“Malachi.” Chuck stifled a laugh. “That’s not nice!”
Neither is she. I almost barfed when she took that corner on two wheels. Who let her have a license? She’s a fucking menace! I’m a much better driver. Probably even with paws!
Nodding, Chuck winked at him conspiratorially. “I agree, but still, she’s helping us so try to think kinder thoughts.”
Kind thoughts? I’ll kindly think about having you naked under me. Writhing, screaming my name, tangling your fingers in my hair while I lick your—
“Malachi!”
Toes.He chuckled at her narrowed eyes and blinked innocently, letting his tongue loll out like a good dog.
Pointing a finger at him, she grimaced. “Behave!”
Glenda laughed as she opened her door. “You two are a hoot. I don’t care that the fuzzy boy is speaking truth, I’m a bad driver, and I accept it.” She slammed the door and launched herself onto the sidewalk, storming through the front door of the station like a whirlwind, shaking up the building.
Rolling her eyes, Chuck opened the passenger door and came to the back to let Malachi out. Leaping to the asphalt below, he stretched and sniffed the air, alert for any danger. Finding none, he leaned against her legs.All clear, let’s move.
“Yes, sir!” She saluted sarcastically with a cheeky grin.
Cut it out,he grumbled,I’m trying to keep your smartass alive.
Abruptly sobering, Chuck nodded. “Sorry, I’ll behave. Maybe.”
You want to be spanked, don’t you?He teased, nipping her fingers with his teeth.Seriously, though, get that ass inside before I bite it. In fact,he growled and snapped at her bottom, chuckling at her squeal as she darted forward.
“Hey, Chuck,” called the familiar voice of Officer Douche. “What are you doing here? I thought you were benched while they figure out this ordeal with Bennett?”
Rolling her eyes, Chuck patted her thigh in the heel signal. Dutifully, Malachi parked his butt right next to her but glared at Jaxon disdainfully. The man may have been sucking face with the now perky brunette from dispatch, but Malachi still didn’t like him.
“Came in to talk to Jeffers.” She shrugged casually to sell it. “Not used to sitting at home like this, and Malachi was a little on edge. He likes the work, so I figured I’d bring him with me. You know, so he stays sharp.” She glanced around. “So,” her voice said with a teasing edge, “how’s Marla?”
Blushing so hard even his ears turned crimson, Jaxon dragged his toe over the sidewalk, shuffling an acorn around like it was his main priority. Finally, he blurted, “Great, she’s great.” He heaved a big sigh—a happy one—before he met her eyes. “She’s incredible, really. I can’t believe I never noticed her before. Her eyes are stunning, and her hair is so soft. Did you know she paints? She’s really talented! She showed me some pictures. I’m uh… taking her to dinner tomorrow night.” His smile was sheepish and shy, an expression previously foreign to his face but so much sweeter for it.
Malachi woofed happily and held out a paw to shake. Jaxon blinked at him rapidly, caught off guard.
“I think Malachi is congratulating you, Jax. Don’t leave him hanging,” Chuck murmured. She was biting the inside of her cheek, obviously trying not to laugh.
“Yeah,” Jaxon blurted as he squatted. “Thanks, man, I appreciate it. Good boy!” he gushed as he shook Malachi’s paw. Tentatively, he reached up and ruffled Malachi’s ears the way Chuck frequently did. “Wow.” He blinked. “His fur is really soft.”
Not into dudes, you douchenugget,Malachi thought furiously, but moaned happily when Jaxon started scratching just the right spot.Okay, maybe a little… to the right… just a…. oh fuck… that’s the spot.His tongue flopped out, and he panted before leaning against Jaxon’s chest just a little.
“Chuck,” Jaxon called happily. “Look! Your partner finally likes me!”
Slow your roll there, bucko, you just happened to hit the right scritching spot. We’re not about to hit the sauna balls out or anything. There will beno bromance here.
A small laugh slipped from Chuck’s lips. As both guys stared at her, she cleared her throat. “Sorry, it’s just really cute the way you two are bonding. I guess Malachi warmed up to you after all. What do you know? Miracles do happen!” She smiled so brightly that her cheeks made her eyes squint.
I swear to Satan if he calls me a brochacho, I’m biting YOUR ass really hard.Malachi glanced at Jaxon and gave a short nod before moving back to her side.C’mon, we need to get in there before the good witch causes a scene.
As if on cue, a loud crash sounded from the lobby, and piercing screams echoed behind the glass doors. Malachi, Jaxon, and Chuck exchanged panicked glances before they ran towards the cacophony inside.
Throwing the door open, their mouths dropped in unison at the pile of colorful silk on the floor, surrounded by a mound of shattered glass. Glenda was wailing like a horde of banshees had been sent to claim her soul, flailing her arms and moaning. She caught sight of them, giving a quick conspiratorial wink, before resuming her shrieking and caterwauling. “I’m dying!” she screamed. “You’ve killed me, oh, the end is near! I knew it! I knew this would be the last of me!” She rolled side to side in the glass but somehow managed to keep from sustaining a single cut.
Malachi glanced around and noticed a glass partition, meant to separate the front clerks from those coming in from the street, had seemingly exploded outward, centering its deadly embrace on the woman crying in front of them. Already, dozens of officers and workers were crowding the lobby, twisting their fingers and uttering expressions of disbelief. Glendahad told them she was going to create a diversion, and he had to hand it to her; it was one hell of a trick.
Sticking his nose in Chuck’s hand, he said,I’m heading to evidence, cover for me.
Giving a distracted nod, Chuck patted him on the head before hurrying forward to aid the poor woman who had been injured while “trying to report a crime in good faith.”
