“You see, I have an entire department to look out for here, and I can’t let one of my units go off half-cocked and cause a major disaster. I appreciated your angst over your partner’s abduction, but when he returned virtually unharmed, it was a time to proceed with caution. I understand that in this case things turned out fairly well, although Carlos Rivera was killed under questionable circumstances with no witnesses to prove that he had a gun, except of course for your husband…”
“I understand, sir.”
“Do you, Lieutenant? I’d really rather not put such a dark blot on such an exemplary record, if it’s not necessary. I know you’d like to make captain, and something like this wouldn’t bode well for that hope.”
“I’m aware of that, sir, and I’d be very appreciative of anything you could do.”
“Well, I find your attitude refreshing, Lieutenant, and I’m sure that we could work something out to keep this off your record.”
“That would be wonderful, sir,” Midnight said, lowering her eyes almost demurely.
Greg Dearborn was astonished at the change in her. His phone buzzed, and, still watching Midnight, he reached over and hit the intercom button. “Yes?”
“Sir, I have a gentleman out here to see you. He says it’s important.”
“Fine, I’ll come right out.” He switched off the intercom. “I’ll be right back, Lieutenant. Make yourself comfortable while you wait.” His tone was inviting, and she nodded, looking up at him as he stood.
When he returned to the office, Midnight was standing by the window, looking down at the scenery below. She had removed her jacket. Greg Dearborn had to admit, she was indeed beautiful. She was wearing a straight black skirt cut four inches above the knee, without any stockings—with her tan, she didn’t need them. She had been wearing a tailored jacket but had removed it so he could see her lace-and-satin camisole. She also wore three-inch black heels. Greg Dearborn had never been attracted to a female as much as he was at that moment, and to know that he had her basically over a barrel on this one, holding over her the blot to her record and a denial of a promotion she seemed to want very much… Yes, she was indeed over a barrel. In fact, Greg decided, he’d rather have her over his desk. He locked his inner office door. Enjoying his new power, he walked over and stood just behind her at the window.
“It’s a nice view, isn’t it?” he said, his lips close to her ear. She even smelled sexy, he reflected as his excitement grew.
“Yes, it is,” Midnight said softly.
Greg moved a step closer, just a hair’s breadth away from touching her. “So tell me, Lieutenant. What would getting the captain’s position mean to you?”
Midnight was silent for a moment. “It’s very important to me, sir. It would give me the opportunity to command my own bureau, not just one unit.”
“And that would be very good for your career, wouldn’t it, Lieutenant?” He closed the tiny distance between them and felt her sharp intake of breath. A moment later she seemed to relax against him. His hands closed on her narrow waist, tightening as he tried to contain his excitement.
“Yes, sir. It would be very good for my career,” Midnight said huskily.
“I’m sure it would be very good for me as well,” Dearborn said, savoring his power.
“Most definitely, sir.” Midnight turned around to face him. Her eyes were points of green fire. “Do it.”
Dearborn thought she meant her, but he found he was very wrong a moment later when the door to his office was kicked open, the wood shattering. Rick and Joe entered, and Rick moved to Midnight, standing behind her almost protectively. He put his hands on her shoulders as she looked daggers of victory at Dearborn, her chin raised just slightly.
Dearborn was stunned, but it didn’t take him long to start trying to cover his ass. “What’s going on here?”
“Oh, I think you know that one,” Joe said, leaning against the partially shattered door jamb.
“Maybe he doesn’t,” said a voice from just outside. Chief TJ Grant stepped inside, his eyes on Dearborn. “Perhaps we need to read him his rights, so he’ll be aware of just what is going on.”
“Rights? I don’t know what you think you’ve come into, but it’s certainly not what you imagine.” Dearborn sounded every bit the politician.
“We heard,” Rick said, his eyes narrowed, his expression telling Dearborn he was lucky the chief was there. “Everything.” He reached over and turned off the intercom light.
