by Amber Skyze
“Yeah right.” He blew out a disgusted breath as he beat feet through the sand to the other side of the car. Staying out of Allie’s bed would be the hardest job he ever had. Not even the all-night stakeouts without food were as hard as dealing with his aching cock and the desire to have his next door neighbor.
He had another dilemma on his hands. Who was the guy she was talking to? Was he really just the dog owner or was that a cover-up to her drug operation? He needed to find out that information and fast. First he had to get her to the station and get her processed maybe then she’d start talking and give him all the information he needed.
She took his advice and remained quiet the whole ride to the police station. Tony was relieved because he felt awful for what he was doing, but it was his job. If she was a drug dealer she needed to be off the streets. He had to put aside his feelings for her and the way his dick reacted to her. She was off limits—permanently.
When he pulled in front of the station she continued to look forward out the window. She hadn’t turned to him or questioned what would happen. He decided on the drive over that once inside he’d have someone process her while he had the drugs analyzed. Once he had the proof of who and what she was he’d make her give up the names of the people involved.
If luck was on his side he’d get to return to the beach and nab that guy she gave the pills to.
He brought her in first and settled her into a chair. He asked Harold to get all her information and run a check on her while he returned to his car and brought the drugs down to forensics. They would do a quick test and let him know what types of drugs they were dealing with.
“Hey Cathy, I have a job for you.” Cathy had been with the department for many, many years. She’d helped him out on various different cases. She was all about getting the dealers off the streets. Her son had died of an overdose, which led her to change her profession and do something to help police officers. She didn’t want to be a cop, but she loved forensics, so twenty something years later, there she was fighting crime the only way she knew how.
“What do you have for me today, Tony?”
“A chick this time. One hot broad too. She appears to be up to her elbows in drugs. Look at all this stuff.”
Tony dumped the baggies onto the metal table. “I haven’t seen this many baggies in awhile. I never thought we’d see a break in the case.”
“Give a few minutes to finish what I’m doing here and I’ll take a look for you.”
“No rush.” Let Allie sit upstairs and stew. He wanted her good and ready for when he questioned her. He wanted her to sing like a bird just to get out of here. He could see her wanting to plea bargain. What woman in their right mind would want to sit behind bars? It depended on what she was dealing, whether or not she’d get the opportunity to plea bargain.
The thought of gorgeous Allie behind bars brought pain to his heart. She didn’t look like the type who’d make it very long in jail. The women would eat her alive. She’d become someone’s bitch before long.
Tony shook the image from his mind. The urge to protect her raged through his body. He couldn’t. He had to get to the bottom of this drug operation and somewhere in the middle of all of it was Allie.
Cathy was taking longer than she expected so Tony went upstairs to check on his prisoner. She was giving Harold a hard time. When he approached her he noticed her fingers were black from finger printing. He wondered if her prints brought back any results.
He picked up the file and glanced it over.
“Is Harold treating you all right?” He knew the answer, but wanted her to feel a little relaxed.
She ignored him. That was fine by him. He’d rather not have to listen to her pleas. He knew without a doubt he’d be torn to shreds over his desire to let her go.
“She’s clean,” Harold said coming up behind Tony.
“Ha,” she snorted.
“We’ve got nothing on her prints.”
Tony threw the file down on the desk.
“Cathy is testing the drugs I brought in. We should be able to nail her with what we got. Maybe you should put her in an interrogation room.”
She laughed.
Tony was bothered by her sudden need to laugh at everything he said. Was she challenging him to break her? Allie didn’t know who she was dealing with. Tony was the best they had. Besides Dale, when they wanted a suspect to crack they came to Tony. He always got the answers he wanted.
The phone rang and Harold answered it. He spoke in hushed tones and then hung up.
“I’ll put her in three. Cathy wants you downstairs.”
“Great. This case might be over in the next few hours.” He rushed off, but Allie’s words left a sick chill inside him.
“Good luck with that.”
Tony ran down the stairs to find Cathy.
“Sorry Tony, we’ve got nothing.”
“What? What are you talking about nothing? I brought you a ton of bags.”
“All medications. They run the gamut from acid reflux to migraine pills. Nothing illegal about any of them.”
“Son of a bitch! Are you sure? One hundred percent, absolutely sure?”
“It’s not rocket science. I know illegal drugs and these aren’t any. Your perp is only guilty of having a few medical conditions that need treatment. My suggestion is give these back to her and apologize profusely for the mix-up.”
“Shit. I thought for sure this was the break we’d been looking for.”
“It would’ve been nice, but she’s not a drug peddler. Just an innocent woman.”
“Crap.” Now he felt like a heel. How the hell was he going to explain himself to her? His cover was blown. She knew he was an undercover cop. He had to do some quick thinking so she didn’t go ruining their operation.
With his tail between his legs he went to interrogation room three. Harold had left her sitting in there alone, no handcuffs. It was just as well because she wasn’t guilty of anything. Why the hell hadn’t she told him they were prescription pills?
