“B—”
“Officer Ramirez, you do what you have to.” Bur’s tone was cold and crisp, his face matching it. Gerald’s chest tightened. Seeing that look hurt, but there was nothing he could do. He turned Bur around and pulled out his cuffs.
“You’re going to regret this, Ramirez.” Del’s tone held a promise of retribution.
I already do.
Gerald snapped the cuffs closed around Bur’s wrist. He led him out, reading him his rights. Derby and Monroe took the prisoner, putting him into their car. Gerald hadn’t expected that. He’d thought he’d have time to talk with Bur alone in his cruiser. Gerald got in his vehicle and followed the car taking Bur to jail.
At the station, he kept close as they booked him, and then took him to an interrogation room. Gerald clenched his fist as the DA came in. He listened as the DA congratulated the men on a job well done. Gerald stepped outside the door, not able to stomach it. He lowered his head, folded his arms over his chest, and waited. The sound of multiple footsteps made him raise his head. Gerald straightened, watching the men approaching. The man leading the contingent surprised him.
“Where’s my client?” Dante Berkus, Robert’s brother, snapped.
The brusque tone and detached expression made the bile in Gerald’s gut increase. Dante didn’t seem like the same man he’d hung out with. Gerald jerked his thumb toward the door. Dante and the fleet of lawyers with him went inside the door.
“Russy-boy… how are you?” The insolence in Dante’s tone was clear, even though Gerald was outside.
He peeked into the room. The other lawyers were around the DA and Dante in a semicircle. The sergeant and lieutenant were leaning on the wall, looking amused. Gerald knew why. They’d never heard anyone call the DA by anything but his full name, Russell, or his last name. The DA’s mouth was agape as he sputtered. Then he snapped out of it, straightening his tie.
“Dante. What are you doing here?”
“Oh, I live in Mapson now.” Dante glanced at his nails.
“You’re not Wilbur’s lawyer?” Although Russell tried to hide it, Gerald could see the fear and fury on his face.
Gerald studied Dante. He wouldn’t peg the laid-back man he knew to instill either of those emotions. Even from his immaculate suit and expression, Gerald didn’t get that sensation.
“Bur, as he prefers to be called, is my client. Then again, only people who had the sense to make sure their case would stick would call him that. Just call him sir, since that’s what you’ll be saying when you apologize for this false arrest.” Dante stated each word in a precise manner.
Russell clenched his fist. “There’s no way you’ll get him out of this. The video online is proof.”
Dante held up his hand. One of the lawyers handed him a sheaf of folded papers. Dante held it out.
“Some reading for the shit storm you created.” Dante’s tone was cool as he paused, then looked Russell up and down. “I wouldn’t count on using this arrest to herald your re-election. Actually, it will ensure you don’t get re-elected. You should be grateful if he doesn’t sue you, the city, and everyone else.”
“Sue? Don’t threaten me. Just because he’s who he is, that doesn’t make him exempt from prosecution.”
“Self-defense. Remember those words when you fucking apologize and grovel.” Dante slapped the sheaf of paper against Russell’s chest, and then his voice lowered, fury filling it. “You should be thankful I won’t be facing you in the courtroom. Be very grateful for that.” Dante released the paper and smoothed his tie. Then, in a pleasant tone, he said, “Now, I’ll see my client. And remember, Russy-boy, no listening in. If you do, it will just be another thing for me to add to my suit.”
Dante and the team of lawyers entered the room with Bur. Gerald watched them as they conversed. Suddenly, there was sound, and he heard Dante’s voice.
“The DA is a weasel—”
Gerald walked to the window and pushed a button, cutting off the sound.
“Officer—” the DA began.
“We don’t want to do anything to compromise the case. And if this makes it to court, we’ll be forced to testify.” Gerald choked out the words.
