Hard Days Knight: Under-Cover Knights, Book 1

by Livia Quinn

  Abby said, “He’s a she, and Hogwart is a very overweight hamster. Here, hold her like this.” Abby helped Monique support the hamster’s butt and get a firm hold. “You can take her back to your seat.

  “Obviously, Hogwart doesn’t have as much going for her when it comes time to be adopted. But it doesn’t make her any less valuable. Can you give me some reasons why someone would find Hogwart more suitable than Pepper?”

  Tia said, “She doesn’t need a yard to pee in.” The others laughed.

  “That’s true, Tia. Anyone else?”

  Monette’s voice came from behind Del. “She’s quiet.”

  “Another good point. And there are others. Hamsters eat less, normally. They take up less space.” She looked around the room, locking eyes with as many teens as possible. “But the bottom line is a pet’s value, their beauty if you will, are in the eyes of their owner.” She let that sink in a minute.

  Del saw what each mentor was trying to accomplish—help those in attendance see their strengths and their potential through the eyes of their mentors without preaching to them. “Like each of us, Pepper has some hidden skills.” Hearing his name, the Scotty leaped off Angel’s lap and did another flip.

  Leanne walked toward Angel. “May I have your arm again, please, Angel?” While Abby handed an older gray feline to Luc, Leanne took the boy’s blood pressure. Del glanced over toward Luc and saw Earl texting on his phone even though Luc had requested the phones be muted.

  Leanne said, “Angel’s BP is now 117 over 90, a considerable drop in just fifteen minutes.”

  Abby said, “Pepper’s doing. Dogs have a calming, restorative effect on our health and well-being. Not to mention, they love unconditionally, and therefore make excellent role models. It’s one of the reasons I got involved with animal welfare. I could relate to being tossed aside. In helping these marvelous creatures regain their health and find homes, I’ve found my passion, and it came from a life experience most would term unfortunate.

  “You don’t have to be a professional or an adult to contribute. Dr. John talked about this last month. Volunteering with animal shelters or the local veterinarian can often lead to positions as vet techs, dog walkers, groomers. But if cleaning up doo-doo and walking dogs isn’t your cup of tea, you can volunteer with almost any organization—hospitals, nursing homes, city parks, government, and in private philanthropic organizations.” She looked at Jude. “Even sports arenas.”

  “Yeah,” Jude spoke up. “But volunteer means you don’t get paid.”

  “That’s not always true, Jude, but there are tangible rewards to volunteering. The increase in self-esteem, the knowledge that you’re making a difference in another’s life, learning to work with others and developing work habits that can be included on your first job application, not to mention references from the supervisors you work under. I hope you’ll all give some thought to volunteering now and in the future. Many of the most important accomplishments in our world today are by people who see a need and think of ways to solve the problem, often without pay. We have an excellent example in Mr. Larue.”

  Del thought, Way to go, Abby, turn their attention toward someone they obviously admired. She noticed Luc looked a bit embarrassed by the attention that was focused on him. Then, every phone in the room went off.

  *

  With a quizzical expression Luc reached for his phone so everyone could hear it ringing.

  “Mr. L, you were supposed to turn your phone off—” Steven said, just as his cell rang and then one by one all of the phones in the room started to blast their various ringtones, including Del’s.

  “Our next presenter is our old buddy, Earl.” Luc turned, holding up his ringing phone. “Did you have something to do with this, Earl?”

  Earl’s silly grin reminded Del of the Lampoon Magazine picture, with his wide smile, alert eyes and freckles. “Once a geek, always a geek.”

  He stepped to the center of the room. “How many of you know what hacking is?”

  “I know what “jacking” is,” said a teen sitting behind Jude.

  Angel said, “He’s talking about computer hacking, dipsh… Uh, that’s where you get into the big credit card company websites and steal people’s passwords and sh—stuff, right?”

