Chapter Thirteen

Christopher

I properly aligned all the buttons down the front of my pale pink dress shirt on the first try and reached for my gray and pink striped tie hanging on my doorknob. All I needed to do was put the loop over my head and tighten the knot once I had it correctly positioned. But inspiration struck, and I hastily untied the knot, then reached for my cell phone on the nightstand. I found Julian's text thread and hastily typed out a message.

911. I need you.

Julian's response was immediate. Oh, baby, I got your first aid kit right here. His voice, full of innuendo and mischief, played in my head as I read the message.

Be right there.

I pocketed my phone, exited my room, and headed to the front door with a purposeful stride. I was hell-bent on finding out if Julian's body was still warm with sleep and didn't notice Harper in the kitchen until she cleared her throat. I halted suddenly and turned to face her.

She was in the middle of unloading the dishwasher. The coffee mug she'd retrieved from the rack swayed on the forefinger hooked around the handle. I recognized it as my lucky Georgia Bulldogs mug and knew she'd had company over the weekend because I'd washed it and put it away before I left for Atlanta with Julian. I was dying to ask who the hell had been drinking from my cup but remembered the advice Julian had given me when dealing with Harper and her mystery man.

"Where ya going?" Harper asked, though her smug smile said she knew precisely what my destination was.

"Julian is going to help me with my tie."

She set the coffee mug on the counter and walked toward me with an evil grin on her face. "Let me help you with that."

"Um, Julian is expecting me. I figured you'd left already. I might've even woken him up, so—" I tilted my head to the front door.

Harper laughed and shook her head. "You're fooling no one. Go on and git."

I narrowed my eyes. "You're not going to give me a lecture or warn me away from Julian?"

She shook her head slightly. "Nope. I'll leave all the ridiculous posturing to you. I trust your decisions. I know damn well you'll avoid hurting Julian at all costs." She smiled a little smugly. "Maybe I'll even admit a part of me saw this coming a mile away."

I quirked a brow. "Really?"

"Even the most open-minded straight guys would've been uncomfortable with the amount of flirting Julian leveled at you. And don't get me started on the cuddling you do on the couch."

"What's everyone else saying about us?" I asked.

Harper giggled. "No one is surprised, and everyone is happy."

"Oh," I said a little flatly.

My sister quirked a brow. "You sound disappointed."

"Only for not having this epiphany sooner." I winked, headed toward the front door, then stopped with my hand on the knob. "Make sure your boyfriend doesn't break my lucky mug, yeah?"

Harper crossed her heart and said, "I'll guard it with my life. Just make sure you take care with my best friend's heart."

"I plan to take care of every part of him," I replied with a wicked smile on my way out.

Julian flung open the door before I could knock. He wore a pair of dark purple briefs that looked amazing against his skin. "Where have you been?"

I wrapped my arm around Julian, backed him into his apartment, and kicked the door closed behind me. He was so warm and had obviously just crawled out of bed. Damn, I'd missed waking up without him blanketing my body. I lowered my head but stopped just shy of kissing him, and Julian vibrated with anticipation. "Harper stopped me before I could escape and teased me mercilessly. You know what else?"

"What?" he asked breathlessly.

"She let her boyfriend drink out of my lucky mug."

Julian's mouth quirked up on the right side. "The horror. Shall I bleach it while you're at work?"

I rubbed my nose against his neck, breathing him in. "You just get me, Julian."

"I've watched your every move and committed them to memory for three years."

I kissed him, long and lazily, as if neither of us had anywhere to be.

Julian broke our embrace and stared into my eyes. "You've got two choices: hand over the tie so I can help you finish getting ready or call in sick and let me strip you down."

I reached for my phone because there was no real choice to make there. I had plenty of sick time, and there was only so much I could accomplish from a desk.

"Wait!" Julian said before I could call the precinct. He blew out a breath and paced in front of me for a few seconds, then snagged the tie I'd looped around my left hand. "You're going to work. I'm going to work. We're not going to rush this."

