by Jenna Byrnes
Alvarez, Peyton and Evans moved in behind them. “You had orders not to go in without backup,” the captain said. “You did the right thing, Dix. Now let’s go. SWAT team is in place.”
They surrounded the cabin with Dix and Mac on either side of the front door. Dix counted and nodded. “Three, two, one. Now!” He battered the door and it cracked and broke open. “KCPD! Freeze!”
Sami, clothing torn, was tied to a straight back chair. Her face was bruised and she looked like she’d been beaten. But she was alive.
Galen stood in front of them, a .38 Special gun in his hand.
“Drop it, Galen,” Dix ordered. “We’ve got you surrounded. We’ve got your DNA. This is over.”
He didn’t speak, just slowly raised his weapon.
“Death by cop,” Mac whispered.
“I said drop it!” Dix yelled. He saw what his partner did. A suspect who couldn’t escape often made a threatening move so the police had no choice but to shoot him. He did not want to be the one to shoot Bryan’s cousin. “Galen, don’t be fucking stupid. This is over.”
Dix saw resignation in the man’s eyes. “Yeah, it is.” He lowered his arm then just as quickly, raised it again and shot himself through the mouth. Blood sprayed out the back of his head and his body slumped to the ground.
Sami screamed.
Dix and Mac winced. “Damn it,” Mac swore, moving to kick the gun away from the suspect, just in case.
Dix grimaced. Mac needn’t have bothered. He hurried to Sami’s side, knelt and began untying her. “Hey, princess. Good to see you. Just so you know, this would be a great time to hit your dad up for a new car or something. He’s right outside. Think big.”
She grinned through her tears, and when her hands were free, she flew into his arms. “I knew you’d find me. I kept telling myself that, the whole time he was…”
Dix groaned. “God, baby, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
“I’ll be okay.” She nodded, wiping her filthy face. “Galen was whacked out, though. Honestly, I think he figured it would end this way. I don’t see how it could have gone in any other direction, given the things he did.” She looked in Dix’s eyes. “He told me about all of it, in detail.”
A shiver ran down his spine. “I’m sorry. That had to be terrible.” They’d need to get Sami some therapy when all was said and done.
“Did he tell you why?” Mac asked over Dix’s shoulder.
“Something about my dad having everything, and him having nothing. I didn’t understand all of it. He was drinking pretty heavily, and taking some kind of pills.”
“Never a good mix.” Dix shook his head. “Stupid son of a bitch. Your dad did everything he could to help him.”
Mac said, “Some people just need to blame others for the shitty way their lives turned out.”
Dix accepted a blanket from someone behind him. He helped Sami stand and wrapped the blanket around her. He nearly wept when he spotted the burn mark on the upper edge of her cleavage. “Damn it, no.”
She smiled sadly. “Cured me of the smoking habit. I’ll never touch another cigarette.” She glanced at the pack on the table next to her.
Dix looked down. Camel Non-Filters. “Sick bastard.” He put an arm around her. “Can you walk?”
“Yeah. I just want to go home.”
“Sorry, babe. You’ve earned a trip to the hospital first. I expect they’ll want to keep you overnight. Then we’re going to have a ton of questions for you. It won’t be easy, and it doesn’t have to be me. If you’d prefer to talk to a female detective, I’d understand.”
She clutched his arm. “I’d rather talk to you. I trust you. For some reason, I have since we met.”
Glancing at her, he cocked his head. “Did you have a premonition that something might happen? What you said to me the other night…it was strange.”
“I don’t know. I felt something in my gut. I can’t explain it.”
“Maybe you oughta be a cop.”
“Nah. I’ll leave that to you. You’re the best.”
He smiled. “Thanks, kid. And just so you know, while anything you tell me is confidential, it might be tricky keeping things from your father. You see, I love him. And he loves me.”
“I know. I could have told you that a week ago. And no, we won’t be keeping anything from my dad.” She tightened her grip. “Not from either of my dads. I want you both to know what happened, so you can help me get over it.”
