Page 76 of Killer Honeymoon
Royce paused outside the training room they’d decided to use for the open house ceremony. “Wish me luck,” he said.
“You don’t need it when you’re a natural bullshitter.” Sawyer softened the jest with a light slap on Royce’s ass cheek, then he veered around his husband and entered the room before Royce could retaliate.
Evangeline caught his eye with a little wave. She pointed to two empty chairs next to her and his father. Sawyer waved at Dru, Jared, Jason, Jace, and Holly as he and Candy made their way to their seats. As he started to sit down, Sawyer glanced over and caught sight of Eddie Locke standing at the back of the room. He wore a black button-down shirt and black jeans. The two men exchanged brief nods before Sawyer sat beside his mother.
Always punctual, Mendoza kicked off the opening ceremony right on time. He greeted the honorary dignitaries and the press in attendance before expressing his gratitude to the commissioner for her support in establishing the Explorer academy. He kept his statement brief before introducing Sheriff Beecham, who talked about his role overseeing the statewide program and the impact he’d personally witnessed on the participating communities. Then it was Royce’s turn to speak.
“Thank you, Sheriff Beecham,” Royce said. “I’d first like to thank Commissioner Rigby and Chief Mendoza for trusting me with this tremendous responsibility, and I want to piggyback on what Sheriff Beecham said.”
Royce shared his wish that such a program like this had existed when he was in high school. He smoothly transitioned to what the cadets could expect during their first year. The kids seemed excited when he mentioned Dr. Fawkes would be a guest lecturer and would work with students interested in pursuing a career in criminal forensics. The good doctor seemed pleased and a little awed by the applause the announcement received.
“And my husband, Sergeant Sawyer Key, will be working with those interested in solving cold cases.” Sawyer was pleased about the excited murmur spreading among the cadets. He was also happy Royce had acknowledged their relationship right out of the gate, which was an excellent way to weed out any homophobes in the group. “Solving cold cases requires a deeper level of patience and perseverance, characteristics my husband has honed putting up with me.” Royce met Sawyer’s gaze. “You’re welcome, dear.”
The crowd laughed, and Royce waited for them to quiet before continuing. “The most important lessons I want you to learn from your time as an Explorer are about building character, living with honor and integrity, promoting equality, and policing society in just and moral ways. To me, those things are the keystones of law enforcement. It’s not enough to just serve and protect.”
His statement evoked a lot of clapping and cheering from those gathered. It was hard to say who smiled more—Mendoza or Sawyer. They both knew the chief had chosen well, but Sawyer’s pride came from someplace much deeper: how lucky he was that Royce was his.
Once the clapping faded, Royce reiterated how thrilled he was to be instructing the cadets before turning the podium over to Tara, who he’d tasked with reviewing day-one expectations and readiness. She managed to take the dry material and make it humorous. Beside Sawyer, Candy nudged him with her shoulder. He turned and looked at her smiling face.
“We’re so lucky.”
“Damn lucky.”
They fist bumped and turned their attention back to the podium.
After the speeches ended, the chief invited the attendees to enjoy refreshments in the cafeteria. Sawyer waited for Royce and Tara with their family and friends. The partners shook hands with Mendoza, Beecham, and Rigby before heading in their direction. Royce glanced toward the back of the room and momentarily halted before continuing forward. Sawyer knew who’d caught his eye.
Royce hugged everyone, saving his sister for last. “Did you invite Eddie?” he asked softly.
“No,” she replied. They both looked at Jace, who put his hands up.
“Me either,” he said. “Eddie probably read about it in the paper.”
Sawyer placed his hand on Royce’s shoulder. “Instead of figuring out how Eddie heard about the open house, why don’t we go over there and thank him for coming.”
“So logical, my boy,” Evangeline said. She kissed both their cheeks, looped her arm through Barron’s, and declared she’d see them in the cafeteria.
“So annoyingly right,” Royce whispered as he placed his hand at the small of Sawyer’s back and led him over to where Eddie was lingering.
“Eddie, it’s good to see you,” Royce said.
His father’s lips quirked into a wry smile. “You sound like you mean it.” Eddie extended his hand to Royce first, then to Sawyer before greeting the rest of the Locke clan.
“Cookies and punch aren’t your usual thing,” Royce told his father.
“Not typically,” Eddie agreed. “But old dogs can learn new tricks, son.”
Royce tipped his head to the side and studied Eddie. “You sound like you mean it.”
Eddie chuckled and slapped his shoulder. “I’m proud of you.” Royce continued to stare at his father without acknowledging his comment, so Eddie shifted his attention to his grandsons. “I’m looking forward to Friday night lights with Jason playing football again and Jared performing at halftime with the marching band.” Royce’s nephews looked as shocked as their uncle.
Royce recovered first. “Thanks for coming, Eddie. It means a lot.”
They held one another’s gazes for a few moments before Mendoza called for Royce to join him.
Eddie didn’t linger long. He hugged Holly and Dru before shaking the hands of the guys standing around him.
Royce rejoined them a few minutes later, looking both shellshocked and pleased. “Mendoza informed me that we’ve already received enough donations to fund the program for another year.” He puffed up his cheeks and blew out a breath. “And Eddie showed up and said he was proud of me. I don’t really know what to think or say.”