Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
MAYA
I'm packed and ready to go tomorrow evening.
Duncan and I talk every day, and even though it's only been a month, I'm excited to see him.
He will continue to work, so I've done some research on different places I want to go explore.
This isn't my first trip to New York, but I'll get to go where I want.
"Officer Aaron, can you come with me please?"
I'm in the ERT gym working out. I turn to see a man in a suit watching me. Just then the captain and sergeant walk up.
"We told you to let us talk to her first," my captain says to the suit guy.
"Officer Aaron, my name is Olsen with Internal Affairs. I need to ask you about your whereabouts last night."
I step away from the rope I was in the process of getting ready to climb again. Pulling off my gloves, I look at Olsen with wariness. Why is IAD asking me questions?
"Do I need a union rep?"
"Do you think you need a rep?"
"What is this about?"
"Tell me where you were last night."
"I was teaching a self-defense class from 1900 hours to 2100 hours. After that I was at home until this morning when I showed up for training."
"Can anyone corroborate that?"
"There were twenty students in the class. As for being home, you can check my security system and the building’s cameras."
"You were at the class for the full two hours?"
"What time do you need to specifically know where I was?"
I hear the anger in my voice and know I'm about to lose my temper. I also know that he is doing this on purpose, trying to trip me up.
"Twenty thirty hours."
"My partner, Derek Williams, was also an instructor. One of the helpers has been training with me for almost a year. What is this about?"
"Do you know Justin Yancy?"
"Yeah. Officer Yancy was Echo One before my partner and I took over the positions. He's currently Victor Two."
"He was murdered last night outside his apartment."
"What does this have to do with me?"
"He was killed with a knife. I understand you studied Israeli knife fighting."
"Yes."
"Witnesses say someone in all black was seen leaving the area. A tactical knife was found with your initials engraved in the hilt and an ERT patch was in the victim’s hand. As if he ripped it off in a struggle."
"Was he stabbed or sliced?"
"What does that matter?" he asks angrily.
"Well, I was taught to slice, not stab in a fight. I only stab as a jab or if I’m surprising them.
If there was a struggle, I would’ve been slicing.
As for the knife, I have several, and my locker was broken into two weeks ago.
Two of my tactical knives are missing. As for the patch, all mine are accounted for. "
"She’s correct about her locker being broken into," my captain supplies.
"I understand you’re leaving town tomorrow. I would like you to voluntarily hand over your passport. I know you travel internationally quite often."
"I won't relinquish my passport. I have an alibi, and what motive would I have?"
"I understand you and your partner took over Yancy and Nelson's positions in the team."
"That wasn’t my fault. I'm happy with my new position, but I never meant for them to lose theirs. Nelson is the one who chose to disobey orders, he was suspended indefinitely. Yancy still had his position, and he and I were okay. I've practiced with him. I wouldn't ever hurt him."
"May I ask about your travel plans?"
"I'm going to New York for the weekend."
"Why?"
"Why not."
"Olsen, she has answered all your questions. Williams is right there, and he can corroborate her alibi. Next time notify us and meet her with a union rep," my captain says as he steps in closer to Olsen.
"She was with me. When she got to her condo, she called me. Check her phone records," Derek interjects.
"Fine. I will be talking to you again, Aaron."
"I look forward to it."
He walks away and I'm left to wonder who would try to frame me for this. My stalkers have both been quiet, but I don't understand what they would gain from framing me for murder. The rest of the day goes by without incident.
I spend the evening running on my treadmill as I watch the Food Network. Duncan texts me before I go to bed. I can't wait to see him. I forget about Yancy's death for a little while.
The next day I'm boarding my flight to New York when I'm reminded of Yancy and the fact that IAD wanted me to forfeit my passport. This needs to get figured out before I leave for London in December. With it only being three months away, they should have it cleared up by then.
My plane lands and I grab a taxi to the hotel where Duncan is staying. We decided that I would get my own room to keep our cover. He wanted to pay for it, but I didn’t let him. Someday he will find out about my money, but for now I keep those cards close to my vest.
Duncan
How much longer until you get here?
Me
In the taxi now. When I check in, I will give you my room number.
Duncan
We’re at dinner now.
Me
I'll get room service. Text me when you are done.
Duncan
Can't wait to see you, baby.
The taxi pulls up to the hotel and I get out after paying the driver.
As I walk into the lobby, I think about the fact that Duncan and I have never been to each other's places.
We are each other's dirty little secrets, using hotels only.
I booked a suite, so I'm not surprised when I enter the room to see the large bathroom, fireplace, private balcony, and king-size bed.
I decide to take a quick shower before room service arrives. After my shower, I'm walking around in the robe when I notice my cell blinking. I smile when I see Duncan’s text.
