Blaze stewed at Tony’s audacity to go back to the bar and get his car. Then, after being involved in an accident, he’d lied about his position in the LAPD.
Blaze did the right thing by telling the woman that he couldn’t disclose his assignment, but he did confirm Tony was a police officer.
But then he’d stuck his neck out when he didn’t report the incident as department policy dictated.
After auditing the jail numbers and confirming the booked property lockers, as well as other administrative duties, he finally took the time to give his lieutenant a call.
He directed Amanda cover him in the WC chair, and he went out to his car where there was no chance of being overheard. He could feel his blood pressure going up as he punched in Tony’s phone number.
“Mancuso.”
“What the hell were you thinking?”
“Blaze?”
“Yes, it’s me. I’m the watch commander today, and I had a fascinating conversation with a woman who apparently rear-ended your truck last night. She told me you’re now working vice, and that last night you spilled a drink on yourself.”
“Shit.” The lieutenant’s voice was almost a whisper.
“What were you thinking, Tony? How could you do that to me? I drove you home. All you had to do was stay there.”
“I was fine.”
“You were drunk!”
“She’s automatically considered the party at fault for either following too close or inattention. The ditzy blonde was probably texting on her phone.”
“That’s all well and good until she talks to an attorney, and he starts poking around. Like a dumb-ass, I put myself out on a limb for you. I shouldn’t have.”
“I didn’t ask you to.”
He paused. “No. That’s true. I never dreamed you’d be so stupid.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too. I’ve risked myself for someone who I thought was smarter than to jeopardize his job, and mine, too. Let me be clear about one thing. If anything comes of this, I will not lie when questioned. So if you get caught, man up as well. Understood?”
“Understood.”