Page 79 of Under the Radar

And then a man appeared, looking far too official to be lost. He was short, bald, and rotund, wearing a suit and carrying a tablet under his arm and a measuring tape clipped to his pocket. I stood with a frown. Dom, Maxx, and Stefano all stood beside me. “Can I help you?”

He approached me, handing me a card. “I was called about an unlicensed build happening.”

“No, sir. I have a building permit.”

He walked with me, and I got the permit, showing it to him. He checked it over, made some measurements, asked a couple of questions, then nodded, and closed his tablet. “All looks in order. I think maybe one of your neighbors took exception and made a call. I’ll make my report as passed.” He handed me a card. “Thanks for your cooperation.” He shrugged out of his jacket, wiping his head. “Now I’m off for the day.”

“Can I offer you a burger and a soda?” Hannah asked beside me. “Since you’re off the clock and all? We’re about to have cake.”

His eyes glowed. “Cake?”

She nodded. “Pound cake with fresh strawberries.”

He hesitated. “I did miss lunch because of this call.”

Charly linked her arm with his. “Come join us for a bite, then.”

They walked away, and I glanced at Dom. “Neighbor, my ass.”

“Exactly my thoughts.”

Just then a cop walked around the side of the house. I cursed under my breath. He approached us with a nod, removing his hat. It wasn’t Dan, but I didn’t recognize him.

“Sorry to bother. We had a complaint about a noise violation and a loud party of bikers going on at this address.” He looked around. “Looks more like a bunch of friends helping out to me.”

Hannah returned, looking surprised. “Ben, what are you doing here?”

He smiled at her. “Hannah.” He repeated what he’d told us. Maxx walked over and shook his hand. “Ben. What brings you here?”

“Bullshit is what brings him,” Hannah muttered. “A bogus call.” She met my gaze.

“Why would someone do that?” Ben asked.

“Spite,” I muttered.

“The same reason someone sent a permit inspector. To embarrass us in front of our neighbors,” Hannah said, sounding furious.

“You live here?” he asked.

She wrapped her arm around my waist. “Yes. Chase and I live here.”

“Well, congrats. Sorry to spoil the party. I had to check it out. Obviously, someone had the wrong address. I’ll have the call checked. Nothing but friends helping friends here.” He inhaled. “And sharing some great food.”

“Come have a burger and a soda,” I offered.

“I couldn’t.”

“Sure you can. Take it to go if you have to. There is plenty.”

“I could radio in I’m taking a break.”

“Do that,” Hannah urged. “Come sit for a few minutes.”

He agreed, and soon the group had two more guests. The cop and the building inspector, no doubt sent by OD to piss us off and hopefully stop what we were doing.

Listening to the two men laugh and watching them eat the food we gave them with gusto, I was sure we’d spoiled his endeavors.

The satisfaction I got from that made me smile.