Page 95 of Concealed

It’s high praise in front of an audience, and I can’t help but grin. “Thanks, sir.”

Hopefully, Grant remembers what he just said when it comes time to choose a new detective for the team. I’m writing the exam in a month, and so far, my competition is Brian, who Grant doesn’t even like.

Choosing me should be a given, but who knows what bullshit politics will make Grant have to do.

I spend most of the day completing the glamourous paperwork that’s been waiting for me since the stakeout, and I do my best to leave the station as close to on time as possible.

Rebecca was texting me throughout the day, but her messages dropped off over the last hour. I’m sure it’s just because she’s making the awesome dinner that she promised me, but I want to see – and touch – her to be sure.

Normally, I wouldn’t mind Grant waiting to talk to me, but tonight I really just want to get back home to my girl.

“How’s the studying going?” Grant asks, standing outside his office door and blocking my path to freedom.

I shrug. “I mean, I’m hitting the books. But studying is kind of bullshit. I’m a good cop. And I hate book tests. Take me to the range or drop me into a dangerous situation instead.”

“I get it. And there’s a lot more at play than how well you do on the test.”

“Yes, sir, I understand. And I hope the next spot you have is for me. But if it’s not for whatever reason, I’ll keep trying. I’m willing to save your life a few more times if it will help.”

He slaps my back. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about, rookie. Just rock the test and don’t give me a reason, okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And I’m glad you’re leaving at a decent time. Get on home to that girlfriend of yours.”

I laugh. “Yeah, she’s the motivation I needed to have a bit more of a balance in my life.”

“You can be a good cop and a good boyfriend. It’s harder, and our jobs make most things in our personal lives a challenge. But it’s doable and worth it for the right woman. Don’t work so much that you lose her. Be the exception. Have both and make sure she knows she’s your focus.”

One day, I want to go out for a beer with Grant and hear more about his personal life. He’s one of the only cops I know who hasn’t been divorced at least once, and I soak in his wisdom – in both life and cop form – whenever he’s willing to give it to me.

“I appreciate it.”

When I’m back in my truck, eager anticipation builds inside me with every mile that brings me closer to Rebecca. Now that I have free reign to touch her whenever I want, that’s exactly what I intend to do.

Repeatedly.

I use voice commands to call the deputies who were driving by my place today, and one of them answers right away.

“Hey, Wyatt.”

“Hey, man. Everything all good?”

“Yeah. Your buddy came by again, so I haven’t checked back since he let me know he was here to visit Rebecca.”

My blood turns to ice because there is no way that Gabe is back in Sunnyville.

I made it clear to Rebecca to call me if anything came up. I was riding a desk today and was easily accessible. Besides, given the circumstances, Gabe would have let me know if he was coming down.

And if my “buddy” isn’t Gabe, then who is it?

No one else is supposed to know where I live, let alone pop by to visit Rebecca.

“My buddy?” I repeat, pressing the accelerator to the floorboard as my heart jumps into my throat.

“Yeah. He’s a cop, so I figured it was all good.”

A cop.

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