“Allie, look I’m really sorry about the confusion.”
Her head spun like the girl in ‘The Exorcist’, venom spewed from her mouth.
“Confusion? You dragged me down here without asking me what was in the bags. Did you even listen when I tried to explain?”
His head was hung low. He couldn’t look her in those blue eyes and see the hurt he’d caused.
“I thought I witnessed you doing a drug exchange with the guy you claimed was the dog owner.”
“He was the dog owner.” She pounded her fist on the table. “He had a headache. I gave him something for it.”
“Why are all your pills in little baggies? Those are the type drug dealers use you know.”
She laughed an evil chuckle.
“My pill box shattered and it was all I could find in the house. I need to take those meds pretty regularly. I couldn’t afford to leave them all lying out. I needed to put them in something accessible. The baggies provided me that.”
Her story made sense. If he’d been smart enough to ask her that first day none of this would be happening. He wouldn’t have thought of her as a suspect. That wasn’t totally true. He’d have thought it a cover-up and still watched for any suspicious activity. It was just the nature of the beast with his job.
“I’m terribly sorry. When I saw all those pills on your counter and you were putting them in bags, I thought the worst. I thought you were preparing them for distribution.”
“I can’t believe you thought I was a drug dealer. Do I look like a drug dealer?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean anything in this business, Allie. Shit, some of the dealers out there have kids selling drugs for them. It’s not uncommon to come across a woman once in a while.”
“You were dead wrong this time. Maybe next time you suspect someone of wrongdoing you should just walk up to them and ask them point blank. You might be surprised at the answer you get.”
She’d made her point. He
felt like a schmuck. He’d made a fool out of himself and her.
“I’m so sorry, Allie. I hope you understand.”
“If you’re looking for forgiveness think again. I’m done with you, Officer Tony.”
He hated to do this to her and embarrass her more than he had, but he had to state the obvious.
“Do you need a ride home?”
“Goddamn. Yes.”
He could tell it pissed her off to admit she needed a ride and from him. The last thing she wanted was to take anything from him.
“Am I free to go now?”
“Yes.”
“Great, get me my meds back, take me home and then leave me the fuck alone.”
“Done.” Tony opened the door and she stormed out. She stomped through the desks and out the front doors down to his car, which was right where he’d left it when he brought her in for questioning.
She tapped her foot on the pavement waiting for him to catch up and open the door for her.
Tony did and waited while she climbed in and got settled. Only then did he close the door.
He slowly made his way over to his side. This was going to be a long drive back to the beach house.
Allie didn’t know if she wanted to slap him for being so stupid or laugh. How could he really think she was dealing drugs? At least he didn’t baulk at the alternative, that she was taking all those pills for health reasons.
She stole a glance at him. He looked remorseful. His normally upturned lips were frowning and the lines around his eyes crinkled as if lost in regret.
The handcuffs had hurt her wrists. She rubbed them to ease the pain.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
He didn’t look at her when he spoke. He continued staring forward as he drove. She wanted to reach out and tell him it was okay, but it wasn’t. He could’ve marked her record with the arrest. Thankfully they dropped all charges and promised her name wouldn’t be associated with an arrest.
How would that look to future employers when she started looking for a new job in a few weeks? Oh by the way, I was arrested on suspicion of drugs, but they weren’t illegal drugs. God, just the thought of having to explain that situation had her stomach twisting in knots.
“I can’t believe you thought I was a drug dealer and why didn’t you tell me you were a cop?”
“I couldn’t. I couldn’t risk blowing my cover like that. I know I don’t have a right to ask anything of you, but I’m begging you to keep my secret. I’m still out here to do a job and there are some dealers on this beach. It’s my job to bust them.”
He was right about one thing, he had no business asking anything of her, but she wouldn’t expose him. She knew from watching those detective movies that exposing his cover would put him in harm’s way. She didn’t want anything to happen to him, even if he had arrested her.
She laughed thinking about explaining this one to Pam.
“What’s so funny?”
“I was just thinking about my friend. The one who let me use her beach house. She’d going to die when she learns I was arrested there.”
“I’m glad you find it funny. I feel horrible.”
“You should.” Temptation to reach out and comfort him filled her to the core. She kept to her side of the car. If anyone was going to be comforted it would be her.
“In my own defense how do you think it looks when I see all sorts of pills on the counter in your kitchen? Then you have them all neatly packaged in small baggies. To make matters worse I see you give a package to some strange guy.”
He made a good point. All those things would appear suspicious.
“You could’ve asked.”
“Yeah right. I was supposed to walk up to you and ask you if you’re the drug dealer I’m looking to bust?”
Okay, so he had another good point.
“True. This was a terrible comedy of errors, but it’s over and I can go back to my peaceful vacation. You can go back to looking for the real dealer.”
He parked the car next to his place, turned off the engine and turned to her.
“Truce?” He extended his hand.
She stared at his hand, wondering if she should call a truce or remain mad at him. His face still wore a look of sorrow. Allie knew staying mad at Tony wasn’t going to happen.
