Page 14 of The Sinner's Son

Royce gripped the hand hard enough to make Alec wince. “And you must be the one who can’t take no for an answer.”

Sawyer chuckled uneasily. So much for his efforts to prevent a confrontation.

Alec pulled his hand back and tried to look sheepish, but he just looked like a pompous asshole. He sucked air through histeeth, then said, “Yeah, guilty. I was just so excited to be here, and then Sawyer mentioned the Explorer’s open house. I just thought it would make perfect material for the podcast. SPD will play a major role in our investigation, so why not tell the world about the amazing opportunities here for future LEOs?”

“That’s not a decision for you to make,” Sawyer said before Royce could respond. Alec was his problem, and he needed to take firm control of the situation before he caused actual damage. “Our contract outlined what access you would have at the precinct, and that didn’t include the Explorer Academy.”

Alec threw up both hands in surrender. “You’re right. I apologize for intruding, even though open houses are public events.”

Did this guy want to challenge Sawyer to a duel on semantics? Fine. He opened his mouth to refute Alec’s arrogance, but he got a better idea when his gaze snagged on Cory the Super Fan lingering nearby. “Hey, Cory,” Sawyer said, waving him over to join the conversation. The guy practically bounded over like a puppy. “Have you met your hero yet?” Okay, Sawyer worried he’d laid it on too thick until Alec straightened his posture and beamed a smile so bright that Cory tripped over his own two feet. He stumbled into Alec, who caught him by the shoulders and held him upright.

“I haven’t had the pleasure yet,” Alec said. “I’m always happy to meet a fan.”

A hot blush crept up Cory’s neck. “So sorry about that. I’m not usually this clumsy.”

“We all trip up sometimes,” Alec said.

“This is Cory Sands, and he’s one of our finest forensic science technicians,” Sawyer said before turning to Royce. “Cory has given presentations to your students before, right?”

“Every year,” Royce replied. “Cory is engaging with the kids, and he makes forensic science look exciting.”

“Because it is,” Cory said. “And I have amazing material for the students this year.”

“I’d like to hear all about it.” Alec’s gaze traveled the length of Cory’s body, appreciation darkening his gaze.

Cory’s eyes widened. “You would?”

“Absolutely. Maybe you could give me a tour of the academy’s facilities too?” Alec looked at Royce for approval.

“Go right ahead,” Royce replied, gesturing with his hand for them to proceed. “The event is open to the public, after all.”

Alec and Royce locked gazes, but luckily, Cory’s enthusiasm drew Alec’s attention away before he could clap back and make things worse. “I’ll catch you later.”

“You’ll catch me Monday morning at eight thirty and not a minute before,” Sawyer told him firmly. “Have I made myself clear?”

Full lips formed a smirk. “Crystal.”

Cory led Alec out of the community room, passing by the little fan club without so much as a wave or an introduction.

“Looks like Cory forgot all about his groupie friends now that he’s rubbing elbows with the celebrity,” Sawyer said.

“We have bigger fish to fry,” Royce replied. “Or steam for those more health-conscious.”

“I know.”

“That guy is trouble,” Royce stated.

“I know.”

“This won’t end well.”

Sawyer wanted to deny it. He truly did, but only a heavy sigh escaped his lips. He met Royce’s loving gaze and said, “I know.”

Meow.

Royce kept his gaze forward and told himself not to make eye contact as he shoved a piece of prosciutto into his mouth and chewed.

Meow.