Page 38 of Deep Down

“No. His ability to face up to people who piss him off makes him strong.” Alex’s teeth clamped on his lower lip, and he fought a smile. “You should have seen him stand up to me when I did a home visit.”

“You did a home visit? What for?” Ella stared at him as if he’d grown horns.

Alex cleared his throat, squinting at the table. “Telling you about this isn’t the sole rule I’ve broken with Craig.”

“Alex.” A wealth of emotion was poured into his name. “Is this guy worth risking your career?”

Alex paused, gazing at Ella. “I think he might be.”

“Wow.” She sat back in her chair, staring at him with wide eyes and an open mouth. “Is your attraction to Craig because of who he is…or are you mistaking attraction for wanting to protect him?”

Alex’s phone started ringing before he had a chance to answer her loaded question. Fishing it out of his pocket, he answered without checking.

“Alex?” Logan’s voice filled his ear.

“Logan? What’s wrong?” Alex sat up straight in his chair, pulse increasing as panic flooded his system.

“Everything’s fine, Alex. Calm down.” Logan sounded calm himself, allowing Alex to relax some. “Darren has been taken into custody again.”

“What? Why?”

“A neighbour called about a disturbance at Craig’s house. When we arrived, Darren was there, trashing the place. As he was supposed to stay away from the property as well as Craig, we arrested him. He won’t be coming out before the court hearing now.”

Alex sighed in relief. It was one less thing Craig had to worry about now.

“I’m about to tell Craig what’s happened.”

“Okay. I’ll be there—”

“No. I’d prefer it if you didn’t come this time.” Logan stopped Alex’s words.

“Why?” Alex frowned at the table.

“Because I want to try and get more information from Craig, and he seems to withhold more when you are present.”

Alex blew out a breath. “Fine.” He wasn’t happy about it, but he understood where Logan was coming from. Although why he believed Craig withheld stuff, he didn’t know. “Please keep me posted.”

“If I can, I will.” Logan signed off, and Alex stared at the phone in his hand before Ella’s voice brought his attention back to her.

“Everything okay?”

Alex sighed. “Yeah. Craig’s abuser had been taken back into custody because he trashed Craig’s house.”

“Oh no!” Ella’s hand covered her mouth.

“Logan said he’s going to speak to Craig now.”

“Do you have to go?”

“No.” Alex rubbed his hand over his face. “Logan thinks it would be best if I stay away for the time being. He says Craig doesn’t open up as easily when I’m there.”

They were quiet while Danny played with his toys until Ella asked if Alex wanted lunch.

“May as well. I have nowhere I need to be.”

“Thank you, Alex. We love spending time with you, too.” A disgruntled Ella was a snarky one.

“Sorry, Elles-Belles.” Her childhood nickname came out without warning, making them laugh.