Page 42 of First Surrender
“It was an expression.” I think she’s gorgeous but she does not need that fuel added to her fire. “I could call child services and ask that they provide me with your current whereabouts, assuming you’ve been checking in with them as Dec’s guardian.”
The look on her face is nothing short of murderous. That was a low blow on my part and I am aware. I’m also desperate to know where she’s been.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
I shrug in response but I wouldn’t. I think she’s doing a great job with Dec.
She turns her back to me momentarily when a machine behind her starts beeping incessantly and I grind my teeth together to stop from making any audible noises.
She’s wearing a pair of black spandex shorts that start at her waist and end midway down her ass. The rounded exposed skin is a reminder of what we did and will never do again. Though, I’ve thought about it every single day, multiple times a day since then.
I peel my eyes away just in time for her to turn around and hand me a coffee I didn’t ask for. “What is it this time?”
She snorts. “It’s black coffee. I only fucked with you last time because I thought you’d give it back and I’d get it for free.”
“You don’t get free drinks here?”
“No. Only the mistakes and stale leftovers.”
“Tell me where you’ve been the last few days and I’ll buy your drink for you.”
Her eyes narrow but she eyes my cup longingly. “I’ve been staying with a guy.”
“What?!” I sputter, almost spilling the hot coffee I had started to drink. “You moved Dec in with some random guy?” I’m suddenly disagreeing with my previous opinion of her caretaking abilities.
“He’s someone that I met casually online. Why is that a problem? You wanted us to move in with you and you’re some random guy, too.”
“I’m not random and I’m a cop. It’s different.”
“Yeah. Whatever.”
The thought of her being with some strange guy makes my blood boil, especially with how her last date ended. “How could you do that to Dec?”
“Okay. You’re done. You are overstepping. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She waves a hand dismissively and turns around, ignoring me since I still haven’t moved.
“What’s his name? Let me at least run a background check on him.”
“No,” she says into the interior of the shack.
“Fine. Here’s your money.” I hand her a twenty.
“Would it make you feel better to know that he also started coming here regularly to harass me?” She pouts dramatically.
“So, he’s a stalker. Great. Real good role model for Dec.”
Her eyes narrow again, the same way they do every time I mention her brother.
“Fuck off, Sheriff.”
* * *
I planned to spend the day in the office. I didn’t want anything to keep me from the emergency hearing regarding Declan’s case. It’ll be dismissed, there’s no doubt in my mind but I want to be there to hear it myself.
Unfortunately, someone called in and requested a parole check on Second Chance Sanctuary and now I’m driving deep into the mountains on the other side of the county to waste my time.
Lochlan Dane, the owner of a black bear sanctuary, employs convicted felons but is nothing but above board. Each of these checks is time-consuming and unnecessary because he keeps his boys in line.
I pull through the gates to his property and the grizzly of a man greets my vehicle before I can put it in park. If I didn’t know better, someone like Lochlan would normally keep my spine locked and my defenses on alert, but the 6’6 giant of a man has been nothing but respectful toward me since I’ve had the badge. He’s had a rough history with law enforcement and I wouldn’t judge him for holding a grudge, but luckily, we’ve never had any issues.