Serve & Protect Page 3

  “Hales?” Noah asked, reaching for my hand. “What is it, Sugar?”

  “Did my dad tell you about this place?” I asked softly.

  “He did.” He said, giving my hand a little squeeze. “I think everyone at the station knew. Your dad was constantly telling stories about his baby girl, and how proud of her he was. I think that was part of the reason I fell in love with you. Hearing all of the stories, all of the things you did, it was hard not to.”

  “This is the best surprise you ever could have given to me, Noah.” I whispered, wiping the tears from my face. “I just have one question.. what was the other appointment for?”

  He grinned. “I can't keep anything from you can I? I made reservations for dinner later on, I was just checking to make sure they saved our table. The venue was your surprise, as far as the rest of the wedding planning goes that's on you, Sugar.”

  “So you don't want to go with me to try cake samples? Or food? Or whiskey?”

  “Whiskey?” He laughed.

  “What? I don't like wine.”

  “One of the many reasons why I love you Haylee James.”

  “I love you too Noah Steele, now lets go set a date.”

  Chapter Four

  The weekend flew by, and before I knew it Monday had reared it's ugly head. Noah was starting on the graveyard shift tonight, so it was the first morning in quite some time that I was jogging on my own. I always liked to get a good run in before work, it woke me up and got the endorphins flowing. I had only made it to the end of our road, before another jogger I hadn't seen before came up beside me. We stood, jogging in place side by side waiting for the traffic to clear.

  “Good morning.” He said with a smile.

  I pulled one of the ear buds from my ear, leaving the other intact so that I could still listen to my music. “Morning.” I smiled back.

  “I'm Ben.”

  “Haylee.”

  The traffic cleared, and the two of us made our way across the street. I could sense him behind me, but I didn't feel threatened in any way so I just let it go. When we reached the next stop, he sidled up beside me again.

  “I hope you don't mind. I just moved into my new apartment, and I don't really know my way around yet.”

  “Which complex?” I asked.

  “Harbor Creek.”

  “Looks like we're neighbors.” I said, breaking away as the stop light turned to walk.

  “Really? You're the first person I've met who hasn't ran away from me in the other direction.” He laughed. “New guy in a small town, I guess people need to be wary.”

  “Good thing I'm a police officer then.” I smiled.

  “No shit?” He asked. “My dad was a cop.”

  “Was?”

  “He passed away a couple years ago, but I only met him once. It's always just been my mom, and I.”

  “Sorry for your loss.” I breathed out, before stopping at another intersection. “I usually run two miles. If you want to head back, you should take this road here. It will lap back around to the complex.”

  “I think I'll hang, if it's cool?”

  “Sure.” I smiled, breaking away from him once again. I guess it couldn't hurt to have someone to run with while Noah was on graveyard, and Ben seemed like a nice guy. We ran in silence the rest of the way until we reached our apartment complex.

  “Thanks for the company.” He said. “Would it be too forward to ask if you'd like to come up for a cup of coffee?”

  I glanced at my fit bit checking the time. I had an hour before I had to be to work, but I still needed to shower. “Rain check?”

  “Oh. Sure.” He said, a little nervously.

  “How about tomorrow? We can stop at the coffee shop up the road after our run?”

  “Planning on running with me again already?” He teased.

  “I'm here every morning at six. If you're here too we'll have coffee, if not we won't.”

  “It's a date then.”

  “Oh, you should know.. I'm engaged. I didn't mean to-”

  He laughed, raising his hands. “I noticed the rock on your finger the minute I ran up beside you. It's just nice to have a friend in a new place.”

  I could feel my face heating. I was so embarrassed. “Well, now that I've put my foot in my mouth, I need to get ready for work. It was nice meeting you Ben.”

  “You too Haylee.” He said, pulling the door open for me and letting me slip inside ahead of him.

  After my shower, I slipped into bed beside Noah. “Are you awake?” I whispered. When he didn't stir, I snuggled into his side and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “I have to get ready for work, but we should be able to have dinner together before you leave.” He pulled me closer against him in his sleep, and I smiled. “I love you.”

  “Love you too, Sugar.” He murmured, and with another kiss to his cheek, I left him to his slumber.

  When I arrived at the station, Erin was sitting at my desk pretending to file her nails. I rolled my eyes as I approached her, crossing my arms. “Can I help you with something?”

  “The Chief says I'm with you today.”

  “Of course he did.”

  As if he could sense my annoyance from across the room, chief Craig yelled out from his office. “James! I trust that you and miss Jennings can keep your claws in, yes?”

  “Yes sir.” We both said in unison, mocking him the instant he turned his back sending us both into a fit of laughter. See we can get along. Sometimes.

  “Shall we go meet the newbies?” Erin asked, elbowing me.

  “Why not.” I shrugged, following her lead.

  When we entered the common room I took a quick glance around, my gaze stopping on a familiar face. “Ben?” I asked, with surprise.

  He looked up then, smiling wide. “Haylee! When you said you were a cop I didn't think we'd be working in the same precinct. What a small world.”

  “You two know each other?” Erin asked.

  “We met this morning, while I was on my run. He just moved into my complex.”

