I know you’re a professional and I’m sorry too. We can talk about it face to face.
More than relieved that he and Colson were on the way to making amends, Harper increased his stride. His good mood didn’t go unnoticed by Luis when he came home.
“You’re looking pretty happy about something.”
“Just that we wrapped up our case and found a majority of the stolen goods.”
Luis broke out in a big smile. “That’s great news. I’m sure the neighborhood is relieved.”
“Yeah, and the captain and the chief are very pleased.” He sighed and rolled his neck, enjoying the air conditioning. “I’ll be down in a few minutes.” He needed a shower after being in that enclosed room with heaps of smelly garbage.
He took the stairs two at a time, stripped off his clothes, and got into the shower. Clean and dried off, he put on athletic pants and a T-shirt and joined David in the kitchen. He’d already eaten half his dinner—roast chicken cut in small pieces, french fries, and steamed vegetables. Harper kissed David’s cheek and made himself a plate.
“How was your day?” He chewed and swallowed, then took a sip of the beer Luis gave him. “Thanks. I need it.”
“I’ll bet. We went to the aquarium and saw the penguins and the otters. David wanted pizza, so we had that, then came home, had a cool bath, and watched a movie.”
“Sounds great. Better than my day.” He ate some more. “Would you like to go to the zoo tomorrow, watch the seals?”
David’s eyes grew wide, and he moved his mouth.
“Yes, we’ll go for feeding time. I know you love to hear them talk.”
He finished dinner and told Luis he’d read David his story. “You worked overtime today.”
“I don’t mind, Harper. I’ve got some stuff to do anyway, so if you want to go out after David goes to sleep, don’t worry. I’ll keep an ear out for him.”
He chewed the inside of his cheek. “Uh, well, as a matter of fact…”
“Yeah?” A huge knowing smile spread over Luis’s face. “Awesome. Go ahead.”
“After David’s bedtime.”
They finished dinner and watched half of an action movie before David started getting drowsy. He lifted David from his chair and put him into bed, straightening the sheets around him. The story was one where Superman and Batman joined forces to battle the Joker. David’s eyes grew heavy, and he yawned, making a small noise.
“Tired, buddy?” David blinked and licked his lips. “Okay. A drink of water, then you go to sleep. Tomorrow we have the whole day.”
Harper lifted him and gave him the straw from the bottle next to the bed. David sighed and closed his eyes as Harper settled him onto the pillow.
“You know,” Luis said from behind him after he’d shut David’s bedroom door three-quarters of the way, “David isn’t going to suffer if you have a personal life.”
Harper’s jaw tightened. “We’ve been through this before.”
“No. What you’ve been through is a guy who wasn’t worth your time. That doesn’t mean you give up.”
“I’ve got to go. I have to bring something to someone.” He picked up the file he’d left by the front door. “I shouldn’t be home too late.”
“Take your time. Have fun,” Luis called out after him.
It was summer and close to eight thirty at night, which meant the sun hadn’t yet set and the streets were crowded. The cafés were filled with outdoor diners, having drinks and dinner, laughing and sending each other long loving looks.
Harper didn’t know whether to be envious or nauseated. When he turned onto Colson’s block, he texted him.
Be there in a few.
Colson didn’t answer. Maybe he was in the bathroom. Harper walked up the steps and rang the bell. No answer. He knocked and knocked.
“Colson? Colson, it’s Harper. Harper Rose.”
