his eyes. He was beginning to feel like a jack ass.
“It’s worth a try.”
“I already called, I’m right.”
“Right?”
“Dial the number and listen to the message.”
Kyle dialed and then placed his phone on speaker.
“Hello, Congratulations! You have found my first six victims. Number five was a bit of a challenge I must say, but I love a good challenge, do you? I hope so because I don’t plan to make this easy on you. Watch your backs because my next victim will be one of your fellow officers. Until next time…”
Chloe smirked at Chace who was now staring at her.
“You’re Welcome.”
Kyle patted Chloe on the shoulder.
“Thank you. I’m going to go tell Chief Manning.”
Kyle walked out and Chace stood up. Chloe started to follow Kyle out the door.
“Chloe wait.”
Chloe rolled her eyes and turned around.
“What now, Chace?”
“I wanted to thank you and also apologize for being a jerk.”
“Apology accepted and yes, you are a jerk.”
Chloe walked out.
Chace just stood there. She was right, he was a jerk. That woman had the capacity to turn him in to a blundering asshole in under a minute. He needed to learn how to control himself when he was around her.
Declan was in the supply room looking for some tape for his adding machine. He moved a box and saw Kaylee on the other side. It was the first time he had seen her since he kissed her…by accident of course.
“And what might you be looking for?”
Kaylee cringed when she heard Declan’s voice. She was still embarrassed from running out when he kissed her.
“A ledger book.”
Declan put down his box and walked around and reached up onto the shelf above Kaylee’s head and grabbed a ledger book.
“Is one book enough?”
Kaylee nodded her head. “Thank you, Sir.”
“No problem. So, how’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Fine, thank you for asking, Mr. King.”
“That’s good to hear. I won’t keep you.”
Kaylee gave Declan a quick smile and darted around him.
“Kaylee wait.”
Kaylee stopped and turned around but didn’t look up.
“Yes, Mr. King.”
“I know what I did was wrong and I apologized but I see that I make you uncomfortable and that upsets me. You are a valued employee. You’re one of the smartest, most efficient ones I have. Is there anything I can do to…”
“Mr. King, thank you for your praise. There is nothing to apologize for. I understand what happened was a poor judgement call and it won’t happen again. May I go back to work now?”
Declan really wanted to make Kaylee at ease but he seemed to make matters worse so instead of keeping her there and trying to sort through it, he decided to just let her go before he made matters worse.
“Yes, you may go.”
Kaylee ran out and Declan punched the wall, he was so disgusted with himself.
Lucy was tossing her clothes into her suitcase. It had been one of the best weeks she’d ever had. The only thing that would have made it better was if Ace wasn’t in pain, then they could have had sex all week. But if he wasn’t in pain and didn’t need her she wouldn’t have been there in the first place.
“Leaving me?”
“You don’t need me anymore.”
“Lucy Jenkins, what I definitely need is you.”
“I have this great idea, I can come and visit.” Lucy laughed.
Ace wrapped his arms aroun
d her waist and looked into her eyes.
“I have a better idea. Move in with me?”
Lucy just stared at Ace and blinked a few times before she answered.
“Ok, but only if I get to claim the right side of the bed as mine?”
Ace kissed Lucy.
“I’ll get a crew over to your place to help you pack up and move you in.”
“In a bit of a hurry, Mr. Dean?”
“Just a little.”
“I think before I start to pack up and move in, I should tell my parents.”
“Probably a good idea.”
“I think I will go and pay them a visit.”
“I’ll come with you, if that’s ok?”
“I’d like that.”
Shane called Buddy on his way to the gym. He was so excited to get back to training. When he walked in Declan was in the gym with Buddy.
“Hey Kid, best news I’ve gotten since you won your last fight.”
“Thanks, Buddy. Dec, why are you here? Is everything alright?”
“To tape you up and spar.”
Shane smiled a huge smile.
“I missed you my last time.”
“I missed you too. Now let’s get going, I have a meeting at three.”
Buddy patted Shane on the back as he headed to his locker room to change.
“Thanks for calling me and letting me know Shane was on his way, Buddy.”
“Anytime, Boss. It’s good to have our kid back in action.”
“That it is.”
Lucy and Ace had been standing outside her parent’s door for a few minutes now while Lucy tried to compose herself.
“Lucy, why are you so nervous?”
“I always get like this when I have to tell my parents big news.”
“I’m big news?” Ace laughed.
“Yes.” Lucy laughed.
Suddenly the door opened.
“Are you two stalking us or do you plan to come in for a visit?”
Lucy and Ace laughed.
“Hi, Daddy.” Lucy leaned up and kissed her father on the cheek.
“Chief.” Ace nodded as he stepped inside.
“How are you feeling Ace, it’s good to see you out and about.”
“Pretty good. I don’t think it will be too long before I’m back at work.”
“Good, because we miss you down there and since you’ve been out Henderson is cooking and the food tastes like shit.”
Ace laughed. Then grimaced when his ribs pained him.
“Dad, is Mom home?”
“No, your mother is out with her sister getting their gowns for the wedding altered.”
“Why, what’s going on?”
“I wanted to tell you and Mom something.”
Lucy’s father looked down at her hand, no ring. Then up at Ace.
“Is she pregnant?”
Ace’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Lucy’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
“No, Sir.”
“Daddy!”
“Ok, then what did you want to tell us?”
“Ace asked me to move in with him…permanently.”
Lucy’s father smiled and he hugged Lucy and then shook Ace’s hand.
“That’s great news.”
“Will you tell Mom to call me later so I can tell her?”