"Rush it?" I asked. "We've had three years of foreplay."

"You'll live." Julian looped the tie over my neck, deftly knotted it, and smoothed his hands over my shirt. "I like you in pink. It brings out your tan and the natural golden highlights in your hair."

I wrapped my good arm around Julian's waist and hauled him to me before he could escape. "I know you like it, which is why I picked it out."

"Kiss me quickly and get out of here before I forget my good intentions."

I nipped his neck and made him yelp. "I don't want to do anything quickly regarding you." I captured his mouth and backed up my words with action. I didn't pull back until Julian whimpered in my arms. "I hope you have a wonderful day," I said.

"Right back atcha. Enjoy dinner with Diego and Levi."

My friend had called me Saturday while Jorja and Julian were revealing her stunning wedding dress to their parents. He'd invited me over for that night, but I'd told him I was out of town. When he pressed for more information, I'd reluctantly told him where I was and why. He'd laughed for several minutes, then said, "Burgers and beer at my place on Monday. No excuses," before hanging up.

"I'd rather be with you," I told Julian as I nuzzled his neck.

His breath caught in his throat, and he practically purred in my embrace. "Damn you," Julian groaned. There was no hostility in his tone, just pure unadulterated lust and need. "Time for you to go to work, and I need to shower and start my day."

I grinned because I knew what he was about to get up to in his shower. "Think of me," I called over my shoulder as I reached for the door.

"Why should today be any different?" he fired back.

I paused, wrestled with my conscience, then stepped out into the hallway. I already had my keys, wallet, and phone in my pockets, so I continued to my truck instead of returning to Harper's apartment. When I started the ignition, "Collide" by Howie Day was playing on the radio. My fingers itched to strum the acoustic chords in the air as I'd done on Julian's skin over the weekend. I turned up the radio and sang along with the first few lines of the opening verse. My heart swelled when I recalled how it felt to wake up tangled in Julian at dawn. Those weren't the only lines that suited us perfectly, but sitting in my vehicle and singing like a lovesick sap wouldn't pay the bills, so I shifted my truck into drive and pulled out of my parking spot.

When the song ended, my mind naturally shifted to a puzzle I needed to solve. Harper had never hesitated to introduce me to a boyfriend, so why now? I could press Julian, but putting him in the middle wouldn't be fair, and he'd never betray Harper's secret. Neither would Mom, Emma, Shelby, or Dad. The key to solving the riddle was to figure out why I was the last person to know. It had to be someone I wouldn't like, and I liked almost everyone. I considered the options as I pulled into the parking lot at the precinct. I got along with just about everyone, except Thad and—

The answer hit me like a freight train, or more accurately, it strolled across the parking lot. Coy fucking Beaufort. His recent attempts to be friendly and his presence at Harper's charity gala suddenly made sense. Of all the eligible bachelors in Savannah, why him? Coy was a player, and I wasn't referring to our football days. He went through girls like water and—

I slammed on the mental brakes and forced myself to view Coy objectively. I had to begrudgingly admit the Coy Beaufort who'd moved back to Savannah after college wasn't the same guy who'd left. He was a dedicated, reliable officer, and everyone besides me liked the man. It was possible, okay, it was very likely I hadn't given him a fair shake.

I killed the engine, unbuckled my seat belt, and shoved open the door. "Beaufort," I called out before he could head into the building. What I wanted to say needed to stay private between us. There was more gossip around the precinct than in ten beauty salons combined.

Coy froze and slowly turned around just as I caught up to him. "Hey, Carnegie. Did you have a nice weekend?"

"Yeah, the best," I said, though my dry tone directly contradicted the words. "I'd like you to keep your Crimson Tide lips off my Bulldog mug during your future visits to our apartment, though."

Alarm flashed in Coy's eyes briefly before his mouth lifted at one corner and laugh lines crinkled near his eyes. "Is that why the coffee tasted so bitter?"