He kissed her temple. “That’s a promise.”
They walked out of the cabin and Dix saw Bryan standing back with some SWAT team agents. When he spotted them, relief flooded his face. He broke into a grin and began running.
Epilogue
The grand opening of Buono Mangia was a roaring success. It had taken nine months to pull it together, and Bryan lovingly compared it to birthing a baby. Once the Last Call Bar and Grille had sold, Dix had come up with the other half of the capital, and they’d found the perfect building in a bright, downtown location. Kayla had convinced the chef at La Maison to come work for them and continue training her. He was so much in love with her, he’d have done anything she asked. But what he’d admitted to was excitement at the new opportunity.
Sami had assumed the role of assistant manager under her father, who eventually hoped to retire and leave the place to his kids. Adam had taken to bartending with great aplomb, and they all agreed he was perfect for the job.
“Thank you, everyone.” Bryan raised his glass of champagne in a toast. His family and close friends who surrounded him did the same. “You all know, this past year has been one of ups and downs for us. There were some awful low points, but also some very bright spots.” He smiled at Dix, standing next to him.
Dix raised his glass and nodded.
Bryan continued, “My family and I believe that Buono Mangia, or Good Eats, is the start of something exciting for all of us. We appreciate your being here to begin this journey with us. To all of you we wish—let’s see if I can get this right. Excuse my Italian! Vivi bene, ridi spesso, ama molto e mangia italiano.”
Dix grinned. “That means live well, laugh often, love much and eat Italian.”
Everyone cheered and drank their champagne.
Bryan took a sip, then slipped an arm around Dix and kissed his cheek. He whispered, “I intend to love you as much as I can, handsome. Well and often.”
“You already do, stud. If it gets any better than this, I might collapse from exhaustion.”
“Keep that in mind when we get home to the townhouse. I think a soak in the whirlpool might be in order.”
They smiled at each other then separated when guests filtered up to speak with them.
“So…” Mac glanced around the place. “With a cushy berth like this, I can’t see why you’d want to keep your day job.”
Dix chuckled. “What would I be, the janitor? No thanks. I like my ‘protect and serve’ gig. I’ll come here for dinner at night. And I hope you and Cecile will join me as often as possible.”
“Count on it.” Mac’s wife gave Dix a hug. Her hair had finally grown in enough that she didn’t need a wig. She had colour in her pallor again, too.
Dix squeezed her hand. “You look great.”
“I feel great. Better than I have in months. Tonight was just what I needed.”
“Me too!” Abby Walters joined them. Her hand was tucked through the arm of a tall, dark-skinned man in a stylish suit. “Everyone, this is Dr Rylon Taylor, Chief of Emergency Medicine at County General.” She introduced her friends.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Dix shook his hand.
Bryan added, “We hope to see you around the restaurant often.”
“Absolutely. It’s just what this neighbourhood needed. You’re going to have a raving success on your hands.”
Bryan raised his brows at Dix. “Hope we can live up to those kind words.”
Dix waggled his brows in return. He had no doubts. His friends sauntered off a
nd Rae Scott stepped forward.
“The place is very festive,” she remarked.
“Rae! I’m so pleased you could make it.” Bryan gave her a hug.
“You’re very kind. I wanted to say goodbye. Howard and I have packed up the last of our things. We’ll be leaving for Atlanta in the morning.”
“I’m glad. A fresh start will be good for you both.”
She looked around. “I hope this fresh start for is good for your family, too. And that Sami is doing okay.”
“Sami’s great. No worries. She still sees a therapist occasionally, but even he is amazed at how well she came through everything.”
“Good.” She tried to smile, but her sadness showed through. “I love the Christmas decorations. You fit right in with the Plaza.”
“It’s a nice time of year for the opening,” Bryan agreed. “A month earlier wouldn’t have hurt, but we’re happy to be open a few days before Christmas at least.” He squeezed Rae’s hand before she turned to leave.