  “Why do you get all the hotties?” Erin asked fanning herself, before turning to Ben. “I'm Erin by the way, and unlike Haylee.. I'm single.” She winked.

  “Nice to meet you.” He smiled. “This is Nick, Caty, and Jared. The chief told us to wait here for our assignments.”

  “You'll be working on a cold case.” I said, devoid of any emotion.

  “Really? I was hoping to at least get out in a car today.”

  I sighed. “It's my dad's case. He was killed two years ago, and the chief wants fresh eyes.” I glanced around the room. “I can't technically be involved, but if any of you have any questions, I'll be at my desk.”

  Ben looked like he wanted to say something, but I left before he had the chance. I didn't want his pity. As I sat at my desk doing mundane work, I watched as the rookies carried boxes into interrogation room B. I could feel my hands itching to touch those files. I knew the chief was right, and he was only protecting the department, but I couldn't help but feel useless. I knew my father better than anyone. What if there was something in one of those files that only I could recognize? I owed it to my dad to find his killer. I was all that he had left in this world. Shouldn't I do everything in my power to bring him justice?

  “Are you alright?” Erin asked quietly, as she passed by my desk.

  “Nothing a few calls won't cure. Tell me you've got something?”

  “Mr. Martin's home from the hospital. Wellness check?”

  I laughed. “Thanks for trying to cheer me up.”

  “Don't get used to it. We still aren't friends.” She winked.

  Erin, and I had only left the precinct twice all morning, so when my stomach began to grumble loudly I was relieved that it was time for lunch. I grabbed my purse from the bottom drawer of my desk, and started heading towards the front door when Ben stopped me. “Can I help you officer?” I asked, arching a brow.

  He laughed. “How about lunch? Makes more sense to grab lunch toda
y, rather than coffee tomorrow don't you think? Coffee and running don't really go hand, in hand.”

  “OK.” I agreed. “But only because I'm starving.”

  “After you.” He said, motioning towards the door.

  When we reached the parking lot, I signaled for Ben to follow me. “We're walking?” He asked.

  “There's a cafe a couple buildings down, unless you're still tired from our run this morning?”

  He laughed, jogging up beside me. “Lead the way.”

  When we entered, the owner Vinny gave me a wide smile. “Haylee! You want the usual?”

  “Just for me today Vin. Noah's on graveyard.”

  “And for your friend?”

  “I uh- I'm not really sure. What do you recommend sir?”

  “Call me Vinny, any friend of Haylee's is a friend of mine.” He winked. “How about our famous grilled cheese?”

  “You know what Vin, I'll have one too.” I said, heading towards an empty table in the center of the room.

  “Grilled cheese?” Ben asked, sitting down across from me.

  “It's not your mom's grilled cheese Ben, it's heaven.” I said, my mouth practically watering. “I'm talking thick sour dough bread, four kinds of cheeses, and flavored butter.” I licked my lips, and he laughed.

  We spent our lunch hour getting to know each other. I found out that Ben's mom raised him all on her own, but she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago. She was living in a care facility now, but he still went to visit her on the weekends. I told him about my dad, and we actually talked a lot about the cold case. He seemed genuinely interested in everything that I had to say, and it was nice having someone to talk to who was a bit more objective.

  “Did you ever follow up with the owner of the house that they were called to?” Ben asked, finishing off his Pepsi.

  “The officer's covering his case did yes, but no one could seem to find her. It was like she just disappeared. I always found it odd that there were no pictures in the house.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It's probably nothing, but almost everyone has a picture of something on their walls. Kids, family, paintings, but it was like her house was stripped bare.”

  “It was a robbery.” He said, scratching his head. “But why would someone take personal photographs? What significance would they hold for a stranger?”

  “That's the thing. I don't think the perp was a stranger to her. I think she knew him, but no one really listened to what I said back then.”

  “Not even your fiance?”

  “Noah tried to convince the chief to explore the angle, but he didn't think it was worth pursuing.”

  “Do you believe that?”

  “That Noah spoke to the chief? Of course I do. He wouldn't lie to me.”

  “Please don't take offense. I'm just trying to get a better picture of things. He was your dad's partner after all. Did you ever think to question him?”

  “I think we're done here.” I said, making to stand.

  “Haylee, wait!” He said, reaching for my hand. “I apologize. The chief wanted fresh eyes right? That's all that I'm doing. I don't know Noah like you do.”

  “You're right. I'm sorry.” I said, pulling my hand from his and reclaiming my seat. “I just wish that I could find the woman who owned the house. There was a reason that my dad broke protocol that day, and maybe she would know why.”

  “What do you know about her?”

  “Only her name. Sarah Ryan, but I don't think that was her real name.”

  “Why?”

  “Everyone has some kind of paper trail, but this woman just doesn't exist past the year 1997.”

  “Maybe she died? Could've been a squatter staying in the home?”

  “All of her belongings were still there though. Clothing, jewelry, nothing of value was taken.”

  “Maybe the perp just didn't have time to take anything?”

  “Maybe... We should probably get back to the station now.”

