“Yeah.”
“Then I’ll be in and out. You know how this goes.”
Carlos tilts his head, flashing what he clearly thinks is a killer smile. “What do I get for making sure you don’t get a ticket?”
Fingers dip into my pocket, producing two tickets to the next home game. “My undying love and these?”
His grin widens. “Done.”
“You suck, you know that?”
“That’s what she said.” He winks and drops onto the hood of my car, settling in like he owns the place.
Sergeant Carlos, a local charmer and resident pain in my ass. We do this dance every time I’m called in to clean up whatever mess one of the boys has gotten themselves into. Pretty sure they give him a heads-up the moment they know I’m coming. He hasn’t worked up the nerve to ask me out yet, but it’s only a matter of time.
With a quick nod and a smile, I head into the station. The officer on duty grins and jerks his thumb toward the police chief’s office.
“He’s in there?”
“Yep. Came in from the break room a few minutes ago.”
“Seriously? No holding cell for him?”
The officer shakes his head, a hint of awe in his voice. “He’s Carter Storm, one of the greatest football players of all time. It wouldn’t be right to put him in with the common folk.”
Unbelievable.
Shaking my head, I make my way down the hall, stop outside the chief’s door, knock once, wait a beat, and then push it open.
Ralph, Carter, and the Chief are all standing, matching grins plastered across their faces as they turn toward me.
“Are we all good?” The question is aimed at Ralph, though my eyes flick to the Chief.
“Yes, ma’am,” he says, voice full of satisfaction. “The young lady who made the allegation against Mr. Storm here has retracted her statement. So, he’s free to go,” states the Chief.
Carter steps forward, hand extended. The Chief shakes it, both of them smiling like old friends.
“I appreciate you coming down, sir. If I can get you tickets or help out in any way, please let me know,” Carter offers smoothly.
“Well, now that you mention it…” the Chief starts.
Great. Here it comes. You pat my back, I’ll pat yours.
“We’re hosting a charity dinner for the Widows and Orphans Fund,” the Chief continues, still gripping Carter’s hand. “It’dmean a lot if you and a few of the Dakota Dragons could take a table.” His grin widens. “And if you were to put yourself up for auction—a date with Carter Storm—it would go a long way to boosting morale and raising funds.”
Carter’s grin widens, and he nods. Only then does the Chief finally release his hand.
“Not a problem. Olivia will figure it all out. Thanks again.”
His chin dips in polite acknowledgment, but when his eyes find mine, they’re anything but pleased.
Reaching into my purse, I hand the Chief my card. “If you’ll email me the details, I’ll make sure the team promotes the event through our socials. The more money you raise, the better.”
Carter frowns as he strides past me, and Ralph takes the Chief’s hand, shaking it firmly.
“Good seeing you, Tom. Say hello to that pretty wife of yours for me.”
I push the door open wider for Ralph to exit, then follow them both out into the cool night air. We stop on the pavement, the station lights casting long shadows around us.