"Nah," I said, shaking my head. "Harper just has a heavy hand with the coffee beans."

Coy chuckled. "Good to know. Thanks for the tip."

"I haven't completely let go of my grudges," I confessed.

"Yeah, well, I'm probably not done irritating you either."

We exchanged wry smiles, then Coy opened the door and gestured for me to go first. As far as truces went, it was okay.

My desk phone rang just as I was about to leave for lunch. The only action I'd seen that morning was my multiple trips to make a cup of coffee or refill my water bottle. I was eager to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. I also wanted to check in with Julian to see how his day was going, so I briefly considered letting the call roll over to my voice mail before my conscience got the best of me. What if it was a major break in a case and the caller lost their nerve and never tried me back?

"Detective Carnegie," I spoke into the handset.

"Oh good," Chief Mendoza said. "I was afraid you'd gone to lunch already."

"What can I do for you, Chief?"

"District Attorney Babineaux and Commissioner Rigby are here too, and we'd like to have a quick meeting with you if you're free."

"Of course, sir. I'm on my way." My heart was in my throat when I exited the Cold Case Unit and headed for the elevator. I pushed the call button and waited for what seemed like forever before giving up and taking the stairs two at a time to reach the main level.

Chief Mendoza's office was located inside the Major Crimes Unit, where I'd served my first stint as a detective. I opened the glass door to the bullpen but noticed Coy was the only detective there.

"Everyone out chasing leads?" I asked, trying to build on our nebulous truce. It still felt like one false step would land us back in hostile territory.

"Seems that way, but I just got back from lunch," Coy replied. "You looking for someone in particular?"

I gestured to Mendoza's closed door. "Chief asked me to join him, Babineaux, and Rigby for a meeting."

Coy smiled wryly. "I'd joke that you've landed in hot water, but we both know that's not true with all the positive press you've gained for the department lately. Good luck, but I'm confident you won't need it."

"Thanks."

"Hey, Toph," Coy called out as I reached Mendoza's door. "Want to grab lunch one day this week?"

"Yeah," I replied. "Sounds nice."

I knocked firmly on the chief's door, and he called out for me to enter. Mendoza, Babineaux, and Rigby all smiled when I strode into the room. I shook hands all around and sat down in the only empty chair.

"I have to admit I'm curious about the summons," I said.

"Not a summons," Babineaux countered. "It's a proposal."

I groaned dramatically. "Not you too, Ms. Babineaux."

Gillian Babineaux was a stunning Black woman whose beauty was only surpassed by her brilliance. I held nothing but the utmost respect for her and worried my sense of humor was about to get me in trouble. Her mouth trembled, then released an uncharacteristic snort that cracked up everyone in the room.

"I'd forgotten all about the fuss or would've chosen my words better," she said after we all settled down. "What was the hashtag? Dear Detective?"

"Darling Detective, I think," Mendoza said.

"Dashing Detective, maybe," Rigby suggested.

I groaned and buried my head in my hands. This was all my fault for bringing it up.

"About my… pitch ," Babineaux said. "I'm sure by now you've heard the rumors about former ADA Adam Savant."

"Oh, yeah." Allegations of his predatory and malicious prosecutorial behavior were frequent topics on the Sinister in Savannah podcast. But I failed to understand what they had to do with me. Savant was gone before I became an officer.

"This line of work often comes with speculation and accusations of misconduct," Babineaux said, "especially from people who've been sent to prison for a long time. As the top elected legal officer in the county, I take these claims seriously, and I vigorously investigate each one. Misconduct in our office has been extremely rare." She took a deep breath. "Until now."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Ms. Babineaux," I said, though I was still confused about why they wanted to speak to me.

