Page 8 of The Sinner's Son
Maeve, who was hanging on to every word they’d uttered, quickly replaced the lid on the tin of cookies and slid it across the desk. “Take these,” she whispered. “Trust me.”
Sawyer snagged the tin and entered Mendoza’s office, shutting the door behind him. Kelsey and Audra occupied the only visitors’ chairs, so he placed the tin on the desk and stood off to the side with Royce. Audra darted suspicious looks at Royce every few seconds until the chief cracked a smile.
“I suppose congratulations are in order,” Mendoza said.
“I’m sorry?” Audra asked in confusion. “Whom are you addressing?”
“We’re having a baby,” Royce told her.
Audra’s eyes widened. “The three of you?”
“Yes,” Sawyer replied casually, even though it was obvious her thoughts were going in the wrong direction. He blamed his tiny display of orneriness on Royce’s influence.
“I’m their surrogate,” Kelsey explained. “Royce and Sawyer will be the baby’s parents.”
“Ah, of course.” Heat flooded Audra’s cheeks, and she dropped her gaze to her lap.
Sawyer felt a tiny bit guilty for playing along. “Our due date is mid-February.”
“Maybe a Valentine’s Day baby,” Audra said, rebounding quickly.
“I asked for a representative from HR to join us to address any concerns the department might have about this situation or any pitfalls we need to steer clear of,” Mendoza said.
Audra blinked for a few moments as she considered the situation. “There are no issues that I can think of. None of you work in the same department, nor do you report directly to each other, so there isn’t a power imbalance issue. I think the only concern would be inappropriate comments someone might make to or about you.” She cleared her throat. “Or misguided assumptions someone might make.”
“No one in our departments would dare,” Kelsey said. “My coworkers know how much I love my husband.”
“And I don’t think people question our commitment to one another either,” Royce said, gesturing between himself and Sawyer.
“People will be curious, and they might say something out of line,” Audra said. “We’ll just deal with the situations as they arise.”
“And I will deal with them severely,” Mendoza stated. “I don’t think anyone in this precinct will make a crass remark to any of you, but if so, it won’t happen more than once.”
“We’ll obviously have to discuss maternity and paternity leave and address any shortages that could incur in your absences,” Audra said. “And when it’s time, I’ll assist you with all the paperwork to add your little one to your health insurance policies and file the claims to receive your paternity leave benefits.”
“Sweet,” Royce said. “Nothing we need to do until then?”
“No, sir.” Then Audra released a big sigh. “This is much better than I imagined when I saw Royce sitting outside the chief’s office.” She smiled at both men. “Congratulations.” She reached over and squeezed Kelsey’s hand before standing up. “And bless you. What a beautiful gift you’re giving your friends.”
They thanked Audra and basked in the good vibes until Mendoza cleared his throat, reminding them they were taking up his space and time.
“Sorry, Chief,” Royce said. “We find ourselves just getting carried away.”
“Becoming a father was the happiest moment in my life,” Mendoza said. “Enjoy every second. The anticipation, the fear, and all the doubts. It will be worth it.”
“Amen,” Kelsey agreed as she stood up. “Thank you for your time, Chief.”
Royce waited for her to pass by and fell in behind her. Sawyer moved to follow them, but Mendoza called out his name.
“I need a word with you first. Alone,” Mendoza said when Royce stopped too. He made shooing motions until Royce and Kelsey were gone. “Close the door.”
“Yes, Chief.”
Mendoza crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Why the hell was Alec Bishop ringing every damn line in this precinct to find you?”
Sawyer bit back a groan and flopped into an empty seat. “Because I didn’t return his messages fast enough.”
Mendoza’s dark eyes held a menacing gleam. “You realize what a problem that creates for everyone.”