Page 22 of Committed
Laz’s hazel-green gaze snapped to the younger detective. “You’re damn right I shot back! It was either kill or be killed, motherfucker, and I’d do it again.”
Journey ran her hand over his head. “Laz,” she warned, hoping he’d settle down but doubting it.
“Don’tLazme,” he snapped but didn’t look at her. “If it had been either of their daughters’ lives in danger, they would’ve done the same thing I did.”
“Yeah, but the difference is, we carry a badge!” Remy barked. “You didn’t give a damn about anyone else out there on the street. You could’ve killed an innocent bystander because you were out there shooting recklessly like you own the whole damn….”
Laz bolted upright and lunged at him, immediately silencing the man’s words when he grabbed him by the front of his shirt and yanked him forward.
He caught all of them off guard, especially Remy, who lost his balance and fell onto the bed at the same time Laz yelped in pain. The IV had pulled out, and there was blood on the back of his hand, medication dripping from the needle. He dropped back on the bed and started to touch the bandage on his shoulder but stopped himself.
Journey’s pulse pounded loudly in her ears. The agony she heard in his groans pierced her in the chest. She was afraid to touch him, unsure if he had other injuries she didn’t know about.
“I’m going to go get the nurse,” she said in a rush, but Laz weakly grabbed her hand.
“No,” he murmured, barely loud enough for her to hear.
His eyes were tightly closed, and his labored breathing had her worried. Her attention went to the white bandage on his shoulder, hoping she didn’t see blood and that he hadn’t pulled his stitches loose.
Seconds ticked by. No one moved or spoke.
Eventually, Laz released her hand and opened his eyes. The menacing look he gave Remy could’ve set the man on fire.
Before anyone could speak, a nurse hurried into the room with Parker right behind her. He stayed at the door, looking from one person to the other while the nurse picked up the dangling IV.
“What happened?” she asked and turned off the pump.
“He was being questioned by the detectives….” Journey started to say but stopped and waved her hand, not bothering to finish what she was saying. The heart rate monitor was out of control, and the nurse could quickly tell how the questioning was going.
“Mr. Dimas, I’ll have to get someone to reinsert the IV. In the meantime, try to calm down. Do you need me to get you something for the pain? Or maybe the questions can wait.” Her gaze went to the detectives.
“Do you guys have any more questions?” Journey asked Ted.
“Yes. A few more,” he said.
“Ask them,” Laz bit out.
The nurse glanced at Journey before easing back out of the room. Parker slid out, too.
“I heard about you.” Remy pointed at Laz, glaring at him with the same disgust Laz was displaying toward him. “I heard that while you were on the job, you did your share of shady shit and was even considered a dirty cop by some. So don’t even—”
“Enough!” Journey barked, anger nipping at her nerves. “He was a better cop than you’lleverbe! Now either ask your questions or get the hell out.” She pointed at the door.
“Wow,” Remy released a bitter laugh. “So that’s how an ADA talks to—”
She jabbed a finger in Remy’s direction. “No, that’s how I talk to people who verbally attack my husband, detective.” Her tone had enough venom to make him take a few steps back. “Ask your damn questions so he can get some rest.”
Ted gave his partner a pointed look before turning to Journey. “I’m sorry. Only a few more questions. Laz, did Nazir say anything about anyone being after him? Did he give you any indication that someone was gunning for him?”
“No.” Laz shook his head. “He was in good spirits, and we were just talking before all hell broke loose.”
“Anyone specifically want you dead?” Remy asked.
“Probably,” Laz said without missing a beat as he stared the man down.
“Okay. Let me rephrase the question. Do you know of anyone who would want you dead?”
“Yeah. Probably any of the thousands of criminals I collared while on the job. Pick one, asshole.”