To Dix he said, “The Christmas decorations do look great. I’m actually looking forward to celebrating this year.”
“It’s going to be a great holiday.” Dix felt it in his gut.
Bryan glanced at the door and said quietly, “Maybe greater than you realised.”
“Hmm?” He glanced up to see a man in uniform walking their way. “Oh, my God. Jared?”
The Marine smiled. “Hello, Dad. It’s good to see you.” He glanced at Bryan. “Hello, Mr Scott.” They shook hands.
“Please, call me Bryan.”
Dix tried to keep his jaw closed as he looked at his lover. “You knew about this?”
Bryan shrugged. “We’ve talked a couple times. Jared was coming home for a visit anyway. He agreed the time was right.”
His son faced him. “I’ve missed you, Dad. We have a lot to talk about. I have some apologies to make.”
“Nah, you don’t.” Dix drew him into a hug. “It’s just so good to see you again.”
The hug was returned in full force. “It’s good to see you, too. I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, son.” Dix tried not to bawl like a baby, but one tear managed to escape. When he pulled back, he wiped it away quickly.
Bryan reached for his hand and squeezed.
“Oh, he’s here!” Sami’s squeal filled the room. She and Kayla descended on them and were hugging Jared before he ever knew what hit him. “We’ve always wanted a brother!”
Jared laughed as the girls held his arms.
Bryan grinned and pointed. “Kayla. Sami. Jared.”
“We know!” Sami clung to his uniform sleeve.
“Take it easy,” Bryan told her. “Don’t overwhelm him.”
“It’s fine.” Jared grinned. “It’s been too long since I had a sister to torment. Really looking forward to it.”
“Two of us. Double trouble,” Kayla agreed.
Sami hugged Jared’s shoulder. “This is so great!”
Dix slipped an arm around Bryan’s waist. “Yeah, it is, isn’t it?”
His lover grinned and winked.
Also available from Totally Bound Publishing:
Night Shift
Jenna Byrnes
Excerpt
Chapter One
Cullen Ryder stared at the TV in the homicide detective bullpen at his station house. Bernard Houtz, media spokesman for the chief of the Chicago Police Department, was giving a press conference outside city hall.
“We don’t have any suspects at this time, but I can’t go into further detail.”
The small group of officers surrounding the set murmured various comments, while their captain folded his arms across his uniformed chest. “We’ve called you down here to tell you we have nothing to tell you.” He looked at Ryder with a wry smile. “He could have put out a press release, but no.”
Ryder nodded and glanced back at the TV. Houtz was fielding questions in his own, inimitable style.
A well made-up blonde with a large microphone addressed the spokesman. “This makes ten murders. Are you saying the police don’t have any leads on the identity of the South Side Cleaner?”
The media crowd snickered, and Houtz raised his hands to quiet them. “The Chief does not think labelling this person the ‘South Side Cleaner’ is a good idea. To clarify, the Chicago Police Department is giving full attention to this matter. Effective immediately, the Chief has assigned top agents from an elite Special Task Force to the case.”
“Excuse me?” Ryder looked at his captain. “What ‘Special Task Force’?”
Captain Grainger took Ryder by the arm and motioned towards his office at the end of the large room. “Let’s talk.”
“Fuck me.” Ryder ran a hand through his shaggy mop of brown hair.
“Calm down.” Grainger guided him into the office. He closed the door and pointed to a chair.
Ryder sat. “This is my case. I’ve made some headway. My team is interviewing local business owners as we speak.”
“I was going to tell you about the task force. I’m not taking you off the case. You’ll be working with them.”
“With them or for them?” Ryder glanced through the large office window overlooking the bullpen and spotted three men in suits entering the station. The last two he’d never seen, but even though they’d never actually met, he recognised the large, black man in front. Trevor Stone. “No. Please don’t tell me that’s the task force.”
Grainger followed his gaze. “Trevor Stone, the one in front, is the only guy I know. The other two he brought with him.”
“Fuck me twice,” Ryder muttered.
