Chapter Twenty-One
Emerson
I could tell something was bothering Jet, but it took him two days after Dominic spoke to his father to say what was on his mind. Dominic had received instructions from McGill, but to my annoyance, hadn’t shared the info with me. I knew it was because he felt he was protecting me, and that rankled.
“Can we talk?” Jet asked. “Feel like taking our lunch break now?”
“Sure. I’m hungry anyway.” Neither Dominic nor I seemed to have much of an appetite since McGill called, and I needed to refuel.
“Let’s take the booth in the back,” Jet said, and heart kicking up, I followed him. I suspected what was coming and had my speech prepared.
We got our drinks and ordered cheeseburgers. I sipped my water, waiting.
“You’ve been kind of jumpy lately,” Jet stated with concern. “I’ve been worried about you.”
“No need. I haven’t been sleeping that great, so I’m planning an early night.”
He sighed and played with his straw. “Yeah, well, the other night, I was talking to Harte about it, and he suggested that as your best friend, I should talk to you about it. So I went over to your place. It was around ten p.m.”
My brows drew together. “You did?”
“Yeah. I didn’t stop because…I, uh, saw something that surprised me.” He met my eyes. “Starr’s car was parked a few doors down from your place.”
I licked my lips. “Yeah.”
He ran his fingers through his hair and huffed. “Jesus, Em. You’re not making this easy for me. Is it Starr you’re seeing?”
“I can’t talk about this right now.”
His face grew tight. “I’m asking because you can’t ignore the rumors about him.”
Mary Ann approached with our food, and we must’ve looked extremely serious, as there was no chitchat. She set the plates on the table and left us. I squeezed out some ketchup, took a fry, and ate it.
“Em. Come on. You can tell me anything. You know I’d never judge you.
But drugs?” he whispered, leaning in close.
“Shit. That’s not you, especially after what you told me about your father.
If it is Starr you’re with, don’t let yourself get swept up by sex.
Think about your life, your career. You’re a great deputy and an even better person. He’s bad news.”
God, I wanted to tell him so badly. My hand curled into a fist, and I wanted to yell, “You’re wrong. You don’t know.”
“I’m a big boy. I don’t need anyone to tell me what to do. Even you.” I picked up my burger, doused it in ketchup, and took a bite.
“I can’t believe you’re being this na?ve. Now it makes sense why he came up here. He found where the drugs were being sent from, made contact with the local bad guys, and figuring you’re sharp as hell, he’d seduce you to distract you from any questions you’d have.”
Now my anger was real. “You are so fucking off base and frankly insulting by even saying this kind of shit. What the fuck? You’re supposed to be my best friend.”
“I am. Why the hell do you think I’m saying this to you?”
“I’m not involved in anything I can’t handle. And as for Starr, there’s nothing for me to say. He’s a grown man and makes his own decisions.” I dug into my food, my appetite gone, but I had to keep up the front.
“All right. I’ll drop it—for now,” he warned. “But you can come to me anytime if you need to talk.”
It didn’t change when we returned to the station.
A bunch of the guys wanted to go out, and since I’d been with Dominic every night for weeks, I figured it would be good to give each other some space.
Besides, I wanted to hear what they had to say, as Dominic would be an obvious topic of discussion.
I was the first one at Sweeny’s and greeted Theo. He gave me a nervous smile. “H-hi, Emerson. Haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Yeah, I’ve been busy. A bunch of us are gonna take the big table in the corner. Can you put in an order of two wing platters and some sliders? And two pitchers.”
“Okay, sure.” He punched it into the computer. “Is Deputy Starr coming too?” His eyes darted to the door.
Because Theo was a nice guy, I held my temper in check. “I don’t think so,” I answered tightly. “Thanks.” I took the two pitchers and sat at the table. A server came by and deposited a bunch of beer glasses. “Thanks.”
I poured one and drank half of it immediately. I could easily lose myself in an alcohol haze, but that would be stupid, as I’d probably give away what Dominic was up to. I needed to keep a clear head and keep track of what everyone was saying about him.
The guys started trickling in, and Harper, a ten-year veteran, was the first one to sit and grab himself a beer.
“Man, I just don’t believe it.”
Clearly I was correct about the topic of discussion.
“Believe what?”
