My silence allowed them to continue to harass me because there were no repercussions for their actions.
That shit stopped right fucking now.
Captain Delaney spluttered.
He pointed a fat finger in my face.
Glaring at him with narrowed eyes, I smacked it away. “If you wouldn’t do that to one of those men out there, don’t you fucking dare point at me like I’m some child to be reprimanded.”
“I could have you removed from this case.” He grabbed the black phone on the corner of his desk. “One phone call and you’d never work here again.”
“Take me off the case and you’ll never get the information you want.” It took all my control not to gloat in his sweaty face.
He chewed on air, his flabby jaws working as he glared.
I remained in control and secure in what I’d said and done.
I’d had enough of them running roughshod over me.
“I want concrete evidence. Soon.” He stabbed a finger into the desk and leaned toward me. “Nothing less. That’s the only way you stay in this department.”
“Yes, sir.” I turned on my heel and exited the office.
Dread roiled in my gut.
How was I supposed to convict Rafe and the others?
Good deeds did not outweigh criminal activity.
Could I do what needed to be done if I discovered they were breaking the law?
“Hey, Noelle.” Clancy was waiting for me outside the office. He grabbed his crotch and pumped his hips. “Got something for ya.”
“Hey, Clancy, your wife called. She wants to know if you’d learn something from my transcripts. Like maybe you could make her come every once in a while instead of giving her a thirty-second dry hump.” I turned left at my desk and walked straight out the door.
Shouts and laughter followed me, but over it all, I heard Clancy’s cursing and a smile spread across my face.
Yeah, I was so done with their bullshit.
19
RAFE
It took us three days to decorate.
I’d never seen so many Christmas lights in all my life.
Colt was beside himself when he arrived that first day and he dove into the decorations with enough gusto to keep all of us going.
I’d expected Noelle to show up and help, but for whatever reason, I barely glimpsed her that night as she rushed in, hugged us all and complimented the decorations, and bolted again.
I’d approved her first article, so she must have been busy working.
I missed her with the kind of ache that made my bones feel fragile.
I stood on the porch beside Ash, the leather of my coat tight across my shoulders when I crossed my arms.
Ash popped his elbow against mine. “Colt’s covering the hot chocolate stand and making sure the kids stay safe with the inflatables.”