  “That’s right, Angel. Or that’s part of it. A hacker is a derogatory term for someone who uses computers to gain unauthorized access to documents or programming. Like what I just did to your phones. A harmless prank among friends but not so harmless if the “hacker” is stealing into the Visa records online, or ferreting out secrets from the Pentagon. The difference is illegal intent. Often hackers and programmers start out the same way, with a curiosity for information systems and how they work. At one time they were all just geeks.

  “You might be a geek, if you like to take your phone apart and find ways to work around the systems that make it run. Anyone know what that’s called?”

  “Jail breaking,” said Jude.

  Earl nodded “If you ever thought about overriding the code on a security system, you might be a geek. Essentially, I started out that way. A juvenile delinquent with too much time on my hands and a bunch of old computers to play with. My parents were wealthy but they weren’t around much so I entertained myself by learning to hack into computer systems. As luck, or not having any luck would have it, the turning point happened for me when I hacked into the police department computers,” the crowd stirred and some of the kids looked at Del as if she was going to arrest him. “That was before my eighteenth birthday and the judge gave me community service at the local prison about fifteen miles from here. The first thing I learned was that I didn’t want to spend my life taking showers with other men, or sleeping like sardines in a can.

  “Then, I learned there are a lot of things I can do with my skills, and the satisfaction of preventing hacking is greater than working the other side of the fence and winding up like the men I saw behind that razor wire.”

  Jude huffed behind Del.

  “How many of you have played computer games?” As with the other mentors, Earl was intent on helping the group gain a positive focus, and not concentrate on what they lacked. Most of the teens raised their hands.

  “So how would you like to design computer games? Programming skills are needed for software design, security, computer games, movie production; the list is long. If this is something you feel you have a talent for, talk to me about it.”

  Luc said, “Thanks, Earl. You did un-hack our phones didn’t you?”

  Earl waved his phone at Luc.

  Del smiled at Luc’s terminology. He either played down his knowledge of computers or didn’t mind everyone knowing he wasn’t a geek. A phrase came to her that she hadn’t thought of since her computer classes in the academy. WYSIWYG What you see is what you get. That was Luc Larue.

  CHAPTER 7

  L uc shifted the cat to his shoulder, where it lay like an old rag. “Take a quick break, the dessert is set out, and make sure everything is picked up outside, please.”

  Del noticed only a few young people grumbled. Some actually ran toward the rear doors.

  “They’re looking for leftovers,” Luc said from behind her.

  Delilah laughed but noticed Angel still sat on the bleacher with Pepper. “Looks like Angel’s found a friend.”

  Luc studied the boy for a minute then said, “Maybe Abby has a convert.”

  “You’ve got a good thing going here, Luc,” Del said.

  “Actually, the risks are just starting to pay off. The funding for the remodeling came through so before long we’ll be adding a kind of lounge, a creative space, a game room and a place where tutors can meet with the kids and they can work on homework. If you’d been here three weeks ago, you might have thought like we did that we wouldn’t be able to continue.”

  “Why? Did something happen?”

  Abby approached Luc and lifted the cat from his arms, “I don’t suppose you’re thinking of adopting Hermione, are you?”r />
  Luc hooked his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans. “I think these animals are getting superiority complexes from the names you stick on them, Abby.”

  “So you figured out the method to my madness, Mr. Larue,” she teased. “Names are very important to how the world sees us. And our ASPCA residents need all the PR advantages they can get.”

  Del said, “I think you’re absolutely brilliant, Abby. By the way, there’s an officer at the precinct that just lost her feline pal. Hermione might be just the ticket. I’ll give you a call this week and see if we might plan a bit of subterfuge.”

  “You got it.” She loaded Hermione into her crate. “Monette, when you’re done admiring Hogwart, please return her to her crate. And Angel, Pepper might need to make a trip outside to the nearest tree. Don’t let him off his leash.”

  Angel nodded.

  Delilah turned to Luc. “Any tips?”

  Luc smiled down at her. “You don’t need tips. You’re a natural, just be yourself so they see cops are people, too.”

  “I guess. You must get excited to see these kids progress.”