Midnight was grinning evilly. “I guess your career ladder’ll be closed for business for a while, huh?” Her eyes trailed down to his crotch as she said it.
“Yeah, and a whole new one will open up,” Joe said.
The chief nodded, glancing to Spider and Tiny as they moved past him toward Dearborn, both looking very menacing. “Take the assistant chief into custody.”
“What should we book him for?” Spider asked wryly.
“Sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and anything else I can throw at him and make stick.”
Tiny and Spider nodded and walked over to the assistant chief. They “took him into custody” in a less than gentle manner, but the chief didn’t seem to mind. They led him from the room a few minutes later. Midnight was sure from the looks on their faces that Dearborn wouldn’t make it downstairs without tripping a couple of times.
As Midnight watched them go, she felt a weight lift from her. She turned, glancing up at Rick. He was looking down at her, his expression a little concerned.
“Are you okay?” he asked as the chief and Joe politely left them alone.
Midnight leaned against him as she nodded. “I was sure I was going to lose it when he actually touched me, but I made it.”
“I wish you would’ve let us handle it our way. Beating the hell out of him would have been much more satisfying.”
“You and me both, babe, but we’re cops and we have to act like it, even if it’s a real challenge sometimes.”
****
The next couple of weeks were hectic at FORS. Within a week of Randy’s acquittal, Dickerson had rolled over on the Riveras. Although he would still do jail time, it would be less likely to be hard time. It had been suspected that Dickerson had been getting information from the assistant chief about FORS’ status as well as other, more minor details. It turned out Dickerson and Dearborn had been such good buddies that Dearborn had been less than discreet about his opinions of Midnight and her crew. Dickerson had just been sly about garnering information he wanted from Dearborn by getting the man started about Midnight. DMV records had been found that Joe’s late ex-girlfriend Tasha had had, as well as some new information Dickerson had pulled. Fortunately, he hadn’t been able to access all of FORS’ records due to an extra security measure put there by Midnight after the previous attack on the unit. Dickerson had actually used Dearborn’s computer to get Midnight’s address, but even Dearborn hadn’t had access to Midnight’s members’ information.
As far as Dearborn went, he was fired from the department and brought up on charges of sexual harassment. No one even thought to contest it, since the chief stood behind Midnight all the way. Midnight had contacted him the night she and the crew had worked out the idea of trapping Dearborn. He had been happy to help, having been very offended by Dearborn’s accusations of his own misconduct. Midnight had always had a special place in Chief Grant’s heart, but it had never extended to anything beyond a sincere appreciation for abilities.
Randy had gone back to the academy, although she met with a great deal of attitude from the instructors and the recruits she attended with. She hadn’t returned to the same class, since she had missed too much to be able to graduate on her original date. Her new class was set to graduate in three weeks, and she managed to get back into the routine without much trouble. Her classmates’ attitude was, however, very troubling. The department may have been behind her on paper, but that did not extend to the people who worked there. She told Joe about it, saying that she knew she should hav
e expected it, but it was still difficult to take.
Joe had called his friend the training sergeant, asking what was going on. It had been an interesting conversation.
“I’ve heard that Randy’s gettin’ the black-ball treatment there. That true?”
“What the hell did you expect, Sinclair?” Jones had replied. “She was tried for trying to kill two cops.”
“Tried and acquitted.”
“And we both know that don’t always mean shit.”
“It does in this case, Jones.”
“Well, I don’t know what you think I can do.” Jones had sighed, aware that he was being unfair but unable to help himself. He believed too that the whole thing had been a headquarters whitewash for Joe’s sake.
“I think you can make sure nothin’ happens to her, because if somethin’ does, I’m holdin’ you responsible.” Joe’s voice had taken on a superior tone, even though he was the same rank as the man he was addressing.
“I promise you, I won’t let anything happen to her, but I can’t change people’s opinions. Everyone has a right to think what they want, Sinclair.”
“Yeah, even if they know they’re wrong.”
