AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You saved my life out there today. Those protesters were really getting out of hand, and you removed them quickly and calmly.”
I blinked. What danger was he even talking about? Sure, Eve had two big guys with her, but neither had been interested in the politician. They only morphed into action once we’d started trying to move the women out. Nobody had even gone near Reed or his family.
But the chief was nodding at me with emphasis, obviously wanting me to take the man’s praise.
I forced the words I knew he wanted to hear. “Of course. Just doing my job.”
“Well, you do it well. I was very impressed today. And I’d like to request that you attend all my future public outings.”
I frowned. “That’s not really the sort of work—”
“Boston would be happy to do that for you, Candidate Reed. I’ll make sure he’s available anytime you need him. If you just send me over your schedule, we’ll get it handled.”
The chief and I had a silent battle with our eyes across his desk. Mine saying,“What the fuck, boss?”His saying,“Shut up and do as you’re told.”
He won. But I wasn’t happy about it.
“Good. And I want you all to investigate Eve Hawkins.”
My head snapped up at the mention of Eve’s name. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact she was downstairs in lockup. Every cell in my body itched to go down there and check on her, even though she was obviously more than capable of holding her own and really did need some time to cool off. “Why? We arrested her today, but we can’t keep her. She ripped up a sign. That’s not really a chargeable offence.”
“The running of a sex club is.”
“She runs a strip club, not a sex club.”
“That’s not what my sources tell me.”
I folded my arms across my chest. “Reliable sources?”
“Firsthand sources.”
“I’ll need their names.”
“Can’t give you that. You have to do the grunt work yourself, Officer Boston. But just know, if you dig, you’ll find the truth. Eve Hawkins’ strip club is not above board. And neither is she.”
The chief stood, offering his hand to William once more. “We’ll make sure it’s properly investigated. Don’t you worry about that. And just send over a copy of your schedule so I can make sure Boston is available when you need him.”
The two men shook hands, but I didn’t bother getting out of my chair. William left the office without either of us saying goodbye. The moment the door closed behind him, I pinned my boss with accusations.
“I’m his bodyguard now? Nothing even happened at that rally. He talked smack, and he got the same attitude back. His life was never in danger.”
“William Reed is going to be the next mayor of this town. Have you seen the popularity polls? He’s got this in the bag, Boston. Be smart. You think we don’t need a man like that on our side?”
I ground my molars together. I knew he had a point. “I don’t believe anything is happening at Eve Hawkins’ club.”
“Do you know that for sure, though? An accusation has been made.”
“With no proof to back it up.”
“Would it really hurt you to look into it, though? I’ll get a search warrant.”
“There’s no grounds for one.”
“Grounds are easily fabricated. Come on, you know this.”
I might have known it, but it didn’t mean I liked it. It didn’t mean it was the way I played the game. But sometimes orders came from the top. I knew that better than anyone.
The chief eyed me. “You going to take this case, or do I need to assign it to someone else more willing to be a team player? We’ve spoken about this before.”