"To ignore such gross negligence goes against everything I stand for, and I had no choice but to file a motion to overturn one of Savant's convictions. The court docket is logjammed, so my hearing isn't for four weeks," she said. "If I'm not careful, every case Savant touched could get overturned. Therefore, I need to get ahead of the situation. I'm creating a temporary task force to review every case Savant prosecuted. That's where you come in."

"I'm flattered, ma'am, but I don't know anything about trying a case."

"My investigation goes beyond the prosecution," Babineaux said. "I need to break every case down, including the initial investigation performed by SPD or CCSD. I'm talking about everything from the initial interviews to the evidence collection and the arrest. An in-depth review from top to bottom."

"It's doubtful Savant acted alone, Detective," Commissioner Rigby said. "I want to know if anyone in the SPD helped facilitate wrongful convictions."

The picture was becoming clearer, but I was still confused. "Isn't that what Internal Affairs does?"

"Yes, but they'd need to know who to investigate first," Mendoza said.

"And I'm not just looking hard at SPD," Babineaux added. "My office has full-time investigators on staff who are often tasked with finding additional evidence after local law enforcement refers a case to us. I want to know if any of my investigators are compromised. No one is escaping scrutiny. My task force will include a local PI, two attorneys unaffiliated with my office, and two law enforcement representatives—one current and one retired. The five-member team will break down each investigation from beginning to end."

"And you want me to be the active-duty LEO representative?" I asked.

Mendoza leaned forward and captured my attention. "Your experience investigating cold cases has taught you how to look at the evidence with fresh eyes and from new angles, and that's what DA Babineaux needs. You know how to look for patterns and recognize when something just doesn't add up."

"Ma'am," I said, "I'm truly honored."

"But I can tell by your somber expression that you're hesitant to accept," Babineaux quipped. "What are your concerns?"

"I think what you're doing is important and honorable," I told her. "I think malicious prosecutors and dirty cops are an ugly blight on society. We should all be outraged by the possibility they even exist, but investigating my fellow officers puts me in dangerous territory and possibly paints a target on my back."

Mendoza cocked his head to the side and raised a dark brow. "I never pegged you as someone who cared what the cool kids thought or caved to peer pressure."

"With all due respect, sir," I said. "I think your comment is a tad flippant, and I'm insulted you'd think so little of me. I'm not worried about your perceived popularity contest, but I am worried officers won't promptly respond if I ever radio for backup in the field."

The chief narrowed his eyes. "They'd rue the day otherwise."

"Again, sir, I mean no disrespect, but I don't think my mama would find comfort in your sentiment when you're handing her a folded flag at my graveside service."

Babineaux's and Rigby's laserlike scrutiny was hot enough to burn a hole in my face, but I didn't tear my eyes away from the chief.

A slow smile spread across Mendoza's face, and he turned his head to Babineaux. "See why we picked him? Detective Carnegie is as honest as they come, and he's not afraid to speak his mind."

Had his remarks been a mere test? The idea infuriated me, and I worked hard to remain calm.

"Detective," Babineaux said, "if it helps, all public conversation about this task force will be worded as a referendum on my office and Adam Savant. I don't need your answer now, but I would appreciate a response by midweek."

"I understand what's at stake and the need for an expedient response. I promise not to keep you waiting, ma'am." I nodded at Mendoza and Rigby. "Is there anything else?"

"You're dismissed, Detective," Mendoza said. "I'd appreciate it if you'd keep me apprised of your decision once you make it."

I rose to my feet. "Of course, Chief. You'll be the first to know."

I wished them all a good day and exited as quickly as possible. I worried Coy would bombard me with questions or tease me about the meeting, but he was nowhere in sight. Instead of returning to my desk, I headed out to the parking lot and climbed into my truck. I'd planned to grab a bite to eat and check in with Julian, but I sat numbly in the park and wolfed down food I didn't taste.

I had an important decision to make and spent my lunch hour drafting a mental pros-and-cons list. My initial objections were loud, but they were soon drowned out by the righteousness of the decision, so I was at a dead tie when I returned to the precinct.

