Page 451 of Sticks and Stones
Now, Ethan was staring at Gene.
“He was?” he asked.
Gabe continued.
“Yeah, someone beat the ever-loving hell out of him. I’m thinking it was someone who got screwed over, maybe a buyer, but he was in bad shape. Thank God we cleared his place, and were able to bring in what we found there. We know he’s the one who was behind this with the bikers. It looks like we have resolution to this case.”
When Gene went to reach for a napkin, Ethan saw his knuckles on his right hand.
His punching hand.
They were busted open, and raw.
Oh, boy.
There was no doubt in Ethan’s mind that Gene got a call from Gabe, he went out, and he took care of business for Corbin’s honor.
Not.
One.
Doubt.
Honestly, Blackhawk couldn’t love the man more. The big man was protecting his family.
“So he’s gone?” Corbin asked, breaking his silence, and clueing Gabe in that he wasn’t alone.
Gabe answered.
“Yes, Detective. It looks like he’s never going to peddle flesh again. Someone took out the trash and there’s no need for you to ever worry. It’s case closed.”
When Gene saw Ethan watching him, he just shoved more donut into his piehole.
Guiltily.
In that moment, Gene knew that Ethan knew.
As he sat at the table, Corbin had tears in his eyes.
“I’m safe?” he asked.
Gabe was gentle, and that was one hell of a thing that didn’t happen often.
“Yes, Detective. You’re safe. Blackhawk, file those reports, and plan your vacations. You’re cleared for any week you want. Enjoy your time with your families, and for the love of God, don’t get your asses into trouble.”
Then, with that, Gabe hung up.
Corbin sat there, and he was silent. The tears dripped, and Will just ran his hand up and down his back.
They let him have that moment.
For as long as it took.
When the emotion was out, he wiped his eyes, and stared into the donut box.
“Now, I think I’ll have a donut,” he said. “I feel like something sweet.”
Both he and Will took one, and they clinked them off of each other in cheers. Then, they both took big bites. The whole time, Gene was saying nothing.
