by Jenna Byrnes
Derrick was a beefy, linebacker type of a guy with a short, blond crew cut. His suit probably cost as much as all three of Wynn’s put together.
“My ex is here,” he commented to Mel. “She hasn’t seen us. Maybe we could skate right past them.”
“Whatever you want. I’ll play nice if you’d like to say hi.”
“Probably should.” He made a face and led her over.
Sydney glanced at them. “Hello, Wynn.”
“Syd. Derrick. You remember my partner Mel.”
“Of course. Hello, Melanie.”
“Sydney.” Mel smiled pleasantly.
Wynn glanced at her. Mel was just as attractive as Syd in her own stylish black dress, hair hanging loose around her shoulders. He’d never looked at her that way, but it was obvious Derrick had.
“Your partner, eh? Legs like that could make a man switch teams, couldn’t they?”
Wynn feigned ignorance. “No, I’m a lifelong Royals fan. No switching for me. If you’ll excuse us, we’ve been asked to sit with the eighth grade class.”
Syd appeared surprised by his comment and more shocked yet when Mel took his arm and moved closer to him, possessively. She smiled over her shoulder as Wynn led her away.
He didn’t pause until they’d climbed the church steps and were standing in back, behind the last pew. Turning to her, he scratched his head. “What was that all about?”
Mel made a face. “I really dislike that man. I just wanted to keep him guessing. Make him think you’ve got the best of both worlds.”
Wynn chuckled. “Thanks for that. Derrick is an ass. Can you believe he told my son that if he masturbates too much he could go blind?”
She gaped at him. “Are you freaking kidding me? If that was the case, I’d need a seeing eye dog by now.”
Wynn laughed and drew Mel close for a hug. “You’re the best, you know that?”
Mel squeezed back then winked as she pulled away. “I know. Feel free to spread it around, get the word out there.”
“You got it.” He glanced toward the front and spotted Reilly watching them. Putting on his somber face, Wynn took Mel’s arm and led her down the outer aisle until they reached him, and the two seats he’d saved them.
“Hey.” He smiled at his handsome friend, who looked very snazzy in his navy blue suit.
“Hi, there. Hello, Detective Riggs.”
“Hi, Mr. O’Keefe.” She smiled at Reilly.
Connor was seated on the other side of Reilly. He stood and gave his dad a hug. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hiya, buddy. You doing okay?”
Con nodded.
“He’s doing great,” Reilly confirmed.
They all took their seats, with Mel on the aisle, then Wynn, then Reilly and Connor.
Reilly leaned in to Wynn. “What was all that laughing and hugging about back there?”
“Nothing, really, but I’ll tell you later. You look incredibly handsome.” Wynn placed a hand on Reilly’s arm and squeezed, then pulled it away.
The teacher gazed at him appreciatively. “You too. But then, you always do.”
Wynn smiled, but at the same time his heart sank. Would they ever be able to express affection for one another openly? Probably not at school functions, but his job wouldn’t be a problem. He wished the rest of the world was as accepting as his friends in the KCPD.
The funeral mass began and went smoothly until the priest started his homily. As he spoke about Ben, Wynn heard increased sniffling and saw many of the students were openly crying. At one point, Reilly reached for Connor and scooted the boy in front of his knees so he could sit on the other side, next to Wynn.
Connor buried his face in Wynn’s shoulder.
Wynn slid an arm around his sobbing son and looked over the boy’s head, gazing at Reilly appreciatively.
Reilly touched his hand for a moment, then pulled it back.
It was the closest contact they could share, and Wynn found himself wanting more. Much more. Somehow, they needed to find a way to make it work between them.
He nuzzled the top of Connor’s head and sighed.
The funeral mass concluded and there was no public burial service, so the crowd dispersed. Teachers gathered groups of students to walk across the street to the school.
Wynn held Con by the shoulders and looked him in the eye. “You okay to go back? I can take you home if you’d rather.”
