“You knew this was coming.”
Deputy Chief Palmer leans back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his scruffy jaw, the wrinkles on his forehead creasing, adding ten years to his face. He’s an older man, in his late sixties, but he refuses to retire. He summoned me to his office half an hour ago to inform me that my unit, Metro PD’s Narcotics Division, is officially under investigation by Internal Affairs, and the lead investigator will arrive this afternoon to interview me.
The last fucking thing I need right now.
He’s right.
I knew this was coming, and if I’m being honest, I’ve been waiting for it. Although I hoped to figure out on my own who was trying to frame me so I could serve up a heaping dose of dark justice myself, every lead takes me to a dead end.
It’s been going on for three months now, but I only discovered it recently, along with everyone else. Our security cameras show no suspicious activity, no one coming and going with large amounts of drugs, which would have been obvious considering the amount they’re taking. But it’s my thumbprint being scanned by the biometric lock, so all fingers are pointing at me.
“Be cooperative and give them what they want. We need to find out who’s behind this, and if IA can help flushthem out, then so be it.”
That sounds good in theory, but whoever they’re sending is not familiar with the kind of people we deal with regularly. They are dangerous criminals who aren’t afraid to take down good cops to get what they want. That’s what has hindered my investigation. I’ve had to step lightly and quietly. There’s a dirty cop in our ranks, more than one, and if they catch wind of an investigation, or worse, their business partners find out, someone might get hurt.
Or killed.
As I’m walking out of the chief’s office, Captain Greg Foster greets me in the hall, gripping my shoulder and giving me a pensive look. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out, son.”
His words give me a little comfort. There are a few people I trust now, and he’s one of them. I’ve known him most of my life. Greg and my dad have been friends for years, having gone to high school and then the academy together. He’s one reason I came to Metro in the first place. I’ve always looked up to Greg. He can be a bit cynical at times, but he follows the rules, and he’s fair.
“Have you talked to your dad about any of this?”
“No, I didn’t want to worry him.” I grip the back of my neck. “Mom’s been struggling with some health issues lately, and I didn’t want to add to his stress.”
Hell, I’m stressed out about it enough as it is.
His stone-cold face softens. “What’s wrong with Marsha?”
“Doctors aren’t sure. She’s been tired a lot lately, weak. Some days, Dad says she doesn’t even want to get out of bed. They’ve ruled out cancer, thank God, but they’re still running tests to try to figure out what’s wrong with her.” I take a deep breath. “I thought he would’ve told you.”
“We haven’t talked in a while. Guess now I know why.” Hedoesn’t look angry, but I can see a flicker of hurt in his brown eyes. Leaning in close, he whispers, “I’m here for you. You know that.” He gives my shoulder another squeeze. “Anything you need, I’ve got your back.”
“Thanks. It means a lot. Now, I have to deal with IA.”
“Call me later and let me know how it goes.”
I nod, heading back to my office, feeling a little better than I did before.
***
The harsh light above seems brighter. More severe. Maybe because I’m on the opposite side of the table. I’ve been inside this room countless times, but never for this reason, never in this chair. The knowledge makes me feel uneasy, but I remain calm.
Cool.
Leaning back in the chair, I try to force my muscles to relax, but when the door swings open and I seeher, my calm demeanor goes straight out the fucking window.
“Good afternoon, Commander Cunningham.”
Her familiar voice sends a jolt through me.
“I’m Agent Karmen Ashford with Internal Affairs,” she states, displaying her badge for me to inspect. “This is Agent Roberto Ramirez.”
My heart pounds erratically as I grind my teeth, my entire body tense.
Is she trying to pretend we don’t know each other? As if we didn’t share a goddamn bed for a year. Like I haven’t been inside her in every way a man can be inside of a woman.
It’s been five years since we last laid eyes on each other. How long has she been working for IA Metro? Right underneath my goddamn nose?
