Page 15 of Stolen
“I—I thought I say your name normally,” she shrugged. “Like any other person—or woman would.”
“Nope. You’re—you’re different Blossom.”
“How?” she asked. SynTanner looked at her deeply.
“I’m not sure,” he replied honestly. “Come.” He reached his hand out to her. Blossom didn’t hesitate to place her hand into his larger one. Something about having her hand in his made her feel so safe. She wondered what it would feel like for his entire body to be wrapped around her, holding her tightly.
“I’ll be accompanying Ms. Freeman to her home and then to the hotel,” SynTanner announced to the detectives and to the chief. Of course, the chief looked at him sharply, ready to object.
“Deputy,” he grunted.
“Might I remind you chief, she is my friend and I am simply looking out for her. I have a right to do that, don’t I?”
“True but you understand that you can’t—”
“Chief, me and this young lady were going to fuck like wild animals at the bar. If that Chance character didn’t bother us, I’m sure we would have been together the entire night anyways. Since she’s come into a problem, I’m doing the right thing and continuing to stay with her. Wouldn’t you do the same for a woman that needed your company?” SynTanner spoke in that manner to appear as much a civilian as he could. If he had been any normal man, this would not have been an issue and he wanted to prove that point. The chief wouldn’t be able to stop his involvement if he proved a point to be just a civilian.
“Deputy SynTanner!” Blossom shrieked, her cheeks warming with her embarrassment. SynTanner put his arm around her waist.
“Just call me SynTanner sweetheart. I’m off duty,” he said easily. Blossom’s face became warmer but that wasn’t because she was embarrassed, no. It was because he was yet again calling her another term of endearment.
“Alright, fine. You have a point,” Chief Preston muttered.
“But Ms. Freeman must ride with our officers from this point on. She is in our protective custody.”
“That’s fine with me,” SynTanner nodded. He guided Blossom to the back of the squad car and helped her inside. He petted her back tenderly for comfort before closing the door.
“Listen, Deputy. I know what you’re doing. And I realize that any cop would find it hard to let go of a case that fell into their laps like this. It’s in our nature to want to investigate and solve a crime. But Chance Lore is not the one to take chances with,” Chief Preston warned.
“I’m just protecting the lady, Chief,” SynTanner shrugged.
“And you are welcome to it. Just be warned. If Chance Lore does come back around and you shoot at him or try to apprehend him, while being on medical leave, your career will be over. Both him and his lawyer will probably dig you so far into the ground, the board will never see you as a fit cop and you’ll never return to being the deputy.” SynTanner understood that the words his chief were telling him wasn’t just a simple threat. It was a warning. Chance Lore could, and would destroy his career if he wasn’t careful.
“I understand,” SynTanner nodded.
“Good. Look out for her. Make sure she gets some sleep tonight. I know she would probably stay up wondering if that bastard is going to find her.”
“Copy.” SynTanner looked into the squad car, seeing Blossom already looking at him. He smiled at her. She accepted his warm gesture and smiled back at him. Part of what Chief Preston said was correct. SynTanner had a case that was thrust into his lap and he wanted to see it through to the end, to make sure that Blossom found the justice that she was entitled to. Then again, he also knew he wanted to stick around because there was just something about Blossom that drew him in and he knew even if he left her tonight, he would be drawn right back towards her.