“Nah, I’m okay. We’re going to talk about Ben some more. I’d like to be there.”
“All right, then.”
Reilly stepped up behind Connor. “One more afternoon of remembering. Tomorrow it’s back to business as usual.”
Mel spoke up. “It’s great that you’re doing this for the kids. I’m sure it helps them cope.”
“We hope so. We all miss Ben. Some more than others, of course.” He ruffled Con’s hair lightly.
Connor glanced up at his dad. “Mr. O’Keefe has been letting me talk to him lately when I need it. It’s been good.”
Wynn gazed into Reilly’s eyes. “Mr. O’Keefe is the best. Thank you.”
He smiled. “You bet. Ready to go, Con?”
“Yeah. See you later, Dad. Bye, Mel.”
“Bye, kiddo,” she replied.
“Have a good afternoon.” Wynn watched them leave. “You too,” he told Reilly.
The teacher nodded and they joined the rest of their group to head across the street.
Mel glanced at Wynn. “When were you going to tell me?”
He gazed at her. “Tell you what?”
She lowered her voice. “That you’re in love with Reilly O’Keefe.”
Wynn tried to appear shocked, but knew he couldn’t fool his partner any longer. “We haven’t used the ‘L’ word yet, might be a tad early for that.”
“He’s obviously head over heels crazy about you.”
He smiled. “We’ve been trying to fly under the radar. Like I said, it’s early. But it’s good.” He rubbed his chin. “I guess we weren’t doing a very good job of keeping it a secret.”
“I don’t know. I do have people-watching skills, remember. Not everyone might have seen the clues. But you may want to tell Connor. He’ll figure it out before long.”
“You’re probably right.”
“And I’ll start looking elsewhere.” She rolled her eyes and walked on ahead.
* * * *
Connor was doing homework in his room that night when Wynn texted Reilly.
Are you being nice to my kid in hopes of getting laid tomorrow night?
You’re kidding, right? I’m being nice to your kid because he’s a good guy, going through a rough time.
Pretty sure you’ll be getting laid now. You have a good heart, Reilly O’Keefe.
Aw, thanks. You too, sweetie. And a good cock.
The better to lay you with, my dear.
Bahaha. Can’t wait.
Wynn was comfortable and the house was quiet, so he decided to broach another subject.
Mel figured out we’re together. She thinks we should tell Con before he does too.
Big step. Sure you’re ready for that?
We’ve never talked about it.
We’re still not talking about it. Texting is not talking, Wynn.
I know. Call me a chicken shit.
I’d rather call you something different. I like partner. Boyfriend works, too. Lover is just between you and me.
Agreed. My problem is, the more I’m with you, the more I want to be with you.
This is a problem?
I wanted to kiss you in church today. I wouldn’t have, of course. But I don’t like being near you and not being able to touch you.
Then let’s tell Con so then next time you want to, you can touch me. I want that too.
Not at school events, though.
School is almost out. We’ll have the whole summer to spend time together and with Con. We can get to know each other.
Con wants a dog.
Gus wants a boy.
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Wynn chuckled. His heart felt lighter already.
Miss you. Planning to fuck your brains out tomorrow night.
And again Friday morning, please? Pack a bag.
You know it. See you tomorrow after work.
He wanted to add something more, but couldn’t say it the first time through a text. Instead, he made a heart emoticon.
Reilly replied with a heart, and a smiley face.
Wynn closed his eyes and smiled.
Chapter Six
Wynn listened to Chief Kern’s plan a week later in the bullpen at work.
“We’ve got an undercover sting set up. I’ve been working with Detective Page in the UC Major Crimes Task Force, do you guys know him? He used to be in Property Crimes.”
Nodding, Wynn asked, “Gene Page? He’s a good man.”
“Cute, too,” Jeff whispered to Wynn.
“And why do you know that?” Mel folded her arms and frowned at Jeff.
