Page 45 of Safe With Me

“What can I get you?” The waitress gave us a beaming smile as she stepped to our table.

Mike stared at the menu, his eyes on the shiny laminate specials, but his head was a million miles away.

“How about a plate of wings to start? Mild, if that’s okay.” I looked at Mike. He gave me a weak nod in response.

“Anything to drink?”

“Beer would be good,” Mike grumbled.

“Water for me,” I said, smiling as I handed her back the menu.

“So, what’s going on?”

“We had a domestic disturbance tonight. A family I’ve known for a long time. We had to call an ambulance for the wife since he broke her nose.”

My hand flew to my mouth.

“He broke her nose that badly?”

The waitress came over with our drinks before Mike could answer. He muttered a thank-you before he took a long sip.

“We have to call emergency services when that happens, so all the injuries are on record. I went to school with their son, who doesn’t live around here anymore.”

Mike shredded the paper napkin next to his glass.

“I had to pull him off her before the second cruiser got there, and one of the officers told me to step away so he could handle it. Iwashandling it. So, I feel like shit tonight for two reasons.”

His audible exhale almost had me out of my side of the booth and into his arms.

“I hated what I saw, and because I’m one of the youngest cops, I was pushed aside before I could do my job.”

“But you did do your job,” I said. “I’m sorry you had to see that—and then be dismissed when you were doing the right thing. Does that happen to most of the younger cops, or did he single you out?”

“It does.” He lifted a shoulder. “But because I’m close to the chief, I feel like I get babied. Or sent on the bullshit callslike Mrs. Scarpullo’s house. I’m not seeking out trouble, but I became a cop for more reasons than just busywork.”

“Why did you become a cop?” I asked softly and scooted closer to the table.

“It took a long time to really decide, but the first time I had an inkling was when Claudia was attacked outside the bar one night.”

I winced. “Steven told me about that.”

“It shook me for a while. A lot of us. Things like that didn’t happen here. And I wanted to stop them from ever happening again. I didn’t want to worry about my sister or my stepmother or any other woman I loved being in that kind of danger. I took a few criminal justice classes in college and told my family that’s what I wanted to do when I graduated.”

A steaming plate of wings appeared between us. I was so into what Mike was saying, I didn’t even hear the waitress approach.

“It didn’t go over well,” he went on. “I’m sure my father has told you how he hates it.”

I shrugged. “I think it’s just a general concern. He’s very proud of you.”

His gaze softened. “My mother definitely hates it and doesn’t hold back. Calls like today are the worst, but being held back just pissed me off. I may need experience, but Jesus, let me get some so I can help. And I have no fucking idea what to say to my friend when he comes back to town for the holidays. If he comes back.” Mike squeezed the back of his neck.

“I think if he does, he’ll be grateful you were there to protect his mother,” I said, reaching over to grab his hand before I could help myself. “I don’t know about the inner workings of a police force, but I was a newbie at my old job once. That, combined with how you grew up here and know everyone, probably makes it so frustrating.”

“It is,” Mike whispered. The graze of his thumb back and forth across my knuckles sent a jolt of electricity up my arm.

“But I believe it will come in time. You’re a great cop. Speaking as someone who’s been rescued by you two whole times.” I held up two fingers.

He smiled, lifting his eyes to mine as he pressed a soft kiss to my wrist.

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