She wasn’t lying. Elijah had more sick time than he knew what to do with. So much so, he’d never had a lapse in paychecks while waiting for the city to take their slow-ass time to get his disability benefits together. His stockpile of sick and vacation time was just proof of how obsessed he was with his work.
Back then, he’d believed only bored people needed time off. Why would he need to get away from something he loved so much? Except for a mandatory week the department forced on him here or there, Elijah had never wanted to be away from his work for longer than it took for him to sleep, work out, and come back.
“So, you sure you’re ready to get back to duty?”
There were slight lines pulling at Captain Searlington’s brow as she waited for his answer. She was worried about him.
He dropped his gaze for just a moment, closing his eyes to gather his thoughts. According to his head and body docs, he was fit for duty. His captain no doubt had copies of those reports. She knew he was cleared to return, but looking into the warm brown eyes staring at him from across the desk, he understood what she was truly asking.
Are you sure you’re ready for me to put a gun and a badge in your hand again?
“Captain. I’m good. Besides, it’s either return to work or die from being smothered by my family.”
“Ms. Evelyn’s just concerned about her son. There’s nothing wrong with that,” she countered. “But if you’re ready to get back, I’m glad to give you these.”
She reached into a desk drawer and pulled out his Glock, its magazine, and his credentials. “Welcome back, Lieutenant Stephenson.”
He took the weapon, inspected it, and then slid the magazine inside the well. He took a moment to secure it at his hip, and then he grabbed for his new badge and smiled.
Before the shooting, he hadn’t cared about climbing up the ladder. Making detective allowed him to work in Vice, and earning his sergeant’s rank meant he got to lead his teams and operations the way he chose in the field. The only reason he’d taken the test was to appease his father, a retired NYPD officer who wanted bragging rights about his first-born becoming a white shirt.
As always, his father was right. This new shield and rank were the only reason he still had a place in this building. After everything he’d been through, he wasn’t sure he could handle being on the streets any longer.
“So, when do I officially take over my new command, Captain?”
She leaned back and tapped her fingers against her desk. “About that.”
Elijah had known Heart Searlington for too long not to be concerned by that statement. Something wasn’t right.
“What’s up, Captain?”
“There was a situation last night.”
Elijah repositioned himself in his chair, instinct telling him he needed to seek comfort. His superior was crossing her arms against her chest, so he figured things were about to get uncomfortable for him.
“Brass has delayed your transfer into Cybercrimes,” she answered. “Instead, they want to put you on a protection detail for a high-profile target.”
Elijah shook his head before he found his voice. “Captain? This wasn’t what I agreed to when I came back. They promised me Cybercrimes. Brass can’t take that from me.”
She held up her hand to stop him. “Stephenson, we both know brass can do whatever the hell they want. You and I are only here to do what they tell us. This comes directly from the top cop, Elijah. Even I can’t ignore it. You protect this guy for a few days. Then you’ll get your command afterward.”
“And what happens if I refuse?” His question lingered in the air for a moment. She sat straighter in her chair, pushing her shoulders back, painting the picture of authority in the room.
“If you refuse,” she began, “then I’ll be taking that new position and that shiny new lieutenant’s badge. I told you, Stephenson, this is coming from on top. You’ve built a career on not being afraid of shit and taking on any foe. They want someone with that kind of heart to head this detail.”
Elijah pulled his hand down his face and let a long breath escape his lips. He’d been cracking heads and making busts for years. It had never put him on anyone’s radar before.
“What’s happened? Why does brass want me on this instead of cybercrimes?”
“As I hear it, the DA asked for you by name. She said she trusted no one else to protect her number two but you. So, if you’re blaming anyone for this, point a finger at her.”
Elijah closed his eyes and shook his head. Lindsey Chavez, Brooklyn district attorney, Elijah’s longtime friend, and the resident busybody in his life. He should have known his friend’s hand was involved.
Captain Searlington picked up a file and slid it across her desk in his direction, pulling his focus back to their conversation. “Here’s what you need to know. They’re called The Path of Unity.”
“The church group?” He’d seen advertisements for them on the train and on television. He couldn’t say he knew much about them other than that half of Hollywood seemed connected with the group.
“They’re a cult with a history of organized crime, Stephenson. If they were Sicilian or Russian, we’d call them the Mob. They’re passing themselves off as a church. We’ve known of their criminal activity for years, but we couldn’t build a solid case against them. A few months ago, we found a way into the organization and discovered enough info to indict the top man, Lee Edwards, and two of his cronies. The DA’s office could bring charges and make them stick. They’re in the middle of a trial right now. Edwards is out on bail, but if the prosecutors do their job, his days of freedom are numbered.”
