Page 34 of The Paternity Puzzle
“What you’ve provided will grant my warrants if I can find a judge who doesn’t care about the doctor’s connections.”
“Judge Stanley,” Fawkes said. “She’s a straight shooter and doesn’t give a damn about where you came from or who your daddy is. She cares about justice, honesty, and integrity.” The medical examiner snorted. “I sound like her campaign manager now. Sorry about that.”
“No apology necessary. Judge Stanley it is.”
Viola Stanley had made quite an impression after her recent election, but Royce hadn’t crossed paths with her yet. He made a mental note to change that. Royce and Tara welcomed guest speakers from every corner of the justice system. The county prosecutor and the public defender’s office participated each year, so why not bring in a judge and maybe do a mock trial? Most police officers had to testify in courtrooms at some point intheir careers, so it would be a good experience. “I appreciate you, Dr. Fawkes. Talk soon.”
After they disconnected, Royce called Diego. The younger detective answered with a growl before complaining that he hadn’t gotten to eat the hand-churned ice cream and his favorite cake yet.
“What’s your favorite cake?” Royce couldn’t help but ask.
“Yellow with chocolate icing.”
“You’re such a basic bitch, Fuentes.”
“Don’t forget hungry as hell,” Diego said.
Levi’s laughter drifted through the speaker. “Dee, you’ve eaten enough food for five people. I’ll make sure no one eats all the cake and ice cream.”
“I’ll do you one better,” Royce said. “I’ll write up the warrants and submit them for signature. You enjoy your cake and get ready to look menacing.”
“Warrants? Whoa! What happened?”
Royce filled him in on what he’d learned from Dr. Fawkes. “It should be enough to get fingerprints from Alyssa and Julia.”
“Wow, okay,” Diego said. “I’ll be ready for your call.”
After they disconnected, Royce turned to his husband. “Sorry. Again.”
Sawyer shook his head as he stood up. He extended his hand and assisted Royce to his feet. “I’m ready to leave anyway. Let’s grab Dolly, say our goodbyes, and head out. You’ll need to change clothes before you go.”
They made their way down the dock and over the lawn until they reached Eddie, who watched their approach with an unreadable expression. He wasn’t sure how he was going to say goodbye to his dad until he stood in front of him. Royce opened his arms and hugged Eddie, who stiffened in surprise before returning the embrace and squeezing his son tight. Theyseparated and gave each other matching back slaps to ease any awkwardness.
“I’d like for you both to come to our house for dinner,” Royce said. “Maybe next weekend?”
“Yeah,” Eddie said. “That sounds great.” He looked at Jo for her reaction.
“I’d be delighted.” She hugged both Royce and Sawyer without a single yip out of Dolly until Jo wrapped her arm around Eddie’s waist. The dog issued a warning growl that made the grown-ups laugh.
“I’ll call you in a few days, Eddie. We’ll hammer out the details, and I’ll invite the rest of your heathens to meet Jo.” Except for the one serving time after trying to kill Sawyer. Royce would happily let that little fucker rot behind bars.
Eddie nodded, his eyes looking suspiciously moist. “All of them at once?” He looked at Jo again to gauge her reaction.
“Bring it on,” she said.
Dolly yipped and barked ferociously and nearly leaped from Sawyer’s arms.
Royce stroked the silky fur on top of her head. “She wasn’t challenging you, little miss. We better get this hellion out of here before it gets ugly.”
“Be careful,” Eddie told Royce. “Cruelty and evil taints every zip code.”
Royce hadn’t told his father what case he was working on, but it wouldn’t have been hard for him to figure it out after the news broke. “I will.”
“You made your dad cry,” Sawyer whispered after Eddie and Jo were no longer in earshot.
“I have that effect on people,” Royce teased.
Sawyer nudged him but didn’t comment further.