The DA glanced at the other two men in the room. Gerald turned his head. The men nodded. The DA cursed, crossing his arms over his chest. Gerald flexed his fingers, barely resisting the desire to punch him out. He couldn’t help Bur in jail. That thought was what made him return to just outside the door. A knock came on the glass. He heard the door open, and assumed the DA had gone into the room. Gerald placed his head back on the wall and waited to see what would happen. Dante could make as many threats as he wanted, but if the DA didn’t want to let Bur go, they could hold him, making excuses. The door opened, and Gerald stepped into the observation.
“You can’t do this, Dante!” Russell yelled.
“Already done. See you soon, Russy-boy.” Dante led Bur toward Gerald.
“Bu—”
Dante interrupted. “Officer, get out of our way. If you detain us, I’ll add you to our suit. Furthermore, I’ll have your badge.”
Gerald stepped back, shocked at Dante’s words. Dante led Bur past him. Bur didn’t even look at him. Gerald clenched his fist. The fleet of men followed them. Gerald went into the hall. He trailed them and waited outside as Bur went to get his things. Gerald waited for a chance to speak with Bur. He needed to explain. Bur and his lawyers came out of the room.
“Fucking queer,” a snide voice said behind him.
Gerald observed as Sid passed him. Bur paused, turning his head. Pale green eyes studied him as if he was a stranger. They had taken all of Bur’s piercings, and he didn’t seem like the man he loved. Gerald stepped toward him.
“Ramirez.” Bur turned his head, the dismissal clear.
Gerald stood watching as he left with the lawyers. Bur hated him, and he hadn’t understood. He needed to explain. Gerald hurried to the locker room. He opened the door and heard a familiar voice.
“They let that little queer go. Just because he’s famous. Bet he sucked off the DA to get a pass.” Sid laughed.
Fury burst through Gerald, and he was across the room without knowing how he got there. He slammed Sid up against the lockers.
“What—”
Gerald grabbed him by the throat and lifted him. “Shut your fucking mouth. If I hear that word from you again, another nasty comment or remark, I will make sure you live to regret it.”
He released his hold on Sid’s throat and stepped away. Gerald turned, meeting the gaze of the men crowding around.
“Any of you,” he stated.
“I’m going to report you. Get rid of your queer ass,” Sid sputtered.
Gerald turned, fist raised, and let it fly. Before it connected, he was caught from behind and turned around.
“Officer Ramirez, I think it’s time for you to go home.”
Surprised, Gerald lowered his fist and stared at Monroe. The man didn’t let any expression show on his face.
“He’s defending that queer.”
Gerald pivoted. “B—”
“Mr. Jenkins is none of your business, Officer Cruz, and I would suggest you focus your energies on your job. Or I have lots I could think of to tell certain people who would be real interested in your activities.” Monroe’s tone was as contained as the man himself appeared.
Gerald noted Sid’s face paled, and he sputtered.
“Be gone,” Monroe stated.
Sid left quickly. Gerald studied the man he didn’t know much about. Monroe shifted his attention to the others in the room.
“Go.”
They dispersed. Gerald noted Derby and another man going down the aisle. They came back and nodded to Monroe. Leaning against the locker, he focused on Gerald. Monroe crossed his arms over his chest.
“You were planning to tell a room full of cops about you and Mr. Jenkins. That’s not very smart, Ramirez. I took you for a smart man.”
Gerald didn’t know how to r
espond to that.
“Have you ever thought of becoming a detective?” Monroe asked.
The change of subject baffled Gerald, but he replied honestly. “Yes.”
“Good. Report to my unit tomorrow.”
“But… what?”
“My unit, tomorrow. I’ve already asked Rodriguez, and he also agreed.” Monroe turned on his heels and strode toward the door.
“I didn’t agree to anything. But you’re just a lieutenant. You can’t just reassign me and make me a detective.”
“Used to be a lieutenant. As of tomorrow, I’m in charge of my own unit. And you are now part of it.”
“Why me? How can you make me a detective?”
Monroe stopped and replied without facing him. “Because you’re a good cop, and I’ve been watching how you handle yourself for a while. When you know where the bodies are buried, you can do lots of things. Even make a putz like Sid shit his pants.”