“You haven’t heard? Starr is involved in running drugs downstate. He really had me fooled. I thought he was so straight, a good guy.”
A bunch of the others joined us, including, to my surprise, Jet, who sat next to me. “Where’s Harte?”
“Scouting trip.”
I hated this awkwardness between us. If things were normal, I would’ve already known where Harte was. But it couldn’t be helped. Starr’s life depended on me keeping my mouth shut.
“Have a beer.” I poured him one. “Cheers.”
“You’re making light of this?” His face reflected sadness, anger, and resignation.
“Light of what? A rumor?”
“It’s not,” Ross insisted. “My deputy buddy in Harmony Rock said Starr was reportedly seen at a known drug location with two of the big traffickers—Delvecchio and Nolan. They were all talking to this guy, who must’ve been the buyer. They were shaking hands. Starr included.”
I pretended nonchalance, but inside it hurt to see Dominic’s reputation being torn to shreds. This whole exercise had better do what it was intended to.
We finished the two pitchers, and I caught Theo’s eye. He brought another round.
“Anything else, guys? More wings and sliders?”
“Sure,” Malone called out from the opposite end of the table. “Bring it on.”
Jaxon Polaris walked in and came to our group.
“Mind if I join you?” His gaze touched me, then slid past to Theo. “Hey, Theo. Bring me a Grey Goose on ice with a lime, please?”
“Sh-sure,” Theo stammered and blushed furiously.
“What’s Appleton’s finest all gathered in one place for?”
“Just a boys’ night out,” I answered quickly but was immediately refuted.
“Don’t listen to him. Have you heard about Starr?” Ross called out.
“Man’s dirty,” Harper stated, and my heart took over from my brain.
“You all suck,” I spat out and rose to my feet. “You’re willing to throw one of our own under the bus. Starr and I might not be friends, but where I come from, we’re supposed to have each other’s backs.” I took out some money from my wallet and threw it on the table. “I’m out of here.”
I stormed out, and breathing heavily, walked around the parking lot for a moment to cool off. I probably shouldn’t have popped off like that and cursed my foolishness. Jaxon Polaris came out onto the deck, and seeing me, hurried down the steps.
“Emerson, hold up.”
I waved a hand at him. “Forget about it. I’m leaving.”
“Look. I know it’s hard to see friends travel the wrong path. But we can’t choose how they live their lives. Starr’s playing a dangerous game.”
“In the NYPD, we’re taught to stand by our fellow officers, no matter what. I’ll always have my guy’s six.”
“You’re very passionate about this,” he murmured, coming closer. “It’s very sexy.”
The man was an incorrigible flirt. “I’m sorry, but nothing’s changed since the last time. I’m still not interested.” I had an idea. “But I bet Theo would be happy to go out with you for an evening. He’s a really nice guy.”
“I’m not looking for a nice guy. They’re boring.”
“I’m a nice guy,” I teased. “And I’m not boring.”
“I’m sure you’re not. Wanna prove it?” He waggled his brows, and I laughed. For a brief minute, it was nice to be able to forget the ugliness surrounding Dominic and enjoy the night, but then I remembered the hell he was going through and sobered up.
“No. But I will go back inside.”
I returned to the table to meet everyone’s puzzled expressions.
“When did you become Starr’s defender?” Ross asked.
“I’m not. Nothing would surprise me when it comes to him, but I guess I’m still in that thin-blue-line mindset where we stand by a fellow officer.”
“Not when it comes to being dirty,” Clarke pointed out.
“You’re right,” I said with an exaggerated sigh I hoped they took as real. “Guess the bastard fooled us all.”
I managed another drink, but listening to them malign Dominic and tear apart his character proved too much. This time I managed to keep my cool.
“Gotta go. I’ll catch you all tomorrow.”
I ignored Jet’s frown and left. Ten minutes later, I parked around the corner from Dominic’s house and let myself into his place.
I took a shower, put on my NYPD hoodie and sweat pants, and took a beer out of the fridge.
I got comfortable on the couch, flicked on the television to find a hockey game and settled in to watch the Blades.
They were on the West Coast and had a late start.
The Blades had scored on a great three-on-two when my phone rang with an unfamiliar number.
“Kane,” I answered.
“Becker McGill.”
The game faded into the background. “What the hell do you want?”
