Page 36 of More Than a Hero (Baytown Heroes #12)

“Robert,” Pete said with an easy nod. “It’s good to see you at home.

I only stopped by to make sure you got back safe and sound.

And I wanted to give you my card.” He held it out.

“I wasn’t sure if you were able to keep the one I gave you before, but you have this now.

It has my work number, and it also has my cell number. ”

Robert’s gaze flickered between Pete’s face and the card, a trace of something unreadable passing through his expression. Slowly, he reached out, taking the card carefully, his fingers gripping it like it was more than just a piece of paper.

Angie watched the interaction closely, something in her chest tightening at the unspoken connection happening in front of her. Pete wasn’t just doing his job—he was making sure this kid knew he wasn’t alone.

Robert turned the card over in his fingers, studying it for a moment.

There was hesitation in his posture, a wariness that Angie recognized as the natural instinct of a kid who wasn’t sure who to trust. But then, something in Pete’s steady expression must have reassured him, because Robert gave a small nod.

Pete met his gaze directly, his voice calm but firm. “You don’t have to use it, but I want you to know it’s there if you ever need it. No pressure. No expectations. Just an option.”

“Thanks,” he said, his voice still subdued but carrying a note of something deeper—maybe relief mixed with gratitude. “You talked to the attorney lady, right? You’re the reason I got to come home.”

Pete shook his head slightly, keeping his voice even. “I just made sure she had all the information to make the right decision.”

Angie swore she saw Robert swallow hard, but he gave another small nod before tucking the card into his pocket.

Mrs. Reeves, still standing nearby, let out a quiet breath, as if she hadn’t realized she’d been holding it. She wiped her hands on a dish towel and offered a genuine smile. “I really appreciate you stopping by, Detective Bolton. This has been… a lot, for all of us.”

Pete inclined his head. “I can only imagine.”

“Yeah, thank you,” Robert echoed quickly, his gaze still locked on Pete. Then his brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of realization passing over his face. “Wait—you’re the officer who talks to some of the kids around here, right?”

Pete nodded. “That’s right. I run a mentorship program for a few middle schoolers who don’t have someone in their life to give them a helping hand.”

Robert’s eyes flickered toward his grandfather, something unspoken passing between them. “I’m lucky,” he said after a moment. “I got Mom and Granddad.”

Pete’s smile was warm and understanding.

“Yes, you are. You’ve got your granddad as a good role model.

” He paused, then added, “But if you ever want to make some new friends, I know they’re in middle school, but the boys I work with are really good kids.

A couple are fourteen, pretty close to your age. Some will be in high school next year.”

Robert considered that, nodding slightly. “Thanks,” he murmured, and this time, when he pocketed the card, it wasn’t with hesitation.

Angie could feel the tension in the room beginning to ease, the atmosphere shifting from apprehensive to something lighter. She turned back to Jed, her voice warm. “And how are you, Mr. Reeves?”

While Pete and Robert chatted briefly, Angie took a seat next to Jed, lowering her voice as she leaned in. “I take it with Robert home, you won’t be needing anyone extra in the house right now?”

Jed let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “That’s right, Ms. Angie. And now I feel like a damn fool for having you give up your time and energy trying to figure out what to do, only for Robert to come home the very next day.”

Angie reached out, covering his weathered hand with her own. “Never feel bad about that,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “That’s what we’re here for. I’m just glad things turned out the way they did.”

Jed gave her a grateful look, patting her hand in return.

After speaking briefly with Mrs. Reeves, Angie and Pete made their way toward the door. Before Pete could step away, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone. “Robert, before I go, I need you to take a look at something.”

Robert’s posture stiffened slightly, but he nodded. Pete swiped across the screen and pulled up a mug shot. The image of a man with sharp features, a distinct mole near his nose, and a tattooed star on his throat filled the screen.

Robert’s eyes widened. “Yeah… yeah, that’s him.” He exhaled sharply, shifting his weight. “That’s the guy who came with Lashawn the first time he talked to me.”

Pete’s expression didn’t change, but Angie saw the flicker of confirmation in his eyes. “You sure?” Pete pressed, his voice calm but firm.

Robert nodded again. “Positive. But… I haven’t seen him in a couple of months. Not after he stopped coming with Lashawn.”

Angie leaned in, studying the photo herself. Her stomach tightened at the sight of the man’s cold stare.

Pete locked his phone and slid it back into his pocket. “Alright, good to know. Thanks, Robert. If you do see him again, or hear anything about him, let me know.”

Robert’s fingers twitched at his side, but after a beat, he nodded. “Yeah. I will.”

Pete clapped him lightly on the shoulder in reassurance. Then, without another word, he and Angie stepped away, exchanging a glance. As they walked outside, the cool evening air greeted them, carrying the distant sounds of kids playing and neighbors chatting on their balconies.

Angie felt a warmth spread through her chest as she turned her attention back to Pete. His hand rested lightly on her back as they made their way down the stairs toward their vehicles. The air between them had shifted—quieter, heavier with something unspoken yet deeply felt.

Once they reached her van, Pete leaned against the driver’s side and exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “That could’ve gone worse.”

Angie glanced at him, amused. “That was your takeaway?”

He smirked. “What? Did you expect me to say something profound?”

She rolled her eyes but smiled. “I just think it’s nice to see a little proof that the system doesn’t always fail. That a kid who got caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time actually got to go home.”

Pete looked at her for a long moment, something unreadable in his expression. Then, without warning, he reached out and brushed his knuckles lightly over her arm. It was a fleeting touch, but enough to make her skin tingle.

“You’ve got a good heart, Angie.”

She swallowed, her breath catching slightly at the way he was looking at her. The easy charm in his expression had faded, replaced by something deeper, something that made her pulse jump.

“You have to return the van?”

“Yeah,” she said, resting her hand on the door handle. “I’ll drop it off, then head home.”

He nodded, considering something before pushing off the vehicle. “How about I grab some dinner from the Italian place down the road and bring it to you?”

She tilted her head, smiling as she took a step closer. Without hesitation, she slid her arms around his waist, feeling the steady warmth of him beneath her fingertips.

“That sounds perfect,” she murmured, looking up at him. Then, softer, more certain, she asked, “Will you be able to stay?”

Pete’s hand skimmed up her back, his touch deliberate and reassuring. His lips quirked into a slow, knowing grin.

“For you?” His voice dropped slightly, sending a delicious shiver down her spine. “Always.”

And just like that, the weight of the day melted away, replaced by something infinitely better. It felt like falling with someone who would always catch her.