With an exaggerated roll of his eyes, Grainger stepped to his door and called out, “Stone, in here.”
The detective nodded and headed in their direction.
“He’s been on the Vice Squad for quite a few years,” Grainger told Ryder. “He’s gotten several commendations. I’m not surprised the chief assigned him to this task force.”
“Oh, hell no.” Ryder wasn’t surprised, either, but he wasn’t happy. Stone looked like a big shot with testosterone and attitude to spare. There was no doubt who’d be running the case, now.
The man stepped into Grainger’s office, henchmen on his heels. “Captain.”
Grainger extended a hand, and they shook. “Good to see you, Stone. We’re happy to get your help here in homicide.”
Happy. Right. Ryder watched the exchange with interest. Homicide and Vice cops only worked together when they were forced to, and it was never what could be described as ‘happy’. He continued to study the two men. The captain stood six foot two but didn’t tower over Stone. The darker skinned man wasn’t as wide but looked buff and muscular in his crisp, stylish suit. Stone’s closely cropped hair and chiselled cheek bones added to his cool façade.
There was something else Ryder couldn’t quite put his finger on. When it hit him, the idea sank in his stomach like a rock. The man’s hot. Ryder’s cock twitched, confirming the thought he tried to ignore. His already snug jeans grew tighter. He swallowed nervously. What the fuck? It was no secret he liked men, but his physical reaction to this guy surprised even him.
“I’d like to get a look at whatever you have on the case,” Stone told Grainger. “Do you have someplace we can work?”
Grainger pointed at the nearest wall. “Use the conference room next door. I’m having all the files delivered there now. Detective Ryder will bring you up to speed.”
“Fine.” Stone gazed coolly at Ryder. “Shall we get started?”
Ryder stood, mustering as much composure as possible. From here on out, he’d be known as the cop who couldn’t solve the South Side Cleaner case so the chief had to send in reinforcements. Shit.
“This way.” He prayed his erection had deflated, pissed he had one in the first place.
He felt the gazes on him of the other officers in the bullpen as he led the way to the war room. Centred in the space was a large conference table topped with a stack of folders.
My files.
It’s all about solving the case, he reminded himself. It shouldn’t matter who did it. The damned murderer needed to be stopped. Ryder ran his fingertips along the top file folder. But it does matter. Every cop knew how much it mattered.
“This will do fine.” Stone circled the room, examining the large whiteboard and the bulletin board suitable for pictures and clippings. He paused next to the table.
“Ryder, is it? This is Detective Moss.” He motioned towards the shorter of the two men, a redhead with thick, black-framed glasses.
“That’s Pickett,” Stone added, nodding towards the taller, blond beanpole.
Ryder acknowledged each of them before facing Stone. “Anything you want to know, just ask. I’ve been working this case for two month. I’m familiar with the details.”
“Sounds like it’s time we brought in a fresh perspective.” Stone gazed at him. His eyes shone like glassy marbles, his lips parted in a slight pucker.
Ryder thought he could kiss the man or, just as easily, punch him in the nose. He wasn’t sure which would be more satisfying. “Do you want me to brief you or not? ’Cause I’ve got a doughnut in the break room with my name on it. I’d like to get to it.”
“Go. Enjoy your doughnut. We’ll read through the files and see if we can decipher what’s what.” Stone peeled off his suit jacket and hung it on the back of a chair.
It took most of Ryder’s self-control not to continue the exchange of barbs. He knew it wouldn’t be smart to alienate the man who controlled whether he’d remain on the case. The rest of his restraint was swallowed up trying not to ogle Stone’s ass before the man took a seat and settled in.
“Call if you need me.” Ryder left the room, got a cup of coffee and walked around the building like he had someplace to go. Eventually, he wandered back to the bullpen and slipped into the chair behind his desk. He flipped through the remaining papers on it to see what was left now the Cleaner files were gone. A bunch of insignificant odds and ends. He’d worked on nothing but those murders recently, slowly piecing together the scant clues left by the serial killer.