“I heard you defended Starr—the only one to do so.”
“Is that a problem?”
“It could be. People might question why.”
“I realized that and got with the program. I won’t do anything that might endanger Starr.”
McGill grunted. “Listen. I don’t give a crap if you two are playing house, though I gotta admit it came as a surprise.
” My face heated, but I kept quiet. “But you are not going to jeopardize this operation because you want to be the devoted boyfriend. Cut the stand-by-your-man bullshit and get on the outraged-brother-deputy bandwagon. Got it?”
“Yeah, sure.” But apparently I sounded like I needed more convincing.
“Listen to me. For this operation to work, we need people to believe Starr is involved in criminal activity. You throwing obstacles in the way isn’t helping. Capisce?”
My heart sank. I didn’t like it, but McGill was right. The door opened, and Dominic walked in.
“I gotta go.” It gave me a surge of satisfaction to end the call on him, but that was quickly forgotten, seeing Dominic’s haunted eyes. “Rough night?”
He dropped his bag. “Yeah.” He spied my beer. “Can I have some of that?”
“I’ll get you a full one. You look like you could use it.” I met him in the middle of the living room, and he looked so completely devastated and lost, I put my arms around him. “You’re here now. You can relax.”
He kissed my cheek. “Bring the six-pack.”
I ran my knuckles across his cheek. “Hey. It’s gonna be all right.” He hung his head, and with a tired sigh, shuffled off to the couch and lay down. I brought over the beer, then sat and put his feet in my lap. “Tell me.”
“Bradford thinks I’m scum of the earth. He won’t even talk to me—the look of disgust in his eyes is enough. I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.” His voice broke, and I stretched out next to him, cuddling him close.
“We all went out tonight, and the guys all think you’re guilty. But when the truth comes out, they’ll understand why it had to be this way.”
“It’s gonna be too late. They’ll never believe I wasn’t involved. My reputation is scorched.”
“Don’t think about that now. The main thing is to stop your father, and from what I’m hearing, you’re playing the part perfectly.”
“Yeah. I met the garbage who control the market up here. God, they make my skin crawl.” He proceeded to tell me their plans for bringing the drugs into the city in unmarked box trucks, one at a time, staggering days to avoid suspicion and not flood the market.
“Did you hear from your father again?”
He nodded, and I played with the hair curling at his neck. “He calls—never texts, obviously to prevent having anything in writing. He told me he was impressed by my business sense. That he didn’t think I had it in me.” He snorted, and I kissed him.
“You don’t. It’s an act.” Now came the hard part. “McGill called me tonight. He heard that I defended you at Sweeny’s and didn’t like it.”
“God forbid I have one damn friend left in the department,” Dominic growled.
“He also knows we’re together. Which you know what? Fuck it. I don’t care. Do you?”
“People knowing you’re my lover is the least of my concerns.”
“But he told me I need to stop defending you to everyone, especially since the two of us were never friendly. He said it looks suspicious.”
He shifted to face me. “I hate to say it, but he’s right. I know the instinct is to stand up for me, but you need to be as outraged as every other deputy—even more so because we were with the department.”
“I argued with Jet about you. He suspects you’re the guy I’m with.”
Dominic’s brows shot up. “How? I thought we were being careful.”
“He came by one night to talk because he thought I was jumpy during our shift and wanted to know why. He saw your car nearby. Jet’s smart. He put it together.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. I didn’t confirm or deny. But he’s worried about me. He knows something’s off. He’s my best friend.”
“This sucks so bad. I’m ruining your friendships, your career…
maybe we should stop seeing each other until this is all finished.
” His eyes grew wet, and I shook my head forcefully.
Whether Dominic could admit it or not, he was in a fragile state.
I couldn’t sit by and let him fall to pieces by himself—the risk was too great that he might never get put back together.
“No fucking way. I won’t let you do this alone. But what McGill said makes sense. So I’ll stop defending you.” I cupped his cheek. “But you know it’s all fake. I love you, and nothing’s going to change how I feel.”
Dominic kissed me, deep and hard. “And that’s the only thing keeping me going in this shitstorm. Knowing that at the end of this hell, you’ll be waiting for me.”
We held on to each other, and I hoped that time was coming soon because I wasn’t sure how much more Dominic could take before he’d crack under the pressure.