Page 63 of Jordan

Hartley wrapped his arms around my neck and pulled me down to kiss me. One of my arms went to his waist while my other wrapped around Vail’s. There was no going back for me. I had two men. There wouldn’t be anyone else like them, nor did I want there to be.

We stayed a bit longer while Hartley started mapping out what he’d like to buy and put where. I nodded along. Reghan had his phone out, jotting down notes of what Hartley was listing. I’d buy him what he desired.

As I turned, I noticed an unmarked cop car idling at the corner.

Reghan spun, following my line of sight. I had men outside, so I wasn’t worried that Reghan was paying attention to us and not the street.

“Bear,” Reghan growled.

I sighed. It was a good day. I could tell Vail and Hartley to stay here but having them recognize Barrett wouldn’t be a bad thing. He was on my side, mostly. After what we’d been through together, my concern over him was minimal.

Reghan opened the door for us with more force than required. I was surprised he didn’t wrench it off its hinges. I cocked an eyebrow at him as we walked by. His spine straightened.

Barrett exited his car when he saw us approach. No badge swung around his neck, though I noticed the outline under his black fitted shirt. An unbuttoned gray wool coat fell to the mid-thigh of his jean-encased legs. He wasn’t a bad-looking man with his short, light brown hair that was swept to the side. Under the sun, there was a bit of blond in it.

My gaze bounced from him to Reghan as they stared at one another. If Barrett left the force, I wouldn’t mind him with Reghan. Hell, I could welcome him into my organization. But the fact he had one foot in the East Dremest Police Department had me grinding my teeth.

“Barrett,” I said, drawing his attention from Reghan. “Let me introduce you to Vail Ayers and Hartley Weathers, my partners. Vail, Hartley, this is Detective Barrett North.” I still called him a cop. This was a formal introduction. It was better for Vail and Hartley to know his title.

Barrett nodded. “Gentlemen. Could we take this inside so I can say what I want while looking official?”

“Of course,” Hartley said and led us into the building.

Reghan shut the door behind us and leaned heavily on it with his arms crossed while he glared at Barrett. I didn’t bother asking him to search Barrett. All it would accomplish would be Barrett stripping off his shirt and Reghan getting angrier.

Barrett’s eyes rolled when he turned to face us. “How frank can I speak? I know they’re your partners, but how much can I say?”

I debated for a moment. They lived in my home and were bound to hear things. Vail didn’t like violence though, while Hartley didn’t seem as bothered by it. Still, I wasn’t certain I wanted them to hear everything Barrett was about to tell me.

“Come on,” Hartley said and took Vail’s hand in his. “Let’s go look at the apartment I now apparently own.” He already had the keys, so he could easily get inside.

“There’s a separate entrance outside in the back,” I told them.

When the door shut, Barrett spoke. “Some of the guys at the station aren’t buying that Leeland offed himself. The scene setup was brilliant, and they believed he was a kinky fucker, but they still think you’re involved. Plus, his ex-wife showed up.”

“What do you mean, showed up?” I knew Leeland was married at one point, but they divorced over five years ago.

“She came into the station wailing about how her ex-husband wouldn’t ever sleep with a man. Never mind that Kayli found him with one. I couldn’t bring that up. The ex is demanding we investigate you for the crime since you have the most to gain from his death. Some of the guys started digging. The man Leeland was fucking was once on your payroll.”

“Excuse me?” I asked as anger licked its way through my veins. We didn’t do a thorough analysis of the man Leeland slept with. He was a liability and needed to die, end of story.

“Low level accountant at one of your businesses.”

“Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean shit!”

“No, but they’re reaching. Any way to get you, they’ll try, especially with the wailing of the ex. I saw one of them comfort her and she quickly snapped out of her misery. He might be sleeping with her. I don’t have the resources to investigate her. I’m tied up trying to keep the heat off your ass.”

“Reghan.” He’d get one of our men on it.

Barrett gave him the officer’s name. “Now you know. They’re still digging. If they come up with anything…”

“You don’t need to say it.” I’d have cops at my building waiting to put me in handcuffs.

“There’s another issue.”

“What?” I growled.

“Your partner, Vail, his ex has been digging. The moment you were seen with your men publicly, we all knew. I’m here under the pretense of checking things.”

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