“Sure.”
Lucy hugged her father.
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“I love you, Baby.”
“See you soon, Chief.”
“You take good care of her, you hear?”
“I will, I promise.”
Ace held Lucy’s hand as they headed to the car. Her father stood in the doorway smiling.
ACE WAS ALL READY to leave for work. He was so excited to be heading back but he was going to miss being with Lucy tonight. She had been officially moved in for only two short weeks but it seemed like she had been there forever and he couldn’t imagine her not being there.
“Time for me to go.”
“I will miss you tonight, Ace.”
“I’ll miss you too. How about a kiss goodbye?”
“I can do that.”
Lucy smiled and kissed Ace. Ace gave her a big hug and then another quick kiss before he grabbed his bag and headed out the door.
Chace woke up covered in sweat. He had been having nightmares since they found Officer Cadence murdered with the number six carved into her chest. He had only seen her around the station. He didn’t know her personally but it still hit way too close to home. He needed to find this guy and put an end to his killing spree.
“Chace, are you alright?”
Chace looked over at Ellie. He had been sleeping with her on and off since Kim left him. He still missed Kim but Ellie loved sex and always made him feel real good.
“Yeah, I just woke up thinking about having another go at it with you.”
“Mmmm…that sounds like a great idea.”
Ellie got up and straddled herself over Chace and then lowered herself down onto his cock making him quickly forget how upset he was.
Ace walked into the firehouse and all the guys started to clap. His Chief walked over to him and shook his hand.
“Welcome Home, Dean!”
“Thank you, Chief. Thanks, guys.”
“First order of duty…please cook us breakfast.”
“Will do, Jorge.”
Ace was wearing a big smile as he and his crew headed towards the kitchen.
Shane was pounding away at his punching bag. He had been at it for an hour now. He had his headphones on so he never heard the door but when he turned to reach for his water bottle he saw Robert standing in the doorway watching him. He pulled his headphones off.
“What are you doing here?”
Robert walked closer but stopped about two feet from where Shane was standing.
“I miss you, Baby.”
“Leave.”
“I want you back, Shane.”
“I, I can’t.”
Shane was becoming visually upset and Robert was taking advantage of it. He walked right up to Shane and reached for his wrist.
“Shane, please.”
Shane stepped back out of Robert’s reach.
“I said no, I asked you to leave.”
“I’m sorry for everything I said and did. I was sick, I couldn’t help myself. After I hurt you I realized I needed help. That’s where I’ve been, getting help.”
Shane finally looked Robert in the eyes. Robert smiled.
“You got help for your gambling addiction?”
“Yes, because I wanted to get you back. I love you, Shane.”
Shane felt so torn. Part of him still loved Robert and wanted to believe him so badly but the other part heard Declan and Chace telling him that Robert was coming back and he would do anything to worm his way back into his life.
“To be honest, I’ve missed you and part of me still loves you…”
Robert lunged at Shane and his lips crashed down on Shane’s. They kissed but Shane pulled away.
“Robert, you hurt me not just emotionally but physically and intentionally and if Buddy didn’t come in when he did, I’m pretty sure that you would have let me bleed to death. I can’t be with you. Not now, not ever.”
Declan had walked in. His initial instinct was to grab Robert and beat him to a pulp but he saw Shane pull away from Robert’s kiss and then heard what Shane said so he stood back and waited to make sure Robert left without giving Shane any trouble.
“I love you, Shane. I can’t go on without you. Please just one more chance?”
“I said no. Now leave or I’ll call security and have them escort you out.”
Shane stood there like a statue watching Robert as he turned and walked out. Shane knew he did the right thing but he felt as if someone just rubbed salt in his wounded heart. He pulled off his gloves, threw them on the floor and headed to the shower.
Lucy was reading to her class when a man entered her classroom carrying a vas
e of flowers.
“Are you Lucy Jenkins?”
“Yes.”
“These are for you.”
Lucy smiled and stood up.
“I will be right back, I just have to talk to this nice man for a minute.”
Lucy took the flowers from the man and placed them down on her desk. She grabbed her purse and handed him a tip.
“Thank you, have a good day.”
The man hadn’t made it out the door before Lucy grabbed the card to read it.
Lucy,
I miss you already.
Love,
Ace
“Miss Jenkins, do you got a boyfriend?”
“Yes, Henry, I do have a boyfriend.”
All the children thought that was so funny that their teacher had a boyfriend, they all laughed. Lucy couldn’t wait to one day have children of her own, they were so cute and innocent.
Ace was mulling through paperwork trying to find his desk.
“Knock, knock.”
“Hey, Chief.”
“Looks as if you haven’t been here for a month.”
“Feels that way too, but it is great to be back.”
“So, my wife called to tell me Lucy texted her.”
“Is everything alright?”
“Apparently, she received flowers and had to tell her mother just how wonderful you are.”
Ace smiled.
“I miss her. I know it sounds crazy but I do.”
The Chief sat there nodding his head.
“Not crazy. That’s just the way it is when you love someone.”
“Chief, I’ve been thinking. I don’t know if it’s too soon. I, I want to ask Lucy to be my wife.”
The Chief sat down and let out a huff of breath. Ace looked shocked. He thought the Chief would take the news better, he thought the Chief would actually be happy and give him his immediate blessing. This reaction had Ace a bit worried.
“Are you asking me if it is alright to marry my daughter?”
“Yes.”
“I know you’ve been living together and you love her and of course this is the next logical step but the thought of…”
“You don’t think I’m good enough?”
Ace of Spades (Underground Affair Series Book 1) Page 13