I set aside the mental gymnastics and buried myself in the cold cases assigned to me by working the phones and pursuing interviews. When it was time to leave, I was grateful to head over to Diego's place instead of going home to an empty apartment. I knew in my heart what the right decision was, but it wouldn't hurt to bounce it off my best friend who'd understand and appreciate my dilemma.

Diego opened the door to the townhouse as I jogged up the steps. His grin spread from ear to ear, and I knew there would be no shortage of ribbing. In fact, he lobbed the first grenade before I made it inside. "Guess I know why none of the marriage proposals appealed to you."

I just laughed and shook my head. I was just grateful he wasn't upset that I hadn't told him about my growing attraction to Julian. "Sorry it's taken me a few weeks to claim that rain check on the burgers and beers," I said. "Life has been a little crazy lately."

"I'll say," Diego said.

I looked around the townhouse, noting how much bigger it looked without boxes stacked everywhere. "Your new place looks great, D."

He smiled as he gazed around his home with pride. "Thanks. Wait until you see the backyard. I didn't get a chance to really show it off to you when you helped us move. Come hang out with me while I grill the burgers."

"Wait!" Levi said as he ran down the stairs, pulling a T-shirt down his torso. His hair was mussed, and his black-rimmed glasses sat crooked on his nose.

I looked at Diego and arched a brow. "Did I interrupt something?"

Levi stopped when he reached us and hugged me. "I just got home from work and changed clothes. I smelled like coffee and food."

"Two of my favorite things," I said.

"Not if you immersed yourself in it for ten hours a day." Levi owned a popular cybercafé called Bytes and Brew, which served amazing food and coffee all day long. He looked between his husband and me with big blue eyes. "Did you start the interrogation already? I told you I didn't want to miss a single second of it."

Diego rolled his eyes, and it became my turn to volley my gaze between my hosts.

"Interrogation?" I asked.

"There's no interrogation," Diego said, clapping me on my good shoulder. "Just some chitchat between buddies."

I wasn't buying it for a second but followed him out to the backyard. "Oh, wow," I said. "This is a great space." The yard was huge and surrounded by a privacy fence. It was the perfect spot for kids and a dog, both things I knew they wanted. There was a wide patio with plenty of room for a grill and outdoor dining area.

Levi pulled back two padded chairs, patted one for me, and sat down in the other. Diego chuckled and headed over to the grill, where he turned on the burners to preheat it. He faced me and crossed his arms over his chest, then preceded to do exactly what he said he wouldn't, lobbing one question after another about how and when the fake-boyfriend ploy had developed.

"Whoa," I said, holding up my hand. "Slow your roll, D."

"Yeah," Levi said. "And you didn't include the most important question."

I quirked my brow at him. "Which is?"

"What took you so long to realize you were crazy about Julian?" Levi asked.

Diego laughed as he checked the temperature on the grill. He turned back around and said, "I was getting to it, babe. You always start with softball questions so the person doesn't get defensive. The goal is to loosen lips, not seal them. We're not going to get the goods if you keep insulting our friend."

Levi stiffened in his chair. "I didn't insult Topher."

Diego sighed heavily. "You basically called him a moron without really calling him a moron."

Levi turned stricken eyes on me. "I would never."

Seeing he'd upset his husband, Diego crossed the patio and tilted his husband's chin up for a sweet kiss. My gut clenched because it made me miss Julian so much. As much as I enjoyed hanging out with these two, I would much rather be with the guy who held my heart in his talented hands. Julian had a full day at the tailor shop and needed to grade papers before his class on Wednesday afternoon. I would not do anything to hinder his success, but maybe I could steal a kiss or two to tide me over until our date.

The newlyweds pulled apart and smiled sheepishly at me.

"Sorry," Diego said. "I know we get carried away."

"Don't apologize to me. I love seeing you both so happy." I sighed deeply and looked over at Levi. "And maybe I was a little slow on the uptake, but at least I finally arrived at the destination."

