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Sebastian
“You can’t solve anything by sitting on your ass, partner.”
Partner. It’s one of the last times I’m going to hear that word coming from Brant. He’s packing up his desk. This is his last shift and then he’s Chicago bound.
“You’d know that better than anyone, wouldn’t you?” I bite back. “You spent more time in that chair the past few months than I’ve spent in mine the past four years.”
“I solved a case or two.” He places a framed picture of Remy into a cardboard box. “Homicide isn’t in my DNA like it is in yours.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” My chin lifts.
“Everyone on the force knows that your grandfather paved the way.” He looks over at the lieutenant’s office. “He held down this fort. Your dad made it to Detective Third-Grade. You were destined to land in that chair. It’s called fate, Sebastian.”
My grandfather was at the helm of homicide for more than five years before he took early retirement. The rigors of the job followed him out the door.
He suffered a fatal heart attack right after I joined the academy.
My father’s dream of three generations of Wolf men on the force died with my grandfather on a rainy Wednesday evening.
“It’s not DNA,” I scoff. “It’s a commitment to serve the fine people of this city.”
He tosses a silver pen into the box. “Finally all the pieces fit together.”
I cock a brow. “What pieces?”
“I’m a detective, so I’m trained to observe.” His hands drop to his hips. “You’ve been talking to someone about switching things up. My bet is on a run for City Council after that canned statement you just delivered. Or are you going to sprint right to the finish line and throw your hat into the Mayor’s race? I’ve got to admit I’m surprised you’re walking away from all of this.”
My head falls back as I laugh. “You’ve been listening to my phone conversations?”
“Dude, I’m less than ten feet away from you all shift.” He opens his desk drawer and pulls out a box of candy bars. “It’s not like you’re trying to be covert. You knew damn well I could hear you.”
“You’re an asshole.” I wave my hand toward him. “Give me one of those.”
He tosses the entire box on my desk. “Consider it a parting gift.”
I nod. “I’ll put these to good use.”
“Liar.” He rubs his stomach. “I never took you up on that offer to hit the gym. That’s why I’m sporting a belly and you look like an Adonis.”
“An Adonis?” I rip open one of the candy bar wrappers and take a bite. “You’re creeping me out, Brant.”
He holds both hands up. “Remy’s sister’s words, not mine. She saw you at the wedding. I’ve been fielding questions about your relationship status ever since.”
I don’t ask what he told the woman because I don’t care.
I have zero interest in anyone other than Matilda.
It’s been two days since I’ve seen her. The last time was when I crawled into her bed and brought her to orgasm with my hand.
The experience was raw and intense. I’m still riding the high of what I felt; what I feel for her.
“I told her you’re in love with the woman you brought to the wedding.” He places the lid on the box. “Matilda, right?”
“Matilda,” I repeat her name back.
He holds up his right hand. “Before you ask how I know that you’re in love with her, I didn’t hear you confessing that to anyone on the phone. I saw it. In the way you looked at her and in the way she looked at you.”
I toss the candy bar wrapper into the trashcan next to my desk. “I’m not going to correct you about how I feel, Sam.”
“Good.” He pats his hand on the top of the box. “I’m happy for you.”
I stand. “You’re going to stay safe in Chicago.”
“I will.” He tucks his hands into the front pockets of his black dress pants. “Where you headed, Sebastian?”
I look around the squad room. It’s home. It’s been my home for the past four years, but things change. I’ve changed.
“Not to Chicago,” I divert the question since I don’t want the entire division to know my plans before my lieutenant does.
He laughs, pushing his hand toward mine. “That’s a shame. It’s been good working next to you. You’re one of the best.”
“You’ll do good, Brant.” I shake his hand. “Take care of yourself.”
“You too, Detective Wolf. You too.”
I look down when my cell phone chimes.
Alan: You got time for a coffee today?
I glance up to see Brant rounding the corner before he slips out of view. That’s another partner gone; another chapter of my life that is over.
Sebastian: You doing ok?
I stare at the screen waiting for his response.
Alan: Nah, man. It’s been a rough one. Today kicked my ass.
Sebastian: I’ll be at diner around the corner from your place in twenty minutes.
His reply comes through almost immediately.
Alan: You’re the best. Seriously.
I slide my phone into the pocket of my suit jacket and head out the door.
I’m not the best. I’m trying to do my best.
I don’t know if it’s enough.
