War’s hand tightened fractionally on mine, and I could sense his need to get whatever he wanted done, but he waited politely as a few hockey fan cops gathered and rehashed his games, making small talk.
“Hey, Walt,” Garcia called out as a burly cop appeared in the waiting room. Walt changed direction and came over. It was the same cop who made the arrest at the house.
“War’s looking for ya.”
He nodded in greeting, then said, “Don’t worry. He’s not going anywhere. Got outta jail a few weeks ago, and he starts this shit again.”
War’s brow creased. “For what?”
“Armed robbery, dealings. Guy has a list of offenses as long as my arm. He’s not getting out anytime soon for this.”
War nodded, then asked, “Can you keep my name out of it?”
“Sure. But let me go speak to the chief.” Walt disappeared.
“Players.” A skinny cop who stood near the information desk snorted. “They think life revolves around their wants and needs.”
Irritation surged through me.
War nailed the asshole with an icy stare. “No, it’s so my foster father’s name isn’t dragged through the mud,” he said, tone like blades. “He gave me, an orphan with nothing, a chance at a life when no one else would. I will protect him from malicious gossip in any way possible.”
“He’s not just any player, Jasper,” a cop near us shot back, “but possibly the best out there in NHL if you ever saw him play. Next time, get away from your onlinefunand catch a game or two.”
Walt came back and inclined his head.
We walked out to the parking lot where Caleb waited. “I must go, and I am sorry,” he said again.
“Caleb—”
“No.” Caleb cut him off. “Eli, if he didn’t do it now, he would have in the future. Lord knows it could have been many times worse with his irrational anger. I love you both equally as my sons, but Justin crossed the line, and that’s one thing I can’t condone ever.”
War stood there, hands in his pocket, head lowered. He remained silent.
Caleb touched War’s arm, and then he glanced at me. “Take care, my dear.”
My heart hurt for the both of them, hoping they’d find some way to move forward from this.
Then War looked up. “Why don’t you come over to the house next weekend and stay with us?” he asked as Caleb got into his car. “It’s almost ready. We’ll have furniture by then. We’ll go fishing. Charli hates it—”
“Eww, worms? Nope.” I grimaced.
Caleb smiled and nodded.
I didn’t know if that was yes or no to War’s invite, but I hoped he’d come.
As we drove back to the beach house, I contemplated what had happened.
“You’re quiet,” War said.
“Just thinking about that skinny cop at the station.”
“Oh, you mean that idiot who disparaged me? Yeah, I get those types all the time. Ignore them.”
I had no idea how War could shoulder things like that. It always distressed me when people spewed out their malicious crap. Always had. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.”
“Anyway, I’m just glad it won’t be in the media. God knows what warpath my mother will march down if this ever gets to her ears.”
“It was also the other reason I wanted it kept quiet. If I mentioned you, too, you could bet your life someone would have put it out there for their five minutes of fame.”
He was right. “Thank you.”
“I’ll always look out for you, Charli. Your well-being is my priority.” He took my hand and pressed it to his mouth in a soft kiss, and I knew it would be all right.
Everything would be okay.