  “Sometimes success comes in terms of hours, not lifetimes. In good choices vs. devastating ones. But yeah, it’s definitely worth it.”

  With a whistle from Luc, everyone returned to their seats and gave him their attention. “We heard from Abby about how important pets can be to our well-being and how volunteerism is a good kind of double edged sword. Next, we’ll hear how Ms. Burke came to be a police officer.” He waved Del to the center of the room.

  Del placed both hands on her knees and pushed off the bleacher. Turning to face the group, she clasped her hands to keep them from twitching.

  “Hi, I’m…Delilah, and I’m a cop. Hmm, did that just sound like I was introducing myself at a 12 step meeting?” Sharing her discomfort with them had broken the ice. Everyone laughed and relaxed, including her.

  “I guess it’s because I rarely admit to my real name. I use Del as a kind of professional barrier, like an author might use a pen name. We humans construct those barriers to protect ourselves, but as we learn to trust the people around us, we expose more of our true selves. I’m sure each of you can relate to that. So, here you may call me Delilah. Does anyone have any questions about my job?

  Monette raised her hand. “Why did you decide to become a cop, Ms. Delilah, ma’am, er, sir?” The others snickered behind. She pointed at them playfully then to Delilah, she added, “You’re pretty enough to be a model.”

  “Thanks, Monette. I don’t think anyone’s ever said that to me before.” Delilah pursed her lips. She had thought about this a lot in the last couple years. “I don’t think I played cops and robbers like some boys do when they’re young. The simple answer is that cops are just people who started out as children from different backgrounds, grew into teens like y’all and for various reasons decided on this line of work. I did have attributes that proved helpful when I went into law enforcement, but it took a family tragedy when I was twenty-one to make me realize what I’d known for years… that I wanted to finish my college degree and go straight to the police academy.”

  “What happened,” asked Tia.

  Del’s shoulders straightened. “My older brother was shot, in a gang related skirmish.”

  “Is he dead?” asked Angel.

  “Angel!” Tia sighed.

  “It’s okay,” said Delilah. “It was close for a while, but he pulled through. Though he is in a wheelchair. Some of you might even know him—Father Thomas from Saint Teresa’s?”

  The group stirred. Del’s eyes lit on a few of them, then Jude, whose eyes slid away as he stroked his hands down the front of his jeans. Tia made the sign of the cross.

  “Ever since I was a little girl, I hated unfairness, not realizing it was a foundation for my job now. When Tommy got shot, it was only the catalyst that said to me, ‘It’s time.’ I think I’d always known I wanted to stand against those who prey on the innocent and defenseless and find justice for the victims of crime.

  “My ‘gift’ if you want to call it that, is the ability to read people, to see their true intentions. And my brother would add that I’m tenacious, like a pit with a bowl full of bones.

  “Your other mentors have talked about each of us having a special talent—a passion in some cases. My brother’s calling, was to help his community, especially young people, to get out of their desperate environments and make the dreams of kids they see on TV or in school become their own reality. Even those gang members who were responsible for his disability. I didn’t feel so generous. To me that, and what Leanne does, for instance, is a calling. I’m more of a public servant. I’m not that compassionate or patient or forgiving, not to mention I hate needles.”

  They laughed.

  “I understand some of you have, or are living on the street. That makes you the innocent—not victims—because I don’t see anyone here who would categorize himself or herself that way. How many of you know a cop personally?” No hands went up.

  “Well, now that’s just sad. Cops are people, too. Well now, you can say you know one and I hope you’ll think of me as a friend. The thing is, you can run across a bad cop like you can a crooked store manager or a bad parent; but the majority of police officers are here to serve and protect. Passing judgment is not our job.”

  She looked over at Luc, wondered if he was thinking about the day she’d thought him a thief, and just yesterday, a Lothario.

  “You all know the code to dial for emergency—911? Well just put an extra one on the end and you have my badge number. 9111. If you ever need anything or you find yourself in a situation you can’t get out of, call the Police Department at 555-2222 and ask for badge number 9111. They’ll put you through no matter where I am or what time it is. My partner’s name is Jed just in case you get put through to him. Just mention I’m your friend, and he’ll respond as if it was me.