Beck chuckled. “They know all their gay brethren. You’ve got to admit, knowing saves you some time. No need to chase the wrong type, after all.”
“I don’t ‘chase’,” she insisted. “And it only helps if they tell me.” She made faces at both Jeff and Wynn.
Kern rubbed his temples. “So Page is gay. Riggs, don’t waste your time. Taylor, you’re taken, so back off. Fahey, don’t even think about propositioning him until we make our bust. Capisce?”
Wynn blinked. “Excuse me? When have I ever propositioned another KCPD detective? Or anyone, for that fucking matter.”
The chief shrugged. “Maybe it’s time. But right now, hear me out. We’ve got a UC cop who, I swear to God, looks seventeen. She’s befriended Jesse Morgan and flattered him up. When she decides he’s good and friendly, she’ll convince him to introduce her to his brother, at which point she’ll try to make a buy. Page is hoping that if we bring her to Jake by way of Jesse, the older brother’s guard will be down enough not to question her validity.”
They all nodded and Wynn shrugged. “Might work. I guess all he can say is no.”
“The actual sting details are a work in progress, but I’ve been assured we’ll be notified. We need to be prepared that when the call comes, it’s going to happen fast. Fahey and Riggs, I want you there.”
“Sounds good. Just say when.” Wynn returned to his desk. It was only morning, but he was already anxious for his shift to be over so he could get home to Reilly. They’d begun to discuss combining households in the summer. Wynn thought he might be able to rent his house, rather than selling it outright. They’d both been so busy, they’d put off any major decisions until school was out, when Reilly, at least, would have more time.
Connor had come down with a cold, stress-related Wynn felt sure, but he hadn’t seen his kid much during the past week. He knew they needed to talk to him, but didn’t want to do it when the boy wasn’t feeling well.
He was mulling things over in his mind, some work-related and some personal, when the call came.
Kern entered the bullpen. “Riggs, Fahey, the sting is happening at four o’clock. You’re to meet Page in a yellow Pete’s Plumbing van on the corner of Eighteenth and Adams at three-thirty. He’ll bring you up to speed on the details.”
“Wow, that was fast.” Mel raised her eyebrows.
“These UC guys act quickly. Once the decision is made, they roll with it. Less chance of the secret getting out.”
“We’ll be there,” Wynn agreed, suddenly fired up for the first break they’d had in the case.
At the appointed time, he drove Mel to their destination, which was about a block away from St. Sebastian’s. The school’s sports field faced them on one side, and the running track was just across the street. Wynn parked a ways back from the yellow van and glanced in all directions before approaching the back.
He knocked, the doors opened and they climbed in quickly.
Gene Page closed the doors behind them and monitored his wall of surveillance cameras. “Looks like we’re good,” he finally said and glanced at them. “Any hint that we’ve been spotted and the operation is aborted. It’s too dangerous for Brandy.”
“Your UC officer?” Wynn asked.
“That’s right. She’s a peach. Looks seventeen, but has a black belt in tae kwon do and graduated number one in her class at the academy.” He stood up. “I’m sorry. Gene Page.” He extended a hand to Mel.
“Melanie Riggs.” They shook.
Page looked at Wynn. “How you doing, Fahey? Long time no see.”
“Doing well, Gene. Thanks. So how do you like UC as compared to Property Crimes?”
“One hundred and twenty-five percent more interesting, I can tell you that. Last year I was chasing down thieves stealing formula from Baby Warehouse Stores. This is real cop work, out here. Gets your blood pumping.”
Wynn smiled. The guy was obviously single. Any cop with a family would probably choose safe and boring over blood-pumping excitement. Page was cute enough, with his shaggy dark hair. At one time he would have said the guy was just his type. Now his ‘type’ meant the carrot top, bearded, scholarly guy who had stolen his heart. “So, what’s the plan today?”
Page began, “Brandy befriended Jesse Morgan at the end of last week. The kid was cautious and not too receptive, until she started getting a little friendly with him.”