“Truce, but from here on out, leave me out of your investigation. Okay?”
“Okay, can I keep you in my personal life?”
She wasn’t sure that was a good idea. He was chasing drug dealers. Who knew what they would do if they discovered an undercover cop. Her life could be in danger just associating with him, yet she wasn’t ready to push him out of her life completely.
“Let’s take things slow and see what happens.”
“I can live with that.”
She laughed again. He had no choice.
“Thanks for the ride home.” Though she wouldn’t have needed one if she wasn’t arrested.
“Can I offer you a drink?”
“No, I think I’d like some time to myself. It’s been a crazy day to say the least.”
“Understandable.” He pulled out a card and handed it to her. “This is my number, if you change your mind call me. I won’t harass you.”
Allie accepted the card. She reached for the handle and opened the car door.
“Bye, Tony.” She needed to get far away from him before she changed her mind and had a drink with him. A drink was definitely in order after the ordeal she’d been through, just without the sexy cop.
Tony didn’t get out of the car as she walked back to her place. She could feel his eyes watching her every move.
“Hey thanks for those pills, they worked wonders.”
She covered her chest with her hand.
“My God, do you always sneak up on people?” She’d just reached the stairs when Paul came around the deck startling her.
“I thought you heard me call your name. What happened to your wrist?” His hand went to touch her and she pulled away.
“It’s nothing.” Allie wasn’t about to explain to a stranger what took place, besides she couldn’t tell him about Tony either.
He retreated. “Anyway, I just wanted to extend another offer to you, we decided to have a party tonight as well. There will be a lot of people to mingle with. All sorts of drinks and food. It’s always a good time. We light fireworks later in the night too. You should stop by.”
“It’s been a long day, but thanks.” She hated turning him down again and the party did sound fun. She was exhausted from the events of the day. She just wanted to have a glass of wine and then crawl into her bed and sleep. Sleep would help her forget all that had happened.
He shrugged. “I won’t lie, I’m disappointed. I understand though.”
“If something happens and I get a burst of energy I’ll drop in.” She didn’t want to lead him on, but she hated seeing him so let down.
Paul left her looking hopeful he’d see her later. Weary, Allie climbed the stairs and into the house. She bolted the locks and went straight for the bedroom, skipping the wine. Throwing off her clothes she climbed under the covers naked. Her eyes closed the moment she hit the pillow.
Tony watched them from his car. It was that guy again. What did he want from Allie? Why did he keep coming back? If he was interested in a possible relationship he could think again. She was off limits. Tony wanted her and he wasn’t letting some guy step into his territory.
Now that he knew she wasn’t a drug dealer he had free rein to pursue her. He could spend time with her and continue the investigation.
He’d have to keep an eye on her place and see if that guy appeared more often or if she went down the sandy beach to his place. Tony didn’t like competition.
A nagging feeling came over him when the guy reached out to Allie and she pulled away. Had he made her uncomfortable?
Maybe he should go for a walk and see where Allie’s newfound friend resided. He could inform Dale and have him keep a closer eye on h
im. The sooner this drug bust was over the sooner Tony could leave the beach, but that meant leaving Allie too. Tony wasn’t ready to do that just yet.
Tony raced into the house to retrieve his badge and gun from the desk drawer. He hid the gun under his shirt. Time for him to take a leisurely stroll down the beach and see who this dog owner was and where he lived.
The humidity was sweltering and Tony wished he could wear less clothing, but if he did he couldn’t carry his weapon. He wasn’t sure why he’d brought it, but his instincts were to bring it along. The flip-flops did little to keep his feet from burning under the scorching sand, but it was better than wearing sneakers or boots.
It didn’t take him long to spot the guy Allie had talked to earlier. He was hanging out on his deck with a group of guys. A few girls were lounging out on chairs with string bikinis. They might as well have been naked for what little coverage the bathing suits provided.
“Hey, how ya doing?” Tony called the group.
“What’s up,” one of the guys responded.
“Know of any places where a guy can get lucky?” Tony was referring to drugs, but he didn’t want to come right out and be obvious. Beating around the bush was the safest idea.
“Depends on what you mean by lucky?” This time it was Allie’s friend who spoke up. He looked Tony up and down, probably trying to figure out if he was trustworthy.
Tony knew the drill. He didn’t look like cop material. He’d been playing this game for far too long to be stupid enough to blow his cover.
“You know a little of this and that.” He nodded toward the girls and left the rest up to interpretation.
“There’s a place right down the beach where the chicks are swarming with the need to get lucky, if you’re looking for a quick fix. If you’re looking to party hearty drop by later tonight when our bash is in full swing. Actually the party will probably last a few days, they always seem to go a little far, if you know what I mean. I’m sure I can help you out.”
Sweet. This was the in Tony was looking for. He had an invitation to the party. He’d be able to scope out the people and see what kinds of drugs were being exchanged, if any, because if Tony had learned one thing from the situation with Allie, it was to be one hundred percent certain before arresting anyone.