Things had improved a little for Randy at that point, but she was more than ready to graduate. Although, she was worried that whoever might be her FTO or her partner would think the same way. She didn’t talk to Joe about it; she knew he’d extended himself by calling the training sergeant, and didn’t want him to have to fight all her battles. She knew that if she wanted this career, she was going to have to learn to stand up for herself. That was what she intended to do.
****
A week after Randy’s trial was over, Midnight and Rick were finally reunited with their daughter. Deborah and Susan brought the child home, saying they were stopping back in New York to do some shopping. Midnight was in tears the moment she saw her daughter get off the plane. Mikeyla launched herself at her, squealing in delight. Mother and daughter hugged fiercely, and Mikeyla refused to allow herself to be put down—not that Midnight wanted to, but Rick was adamant that she not overdo it just yet.
Midnight had been seen during the week by her doctor. She was having minor cramping and trouble sleeping. The doctor told her she needed to try and take things a little easier, maybe go on a vacation. Rick, who had taken her to the doctor knowing she wouldn’t go any other way, had shaken his head at the man, rolling his eyes. Obviously, the doctor had no idea to whom he was speaking when he suggested time off to recuperate. Midnight had grinned at her husband but had said nothing to the doctor other than to thank him. Rick had been after her ever since to slow down a little bit. Sometimes she listened, other times she didn’t.
Rick eventually took Mikeyla into his own arms, telling her that Mommy needed a rest. Mikeyla kept a watchful eye on her mother all the way through the airport and out to the car. They spent that weekend getting reacquainted. Midnight explained to her daughter why they’d been apart for so long. Mikeyla was thrilled that everything between her parents seemed better and that Daddy smiled a lot more now. She also noticed that both Daddy and Mommy seemed to be more playful with each other, as well as cuddling a lot more. They included her in the cuddling too, enjoying their time with their child much more now.
Midnight had eventually come clean with Rick, telling him she couldn’t have any more children. Rick had been surprised, but he had in turn surprised her by looking at the positive side. “Now I don’t have to worry about you risking your life again, do I?” he had said softly, his ever-present concern prevalent in his eyes. Midnight had nodded, not looking directly at him. She was still unhappy about the diagnosis. Rick had reached out, touching her softly under the chin and making her look at him. “Midnight, I want you in my life forever, and if that means that we just have Keyla, that’s still better than most people have. I love you, I love Keyla, and that’s enough.” His voice was soft and sincere, and it had brought tears to Midnight’s eyes.
“I just…” Her voice had caught in her throat. “I wanted you to have a son.”
“Night.” Rick had taken her into his arms. “I don’t need a son. I need you, okay?”
Midnight had finally nodded, knowing she’d get used to the idea eventually. They had talked briefly about adoption, but it was too soon for Midnight to even think about. Rick had dropped the subject for the time being, figuring that if she wanted to talk about it she would bring it up. There were no secrets between them now. Things weren’t exactly perfect between them yet, but they were getting close to being back to themselves again.
A call from Sheila at the house the following Monday served to separate them ever so slightly again. She had called to tell Rick, needlessly, that she was not pregnant. She sounded curt and angry, but Rick hadn’t even cared. He even talked to Angela briefly. Angela was very happy to hear that he and Midnight were back together. She told him privately that she had known all along that her daughter would never make him feel the way his wife obviously did. Rick thanked her for all the support she’d lent him during Midnight’s “accident,” and assured her that he’d be more than happy to let her see Mikeyla anytime she wanted. “As long as it’s over here or on neutral territory.” Angela had laughed, understanding his meaning fully. She told him that he’d better take good care of his family. Rick assured her that was his intention from now on.
Rick hung up, feeling better about the situation with Sheila. He really hadn’t cared about her being pregnant. He had never considered for a second giving Midnight up, even if they hadn’t gotten back together, to marry Sheila. But knowing that she wasn’t pregnant made it even easier for him to try and put the whole affair behind him. Midnight wasn’t as easygoing at that. She was quiet that evening. Her attitude wasn’t openly hostile, just sedate. Rick knew it would take some time for them to be normal with each other again. He just wondered how long that would be. He didn’t push her to talk about what she was feeling, understanding that she was just trying to overcome her feelings of anger at his infidelity. After a few days she seemed to come around; they never discussed it.