Duncan
What's your room number, baby? I'm back.
Me
1407
Duncan
That's a suite.
Me
Just get your ass up here.
I'm waiting for my food and my man. Wait.
..my man. No, he can't be my man. A knock interrupts my thoughts and I go to the door.
I pull my robe tightly around my body and allow room service to enter the room as Duncan knocks and enters behind him.
He grumbles at the waiter for looking at me and I smile.
I tip him and he leaves. Duncan wastes no time and is on me in a second.
"Why did you answer the door in this?"
"I thought it was you."
"Do you want to eat first?"
"No, I want you."
He reaches down and unties the robe, revealing my naked body. He makes love to me twice before I get a chance to eat. Duncan helps me finish my cheeseburger and cold fries, then we fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.
"What are your plans today?" Duncan asks me the next morning as he is getting ready to head out. I enjoy watching him dress and arm himself again.
"I'm going to the Guggenheim today, then maybe to the 9/11 Memorial. What time are you going to be done?"
"I asked the team to take over dinner duties; I'm taking you out tonight. You're not my dirty little secret and I want to go see some of New York with you. I'll be done at three. Can I move most of my things up here?"
"Oh, dirty little secret. I like that. I'm a bad girl." I smile seductively as I crawl to the end of the bed, naked, to him.
"You're definitely a bad girl. I'll spank you later. Now answer my question."
"Of course. Where are we going for dinner? I didn't pack anything really nice."
"Nothing too fancy. I made plans, so wear something warm."
"Ooh, I can't wait."
"Now get up here and kiss me, I need to get to work."
I rise from the bed, making sure I swing my hips seductively, and stand directly in front of him, my breasts brushing his suit jacket.
I look up into his lust filled eyes as his mouth slams down onto mine.
He groans as I tangle my fingers into his hair.
His hands on my hips lift me and I wrap my legs around him.
He turns and pushes my back into the wall behind him. I pull back.
"You need to get to work."
"Fuck work. I need to fuck my woman."
"Go to work, we have tonight, honey."
He groans again as I slide down his body and he backs away. He leaves and I slip on my robe to go lock the dead bolt behind him.
After a shower, I have a bagel and coffee from a shop nearby and decide to walk to the Guggenheim. It should be opening by the time I get there. My walk is crowded with tourists and locals, and I enjoy the warm weather of September.
My day goes by in a blur of artwork and sadness.
I make it back to the hotel at two thirty and realize my mistake when I see Duncan's team in the lobby.
I lower my head and rush to the elevators, hoping they don't recognize me.
Luck is with me and I make it back to our suite, where he is waiting for me in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt with a jacket over the top.
"Hey, baby. How was your day?"
"Good. I almost ran into your team, you should've warned me."
"Sorry. They should be gone. Ready to go?"
"Yep."
We spend the afternoon on a cruise to the Statue of Liberty and dinner at the Empire State Building, along with listening to the local music and enjoying the sights.
By the time we get back to the hotel, we are both ready to rip each other's clothes off.
He caressed my body every chance he got and I was just as ruthless, brushing against him whenever I could.
Sunday morning I wake in his arms again and we shower together, enjoying the last moments with each other. Between now and Christmas, I don't know when I will see him again. I want to see him, but his schedule is changing all the time because of his high value.
"I want to see you again before Christmas." His gruff voice sounds from behind me as I load up my bag. He’s in another suit because of the fashion show going on today.
"I want that, too." I turn in his arms.
"I'm glad you took a chance on us."
"So am I."
He kisses me gently and pulls away before taking my hand and walking me out. His team is at breakfast somewhere in Times Square, so we have a few more minutes together as I check out and grab a taxi back to the airport. I had to book an early flight because I'm on shift this evening.
I turn in his arms and kiss his chin.
"I miss you already," I tell him honestly.
"Me too, baby." He bends down and kisses me. Our kiss is interrupted when his name is yelled.
"Shit." I climb into the taxi. "Airport, now." I slam the door in Duncan's face and see the hurt, but I can't have James or Ana find out about us.
Duncan
My gut clenches when I hear Ian yell my name, but that’s nothing compared to the pain in my chest when she dives into the taxi and leaves me standing there.
She turns to look at me and I see the shock on her face, guess I couldn't hide the hurt. I need to convince her that we’re no longer going to keep us a secret. I’ll tell my father and Ana myself. I want this woman always. This weekend was one of the best of my life.
"Hey, who was the lass? She looked familiar."
"No one," I say as I turn away, my phone pinging with a text.
Maya
I'm sorry. I'm not ready for anyone to know yet.
I don't respond right away because it still hurts. I've never felt this way before, but I know that what I feel isn't going away. When I finally decide to text her, I know she’s at work and won't respond back.
Me
I don't want to hide us anymore.