“He’s a kid!” Mel protested.
Page nodded. “Nothing serious, just giving him ideas. A flash of cleavage here and there, and a promise of more to come if she gets what she’s after. He’s bending over backward to get her together with his brother, now.”
“He’s still a kid,” Mel repeated.
Wynn wasn’t as sympathetic. “Remember, he’s a couple years older than the others in his class. Fifteen going on sixteen. And keep in mind, he laced Ben’s pizza with the drugs that killed him. Jake may have provided them, but Jesse knew what he was doing.”
Page pointed to two of his screens. “We’ve got two camera angles on the meet sight, over here at the south corner of the running track. Brandy is wearing a wire. We’ve got cops in the track and field locker rooms, back here, and here.” He showed them the locations. “Plus three black and whites two minutes out, and the two cars ahead of us both contain our people. As soon as the deal is complete, Brandy will say, ‘I got what I wanted. Now, what do you want?’ When we hear that, I’ll give the signal and we’ll light them up with flashers and sirens.”
Wynn gazed at Page. “Do these things ever go off that easily?”
“About half the time. We’re hopeful. The captain’s pretty sure these Morgan kids will spill their guts once we offer them a deal. Their old man is sharp, but he doesn’t want to drag his kids and his name through this mess.”
“So a successful outcome would be?”
“Putting the Morgans out of business and getting the names of their contacts, one level up. Cracking more than one tier at a time is damned near impossible and often takes years, so we’d consider this mission a success if we could at least manage that.”
“Understood.” Wynn glanced at the screen.
“Here comes Brandy.” Page spoke into a mic on his shirt collar. “Be alert. Brandy is in place.”
“There are the Morgans.” Wynn spotted the brothers approaching the UC cop. He’d only seen a photo of Jake, but Jesse was unmistakable.
“The marks are in place,” Page announced. “I repeat, in place.” He turned up the sound on the surveillance monitor.
“Hi, Jesse,” Brandy smiled at the boys. “Is this your brother?”
“Yeah,” the younger of the boys replied. “Jake, this is Brandy.”
Jake glanced around warily. “What do you want, bitch?”
She pouted and stuck out her chest. “That’s not very nice. Jesse said you were a good guy, but I’m not so sure.”
Jesse took a step closer to her. “He is, he’s just nervous, is all. With all the shit that happened last week, everyone’s being extra careful.”
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nbsp; She shrugged. “Yeah, I know it. My regular guy is lying low until some of the heat is off. But I’ve got finals next week, and need something to get me through.”
Jake studied her. “Jesse said you asked for some Flakka. Why the fuck would you want it after that stupid kid last week stepped off?”
Brandy gazed at him levelly. “Maybe I have a couple more people I’d like to help step off. The price is totally right. And they’ll never trace it back to me.”
“Or me,” Jake said menacingly.
“Of course.” She shrugged.
He checked her out once more, then said, “I brought what you asked for. Weed, uppers and Flakka. Eighty bucks.”
She nodded and pulled a wad of crumpled bills from her pocket and started counting. “Twenty, forty, fifty, fifty-five, sixty, sixty-one, sixty-two—”
“Give it!” Jake grabbed the cash and fingered it quickly, much faster than she had. “Fine.” He pulled a baggie from his leather jacket and shoved it in her hand.
She started to examine it there but he shoved her arm down. “Not here, stupid bitch. Check your shit out later.”
“Okay.” She tucked the bag into her jeans pocket. “I got what I wanted. Now, what—”
Jake grabbed the front of her T-shirt and dragged her face to his. “Listen up, bitch. I don’t give a shit what you wanted. This isn’t how I normally do business and I won’t do it again. One time, for my kid brother, because he thinks you’re going to suck his dick now. Suck it, don’t suck it, I don’t fucking care. But hear this.” He gripped her roughly.
Page bristled at the contact.
Wynn glanced at Mel, wondering how often their scripts went off track like this.