  “If you have a passion for fairness and the will to stand in the gap between those who prey and their victims, you might be my next partner.”

  They clapped for her as she stepped aside. Luc took her place.

  He thanked Del and turned to the group. “My turn. We’ve been talking about positive attributes today. Talents. Have you identified your best quality? Knowing that might lead you to discover your passion. Maybe it’s not even community related. You might be the next Michelangelo or American Idol.”

  They were suddenly shy, looking at their laps, fiddling with hair, so Del said, “I have an idea. Sometimes it’s easier to see the good qualities in our friends. I’ll go first.” She looked at Luc. “I haven’t known Mr. Larue long, and he’d be too shy to admit it about himself…”

  Luc groaned. She wouldn’t. He tried to communicate with a panicked stare. She smiled back at him drawing out the moment just for meanness.

  “Luc Larue… is a very generous man. Would you all agree?”

  “And he’s got a wicked lay-up,” said Jude.

  “Yeah, that too,” Del said, looking at Luc, who let out a relieved breath.

  Monette said, “I can tell you one of Angel’s strengths.”

  Angel rolled his eyes as if to say the whole conversation was silly, but Del noticed he moved forward in his seat to hear her more clearly.

  “He’s loyal. He sticks by his friends and doesn’t let anyone disparage them.”

  “Ugh…what does ‘disparage’ mean?” asked the small boy behind her with a whine.

  She turned around. “And you, Jeremiah,” she said. “You are always trying to learn, always asking questions.”

  “Well, Monette got us off to a good start. Anyone else?” asked Luc.

  Tia said quietly, “Jude is compassionate and tenderhearted.” She looked down at her twisting hands.

  Jude jumped up from his seat suddenly and said to her, “That’s not true.”

  Angel rose as well. “This is stupid. I got somewhere I have to be.”

  Angel glared at Tia and stomped after Jude, handing
the leash to Jeremiah before they left through the front door.

  From the stunned silence came a small voice. “I think I’m a geek.”

  Even blinking back tears, Monette didn’t miss a beat. “Reuben’s right. He is always trying to figure out how video games are made. It’s kinda irritating, Reuben.” She bumped him on the knees with her shoulders and smiled. Reuben obviously didn’t think that was a compliment.

  Luc needed to salvage the exercise. “Sometimes we don’t see ourselves as others see us. There’s almost always stuff going on with one side or the other that should be taken into consideration. Let’s not be too hasty to judge.

  “I appreciate everyone coming out today. Don’t forget the basketball game Tuesday night at 6:00. Monette and Tia, if you’d remind Jude and Angel.”

  “Sure, Mr. Larue, but they wouldn’t miss a game for nothin’.” The girls rose and hopped down the bleachers.

  Monette kissed Hogwart and carried her back to Abby, then she turned to Del. “Wanna see something?” she whispered. Her eyes held a mischievous glint as she pulled a paperback novel from her bag and held it where just she and Del could view it.

  The book was entitled, The Billionaire Shiek and His Secret Mistress and starring in the role of Billionaire Sheik was none other than their own Luc Larue. He was tanned, his muscles primed; his powerful chest gave way to that can’t-pinch-an-inch eight-pack. The veins that cut across his biceps made Del’s mouth water. His Mistress was seated below him, her cheek in his big hand and he looked down at her sultrily. It wasn’t Mercy Love.

  “Oh, my! He does make a fine sheik, doesn’t he?” Del asked Monette, “How many people here know about Mr. Larue’s job?”

  Monette looked thoughtful. “I think most of the kids know ‘cause we’ve kinda talked about it, but I don’t think the adults do.”

  Delilah would bet her cruiser Leanne and Abby had run across a romance cover or two. “Well, let’s keep his “secret” until he’s ready to come completely out of the cover man closet, okay?”

  Monette’s mouth thinned briefly but she agreed. “Okay.” She placed the book back in her tote and waved goodbye.