10. Law
CHAPTER 10
Law
I f there were ever a time when I would have quit the force, this would have been it. As I approach the high school, badge on, gun strapped to my waist, and two uniformed officers behind me with another patrol unit and K-9 on its way, I open the front doors. It’s just after nine in the morning.
Immediately, all eyes are on us. Students watch with shock and trepidation while teachers glare. Jack is standing in the foyer, completely prepared for what’s about to go down.
“Officer Brentwood,” he greets me with his hand out as I approach. “Glad to see this wrapping up so quickly.”
I nod. “Me too, Jack. Me too.” The whispers begin, and I can see the rumors are about to spread like wildfire. “Let’s get this over with now before either of them bolt.” They won’t be able to. All the exits are covered, and the windows already have bars on them. Jack double-checked that both perps are here today, and just their luck, Dallas will be in Mr. Richards’ class so I can hit them both at once.
The only shitty thing about this takedown is that Nell is also in this fucking class. I hate myself for the way she’s about to find out who I really am.
Jack leads the way to the second-floor classroom where he’s met by his secretary. “Mrs. Archer, please show the K-9 unit to Dallas Edwards’ locker immediately,” I ask of her, and she nods as she hustles off. Given how close the pair are, I can only assume she knows what’s been going on for a short time, at least.
“You ready for this, Jack?” I look to my longtime friend, knowing that, even though we’re making a difference, the toll from the lack of trust or even rebellion from teachers afterward must be hard on him.
“Are you?” he shoots back with an understanding look. He knows, as well as I do, what’s about to happen. How much Nell is about to hate me.
I don’t bother to answer as Jack knocks on the door and walks in. “Mr. Daily, how can we help you?” Trent Richards is a piece of shit, and I don’t for a second believe the false look of concern on his face as I enter and hold an authoritative stance with my officers behind me. Arms crossed, badge and gun on display, I watch the man as he realizes what’s about to take place.
Before he can say a word, I gaze around the room in search of Dallas. My stare collides with Nell’s, and already, big tears are dripping down her face, and she looks exhausted. I’m so fucking fucked with her. I don’t know how the hell I’m going to dig my way out of this mess.
Yet. But I will because she’s mine, and I won’t let her go.
Finding Dallas hunkered down in his seat three rows over from my girl, I nod towards him, and both officers begin walking. “Trent Richards, you are under arrest for the illegal distribution of narcotics to minors.” An audible gasp breaks out throughout the room.
“Dallas Edwards, you’re under arrest for intent to sell.” As I slap cuffs on Richards, who isn’t even trying to dispute the charges, the officers drag a fighting Dallas out of the room.
“You can’t do this! Do you know who I am?” I know exactly who the boy is, and I don’t give a shit about it. He’s getting exactly what he deserves.
As we guide them both out of the classroom, I see Nell get to her feet and rush out of the back of the class. We reach the hallway at the same time, and again, our gazes collide. She has so many questions swirling in her glistening blue orbs, and I want to answer every last one of them.
Only I can’t right now.
I have a duty to uphold and a locker and two cars to search. It doesn’t take long to find what we’re looking for. Small distributable baggies of Molly are recovered from Dallas’ locker and trunk, while there’s at least five, one-pound bags in a briefcase in the trunk of Trent’s car. Both will be doing some significant time.
After spending the afternoon processing both men and filing all my reports, I leave them in the hands of my captain and the district attorney to make their deals. Even though I want them to get the maximum sentence allowable, I know that doesn’t always happen. This time, I’ll take what I can get because all I care about is Nell.
Before I can leave the precinct, Cap is calling me into his office. “You rang?” I pop my head in.
“I know you said you want back on patrol, but are you sure? Narcotics is jonesing for you. They have a lot of undercover work you’d be great for.” I knew he would try again, but if I want the life I’m about to convince Nell to give me, I have to turn this down, and I’m okay with it.
“I’m sure. Patrol is where I’m meant to be for now. Eventually, I’ll start my climb again.” He nods his head in understanding and waves me out.
With a single destination in mind, I stop to grab food and flowers for Nell and pray she allows me past her front door.