  “Alright.” He said, reaching into his back pocket to pull out his wallet. He tossed a ten dollar bill onto the table, and then pulled his card out. “Lunch is on me.”

  “You don't have to do that.”

  “I insist.” He smiled, and together we left the cafe and headed back to work.

  I wish I could say that the rest of my work day was productive, but I'd be lying. I couldn't stop thinking about Sarah Ryan. Where was she? Did she know my dad? Why would she just up, and leave her entire home behind? I had more questions than answers, and it wasn't until I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket that I realized what time it was. It was nearly six. I had been lost in thought for over an hour. “I'm sorry baby.” I said, when I answered Noah's call. “I'm heading out now. I love you too.”

  Chapter Five

  I managed to make it home in time to have dinner with Noah last night, and we even managed to slip in a little dessert. I told him about Ben, and of course he wanted to meet him since we'll be running together until his graveyard shift ends. He wasn't the jealous type, just a bit over protective. I figured I'd broach the subject with Ben during our run this morning.

  When I made my way down stairs I was surprised to find him on the front stoop, already waiting for me.

  “Morning.” He said, handing me a bottle of water.

  “Morning.” I smiled back, accepting the gesture. “Shall we?”

  “Ladies first.”

  We jogged in silence for a few minutes before I cleared my throat. “So this is a bit odd, but Noah would like to meet you. It's just... if we're going to be running together, he wants to make sure you aren't some kind of psycho or something.” I laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Oh? Is that all?” He laughed back. “I get it. I'd want to meet the guy my girl was spending so much time with too. Make sure there's no competition.”

  “There isn't any.” I said, stopping whatever this was before it started.

  Ben laughed, feigning mock offense. “Not that it matters Haylee, but I'm gay.”

  “You're what?” I asked with disbelief as we stopped at the intersection to wait for traffic to pass. “I mean, not that I-”

  “Relax.” He laughed. “I'm into guys. Like I said, It's nice to have a friend. I don't mind if you tell your fiance, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone at work. The guys tend to look at you a little differently in the locker room if they think you're checking them out.”

  “Are you?” I teased, nudging his elbow before we jogged across the street together.

  “Most of the guys we work with are twice my age Haylee.” He said rolling his eyes.

  “Noah's five years older than me.”

  “And how old are you?”

  “You aren't supposed to ask a woman her age, Ben.”

  “Doesn't that only apply if the man is trying to ask you out? Gay.. remember?”

  I laughed, and a little snort came out, making me laugh even harder. “Twenty-four.”

  “So, Noah's nearly thirty?”

  “Yep. He's also a snack, so hands off.”

  This time it was Ben who laughed, shaking his head. “I'm glad I met you Haylee James.”

  “Me too Ben... you know, I don't know your last name.” I laughed.

  “It's Cross, and we're home.”

  We entered the complex together, and decided to take the stairs to our respective apartments. My apartment was on the third floor, but I wasn't sure where Ben's was. When he followed me onto the third floor, I raised my eyebrow skeptically. “You're on this floor too?” I asked.

  “It appears so.”

  We continued to walk together down the hall, until suddenly we both stopped. “No shit.” I said, pulling my key from the inside pocket of my yoga pants. “How did we not know we lived directly across from one another?”

  “Now I know where to go if I need to borrow some sugar.”

  The way that he emphasized the word “sugar” sent chills up my spine, and not in the way it did
when Noah said it. This was different, almost eerie. Like he was taunting me, but how could he have known Noah's pet name for me? Maybe he overheard a telephone conversation? Did Erin say something?

  “Earth to Haylee!” He said, waving his hand in front of me. “You alright?”

  “Yeah, sorry. I guess I spaced out for a minute. Give me half an hour to get cleaned up, and then you can come meet Noah before we go to work, OK?”

  “Sounds good.”

  After entering my apartment, I stood with my back to the door for a minute thinking about what had just happened in the hall. It was probably nothing, probably just me over thinking like I always do. I glanced at the clock on the wall. Noah should've gotten home ten minutes ago so he was probably in the shower. Kicking my shoes off, I made my way towards our bedroom. I could hear the water running from the adjoining bathroom, and I smiled to myself.

  Stripping away my workout clothes, I tip toed into the bathroom, and climbed into the shower behind him. “Got room for one more?” I asked, hugging his slick body from behind.

  “For you? Always.” He said, turning to face me. “How was your run?”

  “Good. Ben's going to come over in half an hour.”

  “I guess we'd better hurry then.” He said, picking me up by the hips and making me squeal. I wrapped my legs around his waist, and he pressed his lips against mine, as he moved us towards the cool tile for leverage. Dipping his head to my neck, he licked, and nipped me there before easing his erection into me. I moaned, clutching his hair in my hands, as he thrust his hips expertly in, and out hitting me exactly where I needed him most. Foreplay was amazing, but there was something to be said about bathroom quickies.

  I bit down gently onto his shoulder as I felt myself growing weaker around him. One of his hands was firmly on my waist, and other other pressed against the wall beside my head. He was pulling me into him, while using the wall for leverage, making every thrust deep, and consuming. My arms were wrapped around his neck, his shoulder stifling my moans which echoed softly around the small bathroom.