Page 144 of Cohesion

“Possession is nine tenths of the law,” Sebastian said, nodding sagely.

“Finders keepers, man.” Gideon pointed at Sebastian. “The scary lawyer spoketh it, so it’s the truth… eth? That’s not a word. You know what I mean.”

“That’s not how stealing works,” Riley said.

“You can’t prove it wasn’t his,” Sebastian said, enjoying the way that Riley’s eyebrow was twitching. It was rare to be able to so easily get under his skin. “He’s an upstanding member of the community, and accusing him of thievery is a bold move.”

“He admitted it in a room full of cops,” Riley deadpanned.

“I didn’t hear anything. Did you say anything like that?” Sebastian asked, turning to Gideon in mock confusion.

Gideon pretended to think about it. “Nothing on record that could be used in a court of law.”

Grady rolled his eyes so hard Sebastian almost asked if he could still see anything. But he didn’t feel like getting punched in the face today. He’d had enough of that to last a lifetime. Or at least like… six months.

“See?” Sebastian said, smiling at Riley. “My client is innocent, and we could take you for slander.”

Riley scowled. “Get in my office, now.”

Sebastian almost bumped into Gideon as they both went to move.

Gideon laughed. “Oops. Was for that for me or you?” he stage-whispered.

“That was for Sebastian,” Riley said sharply. “Gideon, Grady, get back to work.”

“So bossy. Guess that’s why they call you the boss,” Gideon said, snickering.

“I’m going to get a coffee,” Grady muttered.

“Bring me back one!” Sebastian called to his back.

Grady flipped him off.

“Do you think he’s bringing one back?” Sebastian asked. He hoped so. He could do with another coffee.

“No,” Quinn said.

“Yeahhhhh, probably not,” Gideon said, shaking his head mournfully. “He’s a grow-er, not a show-er.”

Riley gestured for Quinn and Sebastian to move. “Send me your report on the Whitler case. Without notes. And… stop talking.”

“The notes are the best part,” Gideon protested.

Quinn hooked a finger in the loops of Sebastian’s pants as they followed Riley around the desks.

“That is entirely too presumptuous of you,” Riley threw back at Gideon. “And use the naming conventions outlined in the guidelines.”

“What guidelines?”

Riley closed the office door to the sounds of Gideon’s laughter.

“I’ve been in court with him before,” Sebastian remarked. “Unless… does he have a twin?” They couldn’t be the same person, right?

Quinn snorted. “Two of them? No, thanks. Gideon is one of the best detectives on the force, and he has a mind that goes six hundred miles an hour. He can also be…”

“A pain in my ass,” Riley said. He hovered outside of their circle as if he was unsure whether or not he was allowed in. It would take time for all of them to get used to the new normal. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got punched in the face a couple dozen times.”

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