Gerald didn’t know what to say. Until today, he hadn’t really paid much attention to Monroe.
“If we hadn’t been with you when you arrested Wilbur, would you have coached him on what to say when questioned?”
Gerald didn’t even think to lie. “Yes.”
“Tomorrow at seven o’clock. Now, I suggest you get home to your partner.”
Gerald internally debated a moment, then asked, “You still want me to work for you, even knowing I wasn’t going to do my job?”
“Yes. Honest cops are who I want in my unit.”
Monroe walked out the door. Gerald moved to it and watched as he and the other two men made their way down the hall. He noted the other cops glancing at the men, then away. Gerald didn’t care what Monroe said. He knew a few people too. He thought of Monroe’s comment about Bur being his partner. After today, he didn’t know what they were. Gerald gathered his things and headed out.
“Ramirez, my office. Now.” His captain’s voice stopped him.
Gerald approached his office and went in. The captain was behind his desk, and he gestured for him to close the door. Gerald winced at his expression. He was about to get chewed out.
TWO AND a half hours later, he approached the turnoff to Bur’s house. The captain had indeed chewed him out. He had raved about what Gerald had done. Gerald had listened, knowing he wasn’t looking for a response. When the captain wound down, he had mentioned he would be sorry to lose Gerald to Monroe’s unit, but said he was going to work for a good man. Gerald was surprised he had already known what they just discussed. The captain had advised him he’d known that Miguel and Gerald were being considered for detective for months. He couldn’t say anything until it was official. Any other day, Gerald would have been excited about his career taking such a great, unexpected turn, but today, all he could think of was Bur. As soon as he could, he had asked the captain for permission to leave, then did.
First, Gerald had gone to his place, but when he hadn’t found Bur or anyone else there, he’d driven by Harper’s. The house was dark, but he checked anyway and found no one. He’d tried calling, but none of the brothers or Tomas were answering their phones. He couldn’t even reach Lisa. This was the last place he could think to look. As he made the turn, he realized that there was no way for him to even know if Bur was there unless he let him in. Bur had explained about the code needed to enter. Gerald approached the gate and prayed Bur would at least see him. The gates opened as he drove up. Surprised, Gerald entered. In the rearview mirror, he noted the gates swung closed behind him. He tightened his hand on the wheel. In moments, he parked in front of Bur’s house. There was no light from inside the dwelling that he could see. Recessed lighting was all over the yard. Gerald exited his truck and went up the steps. He remembered Bur’s statement, and Gerald turned left and went around the wrap-around porch and to the side where the kitchen was. Gerald knocked.
“It’s open!” Bur called.
Gerald opened the door. He closed the door behind him and approached the table where Bur sat. Gerald gripped the top of the chair across from him. Bur had replaced his piercings. Bur’s hands were out of view. Gerald wasn’t sure if he was upset or not.
“I’m sorry, Bur.”
He looked startled. “For what?”
“Arresting you. But Christ, Bur. Did you have to actually kick out his knee?”
“Yes.”
“I know we joke around about you being violent. But if we tell the court you’ll get anger management, we can hopefully get you off.”
Bur sat forward.
“Roareee.” The indignant sound made him sit back.
“Sorry, Cinders.” Bur lifted the cat higher in his arms and stroked her.
At the sight of his cat in Bur’s arms, Gerald moved beside him, pulling out a chair and sitting. Gerald noted from where they sat by the window, it offered a view of the backyard. The moon and lighting created a cozy atmosphere. Bur shifted, his knees pressed against Gerald’s.
“I’m not going before a judge.”
“You’ll have to appear in court.”
“Nope. As Dante stated, it was self-defense. My… father… broke the order of protection. Besides, by now Connecticut should have gotten their asses in gear and done their proper paperwork.”
“What?”
“You don’t know?” Bur asked.
“Know what?”
“Why I did what I did?”
“You don’t get along with your parents. It happens. But getting physical about it only leads to problems such as you’re in now.” Gerald shrugged.