He smiled gently. "And that's all that really matters. Does that mean you're dating for real now?"

"Yep. We're going on our official first date tomorrow night."

"So this is serious between you?" Levi asked.

"Very. I've never felt this way about anyone."

Diego looked over at his husband with a smug smile. "You owe me fifty bucks."

Levi laughed. "I don't have any cash on me. You'll either have to wait until I swing by an ATM or accept sexual favors in trade."

Diego waggled his brow. "Pretty sure you know my answer."

Now I knew how Harper felt recently. "Should I go?"

"No," the husbands said and turned their attention back to me.

"I want to hear the details of your weekend," Levi said.

" All the details," Diego amended.

I snorted. "I'm not telling you all the details."

Diego grinned like an idiot. "They're written all over your face. I knew you liked this guy because you talk about him all the time. But I don't think I realized the depth."

"I didn't realize I talked about Julian so much."

"Oh yeah," Levi said. "And you should see yourself right now. You're practically glowing."

My cheeks heated as they continued to stare at me with dopey grins on their faces. "Do you want to hear some of the details or not?"

"Yes!"

While they worked together making dinner, I regaled them with everything that had transpired since the Terrence Ramone bust. I kept the intimate details to myself, no matter how much prodding I got from Diego. After dinner, I insisted they let me help clean up. Levi packed the leftovers into a paper bag for me. When it was time to go home, I felt much more relaxed than when I'd arrived.

"Walk me out?" I asked Diego. "I'd like to talk a little cop shop for a minute."

"Of course."

I hugged Levi and thanked him for dinner and the leftovers before following Diego outside. He leaned against the side of my truck and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. I'm just conflicted after attending an unexpected meeting with Mendoza, Rigby, and Babineaux."

Diego furrowed his brows. "Sounds serious."

"Yeah, it is." I repeated the conversation verbatim, including my concerns, and Diego remained quiet until I finished.

"You know what you need to do, Toph," he said. "If there's a dirty cop on the force, they need to go. They're a threat to the citizens and to good cops everywhere."

I nodded. "I agree."

"And I'll have your back no matter what. You know that."

"I do."

"Feel better?" Diego asked.

"Yeah, about everything we discussed."

Diego grinned. "I want to meet the guy who's finally won Topher Carnegie's heart."

I didn't bother trying to correct him. "Give me a week or two to lock this down before you scare him away."

"Deal." Diego hugged me tightly, then headed back inside.

Once inside my truck, I started the engine, then checked the rearview mirror before backing out of the driveway. I caught a glimpse of my reflection when I did and recognized the glow Levi mentioned. That put a song in my heart during the trip home. I smiled when I saw Julian's little Prius in the parking lot of our apartment building. My grin grew when I stepped off the elevator and saw him standing in his doorway. He crooked his finger at me—as if I needed a summons—and met me with a hard kiss. I wanted to hoist him up and carry him inside his apartment, but I reminded myself how much work he still needed to complete.

Julian pulled back from our kiss and smiled up at me. "Want to come inside?"

I pressed my nose to his neck and breathed him in. "You know damn well I do." I wasn't just talking about entering his apartment, and neither was he. "But you need to grade papers, and I don't need to be a distraction."

"I could probably—" I cut him off with a quick kiss, then placed the bag of leftovers in his hand. "What's this?"

"Leftovers from dinner. I want to make sure you eat."

Julian inhaled deeply. "Then you should come in and make sure for yourself."

"You little minx." I took a few steps toward Harper's apartment so I wouldn't be tempted. "Make sure you get plenty of rest. Tomorrow is our first date."

"I can't wait."

"Me either because I already know it's going to be the best of my life."

"Damn, you're good," Julian said breathlessly before he stepped inside and shut his door.

I just hoped it was the best date of his life too. No pressure, Carnegie. No pressure.