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Ember’s protection was not the only reason I was happy to see them spend more time together. Aiden does not make friends easily, and I had a feeling Ember is the same way. But there was an undeniable connection between them, which I felt compelled to encourage. It would do them both some good to have a person in whom they could confide.
With them occupied, I headed to the Public Safety building on Lincoln. Sargent Ted Shaughnessy was just a couple of years away from retirement. When I needed information, he was my go-to guy within the police department. Shaughnessy was old school and not overly particular about things like warrants or probable cause.
Seated behind the duty desk when I walked in, he looked up and boomed across the room. “It must be something important to have you working on a weekend. Grab yourself a cup of coffee... get me one too. Then come tell me what’s so important that it couldn’t wait until Monday.”
I have known Sargent Shaughnessy since I was a young boy. He and my father were best friends. Although the fire department has a long tradition of standing watch over their own, mom insisted he be part of the color guard at my dad's funeral. I poured two cups of coffee. Black for myself and cream and sugar for Ted. Then walked over and sat in the chair next to his desk. “It might be nothing, but—”
“The first rule of any investigation, son, is always trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right to you, there’s probably a reason.”
“This guy, Reggie, he’s a person of interest in a fire I'm investigating. I have no proof linking him to the fire.” This meant the police would not get involved. “But one of the residents in the building used to live with him. He wasn't happy when she moved into her own place. Also, he tried to make trouble for her at work a few days before the fire.”
“You seem to know a great deal about this woman. Why do I get the feeling your involvement is more than just professional?”
I told him the entire story, including that Ember was living with me and Aiden. When I was finished, he asked for Reggie’s information and entered it into the keyboard on his desk. “We got a match. But the record is sealed. That usually means the crime was committed when the subject was still a minor.”
“Damn,” I muttered under my breath. “Is there anyway to get it unsealed?”
“Not without a court order, I am afraid.” He removed his glasses and rubbed a meaty hand across his forehead. “Are you sure you want to get involved with this? If this guy is as dangerous as you think he is, having his ex living in your house could be a big mistake.”
“I can’t just turn her out on the street. Aiden and I can handle ourselves if this punk tries anything.”
“You remind me so much of your dad.” His lips parted in a weak smile. “He was bullheaded, too. I will see what else I can find, but please be careful. It would kill your mother if something happened to you.”
We both knew he was right, and the words hung in the air for a moment until I broke the silence. “She’s doing well, you know. Love’s it in Phoenix. She would never admit it, afraid it would hurt my feelings, but I think she has a boyfriend.”
“Good for her. Life is for the living,” he reminded me. “Let her know Doris and I send our love. And if I find anymore on your guy, I will let you know.”
After I left the station house, I still had a couple of stops to make. The first was Sheets and More. When I first moved in with Aiden, I was extremely uncomfortable. It was not my home, and little about it reflected my personality. Even though I brought a few belongings with me, I still felt like a guest. Despite our attempts to make her feel welcome, I imagined Ember must feel the same way. Especially after losing all of her possessions. I wasn’t sure she would like the prints I picked out, but figured at least they would be hers. I also picked up two brand new pillows before heading to Helen’s Floral.
By the time I got home, Aiden's car was back in the garage. I heard them in the living room and quietly snuck up to what I was already considering, Ember’s room, to leave the packages for her. Then I went back downstairs.
I could hear them both giggling in the living room and wondered just how friendly they were becoming. The thought made my cock hard, but then Ember said, “That still doesn't explain what the symbolism of that creepy ass skull is.”
“It symbolizes the transient nature of art and life.” Aiden told her. “The boar skull provides a reminder that design and death are always among us, even during life’s happiest moments.”
“That's just depressing as all hell,” I said, finally stepping into the room and looking at Ember. “No wonder you don't want to read the damn book.”
“Actually, once Aiden helped me understand her weird way of writing, it's not so terrible after all. It shows how members of a family differ from one another but are still similar in certain ways.”
“That's a good and unique take on the work. I think it would be a perfect analysis for your paper.”
“That's because you're such a wonderful teacher.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Of course, he blushed and pulled away.
“I hope I can do as well, helping you understand physics. We have all day tomorrow, since Aiden will be on duty.
“I’m looking forward to it.” She winked at me. “Aiden, are you sure you don’t mind me using your laptop? I was going to go upstairs and get started on my essay.”
“Not at all,” he said. Then jokingly added, “I deleted all our sex videos.”
“That's too bad.” She gave us a devilish smile before jogging up the steps. “I guess I’ll just have to use my imagination—again.”
“What the hell happened between the two of you today?” All the sudden they were joking about sex. “You both seem a lot more relaxed.” Before he could answer, Ember came back downstairs. Tears running down her cheeks, she came over and wrapped her arms around me.
“That is one of the sweetest things anyone's ever done for me.” Aiden looked at us, confused. Ember pulled him into our embrace. “You bought me all those clothes and things the other day. Now I find a complete bed set. Matching comforter, and everything waiting for me. Even new pillows.” I would have been happy to stay like that, the three of us wrapped in one another's arms, for the rest of the day. But Ember took a step back. “And the plants. I can't believe you remembered. You even bought ferns.”
“Like you said, they make a house a home. I want... we both want you to feel this is your home for no matter how long you're here.”
She hugged us again. “I'm not used to anybody doing nice things for me.”
