Page 5 of Law Man (Blue Collar Bad Boys #4)

Noah

“This better be good,” I say as I walk into the station’s conference room.

Both of the officers on duty tonight are already here. If it were any other day, I’d be annoyed that we didn’t have anyone on the street. I’m still kind of ticked off, but I don’t have any time to issue a reprimand. There are more pressing matters to deal with.

“I think it is,” Murphy says, turning his laptop screen toward me.

“One of our dispatch operators got an anonymous call with a tip. Apparently, this guy just got out of prison for assault, moved into his aunt’s place to get a fresh start.

We have a name and address. The caller said they saw someone matching his description fleeing the library around the same time that you were there. ”

“And you didn’t think to tell me this sooner?” I ask, staring at the mugshot. He’s our guy for sure. His hair is shorter in this picture, but his face is the exact same.

“They just got the call,” Murphy says. He nods at the other officer. “We both came straight here to discuss what you’d like us to do.”

If the call just came in, it’s likely the work of my friend. Smart of him to cover both of our tracks like this. I’ll have to take him out for a drink once everything’s taken care of.

“Well, first thing’s first,” I say, my eyes bouncing between the two of them. “One of you needs to get back out to patrol. Be on the lookout for this guy, but also any drunk drivers or other dangers. Respond to calls as needed.”

“I’ll head out,” the second officer says, getting to his feet and hustling to the door.

Smart man.

“So, what’ll we do, boss?” Murphy asks, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table.

“We’ll need to see if we can’t get any other officers out,” I say, as I locate his current address. “At the very least, I want more eyes on the streets. I think I’ll head to his place. He might have gone back home.”

“What if they don’t let you in?”

“I’ll worry about that if it comes up,” I reply, memorizing our suspects name. Richard Lorenz. “For now, I’m just concerned about figuring out where he is.”

“So you can bring him in for questioning?” Murphy asks, and I don’t even have to look at him to know that he’s smirking.

“Yes,” I say, frowning at him. I might be planning on doing more than just questioning him, but I don’t like his implication.

“You sure you’re not going to rough him up?”

“What kind of man do you take me for?” I challenge, straightening myself out.

Murphy shrugs, too at ease for my taste. What we’re dealing with is serious, and he should be treating it as such. I’m starting to get pissed off.

“Calm down, Noah,” he says, putting his hands up in a placating gesture. “I know you’ve got a girl in your office right now.”

I raise an eyebrow, deciding against confirming or denying that statement. Truthfully, it’s none of his business if Riley’s in my office or not. Sure, it’s against the book, but I always follow the rules. So fucking what if my girl is here? I’m the one in charge.

“She’s the victim in the crime, right?” Murphy asks, tone shifting to something more professional when he realizes that I’m not going to indulge him in whatever teasing he was about to dole out.

“She is,” I confirm. I know it’s my job to inform him of all the details, but I don’t want to share.

For some reason, I want to protect her feelings.

Feelings have never been a concern of mine before, but I’m falling for her.

“I brought her here to take her statement and keep an eye on her. We don’t know if she was targeted or if this was a random act. ”

The corner of his mouth ticks up, but he refrains from making any comments. Instead, he says, “Probably a smart idea. It’s too early to establish a motive.”

“We can establish a motive when we get him in custody,” I say, shutting the laptop. “For now, I need to make some calls and see if I can’t get anyone else to patrol. If I can get two more of our guys on patrol, I’ll get someone to stand guard here.”

“Why would we need someone to guard the station?” Murphy says, brow furrowed. “The doors to anything important lock when they’re shut.”

“I’m well aware of that,” I snap, my patience waning. I’m ready to get going. The sooner I get out of here, the sooner I’ll be able to get back to Riley. She’ll be safe, and we’ll be able to finish what we started. “Riley’s staying here while we’re gone.”

“She can’t just go home?”

“Didn’t we already establish that we don’t know if this was a targeted attack? You don’t think this guy might have followed her home some night?” I say, unable to keep the edge from my tone. “I can’t just let her go home, not unless she’s got a security detail.”

“Damn, man. I’ve never seen you care so much about someone,” Murphy notes, ass still in his seat.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I ask, my jaw tight. “Obviously I care. I’m the goddamn sheriff. If I didn’t give a fuck, I could have an easier job. But I care about everyone’s safety.”

Murphy rolls his eyes and finally gets out of his chair.

He says, “I’m not saying you don’t care about the town’s safety.

I just don’t think I’ve ever seen you go out of your way for someone like this.

Normally, you take their statements you let me or one of the other guys worry about their wellbeing. ”

“We’re done here,” I say, starting toward the door so I can head to my office to make some phone calls.

“Don’t act so pissy,” he says, stopping me by putting his hand up in the doorway. “It’s sweet. But you need to watch yourself. If people find out you’re fucking around with someone we’re supposed to be helping—”

I push his hand down and walk past him. Over my shoulder, I say, “It would serve you well to keep your nose out of my business. Get your ass back out there. Keep an eye out for Richard, and if you find him, you call me. I want to be the one to make the arrest.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he mutters under his breath as he leaves the station.

When I get back to my office, Riley has pulled out my stack of true crime books.

I don’t have the patience for fiction. She looks away from the back of the book in her hands, giving me a curious look.

Her face is a balm to my irritation, and I even make a mental note to apologize to Murphy next time I see him.

Despite Murphy’s warning, I know I’m making the right choice with Riley.

In my thirty-two years, I’ve never met anyone that makes me feel the way she makes me feel.

I don’t care that she’s twenty-three, and it doesn’t matter how we met.

A more sentimental man might call this fate; I just call it good luck.

“Did you find him?” Riley asks, pulling me out of my musings.

“No,” I say, hating the way that her shoulders droop. I need to bring her good news as soon as possible. “But we have his name and an address. I’m going to make a few phone calls, then I’m going to head there to get him.”

“Really?” she says, her face lighting up a little. “You’re going to get him tonight?”

“I will,” I say because I’ll be damned if this bastard is on the streets for any longer.

“So, you’re going to leave,” she says, drumming her lithe fingers on the cover of the book she’s holding.

“I am,” I confirm, sliding behind my desk so I can start calling other officers. “But I’m trying to get someone here to make sure you’re safe.”

Riley nods before asking, “What if no one can come?”

“You’ll still be safe here,” I assure her as I pick up the phone. “No one can get back here. The only reason I’d want anyone posted is for my peace of mind.”

“Okay,” she says, opening her book. “I trust you.”

Having her trust is better than anything I could have imagined. I keep that in mind as I make my calls. Although, it’s hard not to feel like I didn’t let her down when I can’t even get anyone out to assist in patrols.

But Murphy’s right. No one can get back here once the doors are closed unless they have a key. Riley will be safe here.