****
Joe, Midnight, Rick, and the rest of FORS attended Randy’s graduation. When her name was announced, Joe was pleasantly surprised that she was addressed as Randy Sinclair. She had dropped her maiden name altogether. She looked directly at him as her badge was pinned on, and his smile was proud. The chief himself did the honors, and in respect of Midnight and FORS he gave Randy a longer salute than the other candidates. It wasn’t a major difference, but Midnight and Joe noticed it and appreciated it.
After the graduation, Randy moved through the crowd toward Joe. He got to her first and grabbed her up in a bear hug, lifting her off her feet.
“I was proud of you up there, love,” he said softly in her ear.
“I was nervous as hell up there,” Randy replied, laughing.
Darrell and Donovan were there as well. They both hugged her.
“You look pretty good in that uniform,” Darrell said grudgingly. He was almost bursting with pride.
“Yeah,” Donovan said, eyeing his sister enviously. “Maybe when I’m old enough I’ll apply for the police force too.”
Darrell rolled his eyes. “Oh God, three cops in the family. My friends’ll never come to the house again!” He had automatically included Joe as part of the family, a fact that was not lost on either Joe or Randy.
The other members of FORS crowded around her, congratulating her and patting her on the back. Randy laughed and enjoyed all of it. Ever since the trial, she had been accepted back into the fold of the unit. No one had any lingering doubts. It was as if seeing Joe, Midnight, and Rick testify for her meant she had to be innocent.
Later that day they had a celebration at Joe and Randy’s house. They barbecued, drank, and played football on the beach. Oddly enough, everyone wanted to be on the same team as Tiny and Kana. Dibbins quarterbacked for one team, Spider for the other. Randy and Midnight made a point of being on the same team, on opposing
sides to their husbands, saying they wanted the opportunity to tackle them. Which they did frequently.
After the game, Joe took Randy’s hand and led her into the house, back to their room. He sat her on the bed, then pulled out a box from under it and handed it to her.
“What’s this?” she asked, looking at the box in surprise.
Joe shrugged. “Just a kind of graduation gift.”
Randy grinned up at him as she unwrapped the box, which was rich mahogany, a foot in length and eight inches wide. When she opened it, she found nestled in hunter-green velvet a gun. It was black stainless steel, with beautifully crafted mahogany grips. There was even elegant tooling in the metal itself. It was the most incredible gun Randy had ever seen. There were also two spare magazines in their own spaces. Setting the box down, Randy ran her hand over the grips of the gun, touching the slide gently. Finally, she lifted it. She’d expected it to weigh more than it did. Careful to point it away from Joe, she looked down the sights. The weapon felt perfect in her hands, as if it had been made for her. She looked at her husband as she lowered it. He had a very proud smile on his face. She had handled the gun properly, and he was secretly thrilled that she had reacted to it the way he would have reacted to a weapon like it.
Randy was turning it over in her hands, looking at it from every angle. Then she glanced up at him, pointing to the gun’s sights. “Tritium?”
Joe’s grin widened as he nodded. She had recognized the night sights his own weapon had, a particular type that basically glowed in the dark, to help an officer line up a sight even at night. He had told her about them when he was helping her at the range, and he was glad that she had remembered.
Randy pointed to the magazines. “Single stack, because my hands are small?”
“Right again,” Joe said.
“But you got me on the gun itself,” Randy said, pretending to look like a failed student.
“It’s a Smith and Wesson, my personal favorite, model 4013. It’s forty caliber, which will give you some serious knock-down power, but the weight of the stainless steel slide will help with the kick.”
Betrayals Stand (MidKnight Blue Book 5) Page 22