Page 4 of Just for Him
These guys knew exactly when to hit and how to avoid any security cameras, which led me to believe they were local and did their homework. Or, as Haven would put it, they “cased the joints” beforehand.
The thought made me chuckle. Haven had a thing for vintage cop dramas, and the oddest phrases would come out of her mouth sometimes, bringing old Bogart, Cagney, and Edward G. Robinson films to mind. That was something we had in common. I grew up watching the old black and white films, and I suspected in some way, they’d had something to do with me wanting to be a cop from an early age.
The low murmur of voices from the alleyway behind the convenience store brought my full attention back to the present. A group of guys were hanging back in the shadows. Conversation ceased when I approached, the smell of vapes and traditional cigarettes wafting my way.
“Evening, Officer,” one of them sneered, eliciting a few chuckles.
“Evening,” I replied calmly. “Everything all right here?”
“No complaints,” the same voice replied. More laughter.
I recognized a couple faces, well-known troublemakers in the community. Some were still in high school; others not too far beyond.
“That’s good. Mind telling me what you’re doing back here at one in the morning?”
“Just chillin’, Officer. No law against that.”
“No, there isn’t,” I agreed. “There is, however, a town curfew for those of you under eighteen. Anyone need an escort home?”
My statement was met with murmurs and grumbles, but it was the leader, a guy who went by the name of Slash, who answered for them. “Nah. They were just leaving.”
Unlike most of them, Slash was no kid. He owned a motorcycle shop on the edge of town and had the kind of rebellious, badass vibe these kids thought was cool. Those who were smart figured out he wasn’t. Those who weren’t ended up just like him—skulking around in back alleys, getting into trouble, and wasting their lives.
I stood by until they had all filed out, committing the faces, mannerisms, and distinguishing characteristics of those with whom I wasn’t already familiar to memory. When the last one rounded the corner, I exhaled then went to speak to the owner of the convenience store. I told him about the boys who had been hanging around and urged him to be extra cautious. He thanked me and assured me he would.
I arrived at my apartment without further incident. After grabbing a quick shower, I dragged my tired ass to bed, groaning when I looked at the clock. Technically, my next shift didn’t start for another fourteen hours or so, but I had a nine-a.m. court appearance I had to make.
My last thoughts before I drifted off were of Haven. Where did she go when she left the diner? Did she walk or drive? Did she live alone, or was there someone waiting for her? A family, perhaps? A significant other?
I scowled into the darkness. It was none of my business. I had already overstepped by impulsively programming my personal number into her phone in case she needed me. It wasn’t completely unheard of—I’d given it out before—but only in special circumstances.
Havenisspecial, an inner voice whispered.
Yes, there was something special about her. She was kind and thoughtful, a gentle soul who deserved someone who could offer her a lot more than a lot of lonely nights worrying about his sorry ass.
Being a cop had its risks. That was just part of the job. I couldn’t imagine being anything else, though. I’d neverwantedto be anything else. After God and family, it was the most important thing in my life, and sometimes, a little sacrifice was necessary.
La mia famiglia,my matchmaking grandfather and mother especially, didn’t believe my career choice precluded me from having a wife and kids of my own, but I wasn’t convinced. I had seen plenty of evidence that suggested otherwise. The risk, the focus, the long hours, the uncertainty—those things put a lot of stress on a relationship. I hadn’t found a woman yet who understood that, nor willing to step back and occasionally take second place to my job.
I turned over and punched my pillow when another image of Haven crossed my mind, one of her smiling shyly as I teased her about something or other. She knew what I was, what I did.Maybe, I thought as I felt sleep start to overwhelm me,she would understand ...