Bur leaned forward, this time moving the tabby so she wasn’t crushed. “You don’t even know, and yet you helped me today.”
“You got it.” Gerald breathed out.
Although he had thought Bur might have understood his arresting him when he saw Cinders, hearing it confirmed gave him relief.
“At first, I was thinking of giving you a well-placed kick. Figured hell, I was being arrested for one charge already, what difference would two make. But then you did the two things that would make me pay attention.”
“What did I do?” Gerald wasn’t sure what Bur was referring to. He’d only been trying to tell him not to talk.
“Called me Wilbur to get my attention. You know how that pisses me off. Then you called me Bur in that Gerald way.”
“What way?” He frowned.
“A mix of exasperation and love,” Bur stated.
Gerald reached for him. Bur stood, moving into his lap. Cinders jumped down and curled up by their chair.
“I love you, Bur.”
“And I love you.”
Gerald rested his forehead against him, holding him.
Bur rubbed their heads together, then whispered, “I was going to kill him.”
Gerald lifted his head sharply. “Don’t say that. Not to anyone, ever. We’ll get you therapy. D—”
“I’m already in therapy.”
Gerald stopped. He hadn’t known that. He continued, “Good. Then we can—”
“Shut up, Gerald.” Bur kissed him, then spoke. “I would have regretted killing him.”
“Remorse. That’s a good thing. Use that when you—”
Bur spoke over him. “But only because I would have been locked up and not be able to see your best asset.”
Gerald chuckled.
“Cal stopped me.” Bur’s expression went serious. “My parents abused me and my brothers, including the twins. You remember when you asked me why I didn’t go to the hospital for my back?”
Gerald nodded, trying to even contemplate what he was stating in such an emotional manner.
“They knocked me over into a glass table, then proceeded to stomp on me and kick the hell out of me. But that was a minor thing compared to what else they did to me.”
Gerald swallowed, his fist clenching where it rested on Bur’s back. He stayed silent as Bur closed his lids, lowering his head. Bur sighed, then raised his head. His pale green gaze met Gerald’s.
“I’m not going into all t
he details of what they did to me. I’ll tell you everything in my own time. But what I will tell you is, in addition to the abuse, they molested me.”
Gerald jerked, shock filling him. The abuse was horrifying, but the molestation made nausea fill Gerald’s gut.
“That’s why you went to England.”
“Yes. They’d been touching me for a long time, but just that. Until that one day when they took it further.” Bur gulped. “Thank God Del came home. He found them just as they were going to actually rape me. He stood up to them, told them to get out. I thought they would beat him, but they didn’t. They left. Del said I had to go, and we went to Bernie.” Bur paused, then started again. “We didn’t tell Bernie. He didn’t think we saw it, but we could see how helpless he felt not being able to protect us. Finding out what had been going on and almost happened, we knew, would put him over the edge. We just told him I had to go. They pooled the little money we were squirreling away and helped me. School was the only place we had a little freedom. I was going to go then. We met, and I said goodbye to them and left. But Del caught up with me and gave me more money and my guitar. I was sad that I would have to leave it. They’d bought it for me. I don’t know how he got the cash or snuck out my guitar. I didn’t want to know. I took it and thanked him and left.” Bur bit his lip. “I wanted to get as far away from them as I could. I couldn’t fly. I didn’t have any passport or ID. Nothing. So instead of using the money I had, I went to the dock and got work on a boat. I just traveled, and although I missed my brothers and feared what was happening to them, I finally started to feel safe. The farther I got, the easier I could breathe.”
Gerald didn’t know what to say. Bur kissed his cheek. Gerald held him, feeling inadequate.
“We need to work on our communication, Gerald,” Bur stated.
“I’m here to listen anytime you need me.”
“Not what I mean, but I will share more with you. And you’ll do the same. Why did you never tell me you were having issues at work?”
“It was nothing. I’m handling it.” Gerald shrugged.
Bur didn’t answer. He moved off his lap and held out his hand. “Let’s go to bed, Gerald.”
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 44