Page 90 of Sapphire's Gem
“I bet those women are behind this,” Mrs Print called. “Their presence brought this gang here.”
She looked at me and glowered.
“So, we’ve helped keep the streets clean so we can bring a gang in to upset the balance we’ve created? Whatever you’re drinking, share it around,” I quipped, and Mrs Print glowered as laughter rose.
“I’ve heard about your protection details with the shops!” Mrs Print yelled.
“We run a security business in which we provide protection. Is that what you’re referring to?” I asked calmly.
“I don’t know what your problem is, Agatha. But I’m grateful the girls are here. Can you imagine a male club running around instead?” someone asked.
Mrs Print blanched. “They’re leeches on polite society!” she yelled, pointing at us. “They have thrown drunken parties and orgies; they keep men like whores and sleep with them!”
“That’s enough!” I said, standing up. “You’re as ignorant as everyone else.”
“I agree,” Hatton said. “Did you know the RHMC is the sole funding source of the women’s shelter? It should have shut down five years ago, but they continue to fund it out of their own pockets. And they’re also in the process of providing a male shelter? They donate generously to the department’s widows and childrens fund every year. They do the toy drive at Christmas for children in need. That expensive piece of equipment that saved your daughter’s life—they purchased it.
“They’ve also donated loads of money to the local food bank, bought items for veterans, and paid for Santa to visit the children’s wing for the last eight years. I can go on about what else they’ve done, like the captain, but I ask, what have you done, Mrs Price? Have you helped anyone lately or just been nasty?” Wylde asked.
My eyes went wide as he appeared. He looked tired and miserable but as handsome as ever. Our eyes met, and I wondered what the hell I was doing. I’d been a fool. I sent Wylde a blinding smile, and slowly one surfaced back on his own lips. Let the city think what it wanted. I was claiming him.
Chapter Nineteen.
Hayden
Wow, Sapphire actually looked happy to see me. Her smile lit her face when she smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but grin in return. For a moment, it felt like we were the only two in the room.
“Mind your tongue!” Mrs Price snapped, drawing our attention back to her.
Before I could answer, Sapphire did. “Why should he? He took five bullets from those gangbangers. Not you. No, you’re quite happy throwing rumours and slander around. Detective Wylde didn’t. Instead, he was out protecting us while you sat in your church and bitched.
“Detective Wylde merely asked about when the last time you did anything charitable? Did you even thank him for his service and for nearly losing his life? The fact you’re taking offence shows you’re all mouth and no action. I bet you only do something is when it looks good for you. What a disgrace to your church.
“Shut your trap and park your ass back down. Nobody here cares what you think. And certainly not the public, who know Wylde is a hero, like Detective Cassidy too. Who the fuck are you to pass judgment on two men who were nearly killed for us?” Sapphire snarled.
Voices rose in agreement, and people stared daggers at Mrs Price. Warmth rushed through me at Sapphire’s words. I could have defended myself easily, but it was nice having Sapphire do it. She looked stunning, eyes flashing and her temper on display. Like Boudica defending the Iceni tribe against the Romans.
Mrs Price’s mouth opened and shut like a fish out of water. Finally, she gathered her tattered dignity and sat.
“Anyone else got something they want to accuse the Royal Harlots of? Speak up now and let’s settle it as adults,” Sapphire demanded.
I gazed around the hall and noted the people who looked down at their feet and those who held Sapphire’s eyes.
“Fine. I, too, would like to know if the PPD has anything on this gang that wants to cause problems in our town. And if the RHMC can help, we will. Maybe a Citizen watch or something? A phone tree if someone is in trouble? We have many cameras in the businesses that we provide security for. Would access assist the police if a crime is committed?” I suggested.
“That’s very kind of the RHMC. Any aid you ladies could give us would be wonderful. We’re increasing foot patrols in the main shopping areas. We’d love to put an officer on every street, but that’s impossible. What we’re asking…” Hatton’s voice droned on as I caught Sapphire’s gaze.
She was watching me intently and appeared a little uncertain of herself. I smiled warmly at her, and her face lit up. Hopefully, this meant she’d changed her mind about us. It had been freaking hard keeping away from her, but it had been the best thing. Sapphire had needed to miss me and what we’d beenbuilding together. It seemed my long plan had worked, even if it had hurt me at the same time.
I had to stay until the end of the meeting, although I hadn’t returned to duty yet. I had several weeks before I’d be allowed back, but Hatton wanted Cassidy and me present. A very visual example of how seriously the PPD was taking this gang threat. Hatton had expected our appearance to drum up support for what he needed, and it seemed to be working. We also shut up assholes like Mrs Price. Guess even getting shot had a silver lining.
Sapphire
“Saph,” Hayden called as I lingered. The meeting had been over for half an hour, and I’d held back, wanting to talk to him.
“Hi,” I said lamely and then smiled in embarrassment. “God, that was a lame-ass comment,” I mocked myself.
“I’ll take a hey over silence,” Hayden replied. “Want to go for a ride?”
