Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6)

by Lindsay Paige

  “I’m not sure. I’ve not seen him in a few days.” She lowers her voice. “But he’s staying there.”

  “Thank you.” Duke keeps his voice low in case someone is listening and we leave her alone.

  Once Duke and I are back in the car we drive toward the complex. I’m sure we’re not going to get him right now, but we need to tell the Apprehension Unit. They’re the experts at picking up the criminals we need.

  “You seem awfully happy today?” My brother-in-law grins.

  “It’s a nice day.”

  “It’s over a hundred degrees, and I’m basting in this suit. You’re smiling because you got laid.” He sings out the last bit.

  I don’t say anything and look out the window.

  “Ha, I knew it. Mr. Colby ‘Baseball Man’ Wilson got lucky with Detective Craft. Did you use your cuffs?”

  I laugh aloud. “I’m not answering anything you ask.”

  “I know what that means.” He pokes at my side, and I laugh louder.

  “Stop it. We’re working.” I try to take this seriously as we reach the apartment complex.

  Duke and I ride around keeping our eyes out for Dice, but see nothing. I’m not too discouraged now. I know we’ll catch him.

  “HEIDI’S KEEPING YOU busy,” I comment, as Jordan gets comfortable in his seat next to me on the plane.

  “What makes you say that?”

  “You haven’t been bothering me lately,” I chuckle. Jordan never actually bothers me, but it is a little odd that I haven’t heard from him much away from the field lately.

  “No more than usual. Trent, Scarlett, and Kaelyn have been over some. Did you know he used to work on old cars?”

  “No.”

  “Well, I was talking about what I’m working on now and found out he likes to do it too, so he’s been over some helping with that. Heidi’s become friends with Scarlett. She doesn’t want to be just a baseball wife, and for some reason, Scarlett is her perfect partner in crime.” He pulls out a folder from his bag and starts leafing through them. “God, I’m so ready to find a fucking house already. The search started so promising. I’m hoping we find one soon. Heidi’s apartment is too small for me, and I don’t want her to be too much further along in her pregnancy without us having a home for the kid.”

  I can’t help but somber a bit at the mention of her pregnancy. “She still doing well?”

  “She’s worried; we both are, but every check-up has reported in healthy mom and baby.”

  “That’s good.”

  He nods, glancing down at one of the houses for sale in front of him.

  “Are y’all going to find out the sex?”

  “No,” he sighs. “Heidi is convinced it’ll jinx us, and considering we’re trying to not get too excited, just in case, she doesn’t want to know yet. It’s part of her way of proceeding with extreme caution.”

  I frown. “Are y’all enjoying anything about this pregnancy?”

  Jordan lifts his head, a touch of horror on his face at my question. “Of course, we’re just—”

  “Worried, I know. That’s completely understandable, but it almost sounds like you’re too worried, if that’s possible. If everything does work out, are you going to look back and wish you’d celebrated each moment and milestone more instead of being so worried and careful?”

  “I don’t know,” he answers honestly. “Things have just been extra stressful with us trying to find a house, too. I get what you’re saying, though. In some instances, I’d totally agree, but I do think that for the most part, we’re extremely happy and enjoying every moment.”

  I nod. “Good. Need help looking through those?”

  Jordan jumps at the opportunity. He hands me half the stack and tells me what he and Heidi are looking for. Heidi has already vetted these houses, but Jordan tells me he had the retailer go ahead and give him the complete rundown on all the houses. He’s hoping that by doing this, he can weed some out and only visit those that might actually fit what they’re looking for. The rest of our flight is spent looking through the houses.

  “Hey, beautiful,” I say when Ariella answers the phone.

  “Hey.” Her voice is light, and I’d bet she’s smiling.

  “How’s your day? You’re not busy, are you?”

  “I have a few minutes to spare for you. My day has been good. I’m watching the game tonight over at my parents. They invited me over for dinner. How’s your day?”

  “Not bad,” I answer. “I miss you though.”

  She laughs. “It hasn’t been that long since you last saw me, Colby.”

  “Is that your way of saying you don’t miss me too?”

  Ariella is quiet for a moment. “No, I do miss you.”

  “Good.” I glance at the alarm clock on the nightstand next to the bed. Damn. “Sorry, Ariella, I have to go. I thought I had a few more minutes. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

  “Okay. Good luck tonight.”

  “Thanks. Bye.”

  We hang up, and I head downstairs where I know most of the guys will be waiting to head to the field. I can’t help thinking about how Ariella said it worried her about how I could leave Memphis one day because of my career. If things become serious between us, could I leave knowing she’d rather stay and most likely wouldn’t join me? Could I stay for her?

  I honestly haven’t put much thought into what will happen after I retire. I don’t have a particular place I call home. For a while, I thought about how I could move to Maryland to be closer to my sister and my nieces. I could go back to Michigan where my parents’ home is whenever they aren’t traveling.

  And now, there’s Ariella. She’s pretty spectacular. I’d do anything for her. The realization is somehow both shocking and not surprising. I’ve never been so attracted to a woman, both physically and intellectually before. I wish I could spend more time with her than I do.

  She’s all I think about as we head to the field, do our pre-game activities, and eventually make our way onto the field. We need a win today. Everyone is in good spirits, which is good. As if the baseball lords were waiting to give us a sign, Tanner is up first to bat. He hits one way out to left field. He takes off and manages a double.

  Hector is up to the plate next, landing on first while Tanner makes it to third. It’s then my turn. Getting the first run in will be good for us. Even better if I can be the one to do it. The pitcher winds up and throws a ball first. I don’t swing on the second, earning myself a strike. On the third, however, my body turns as I swing. The familiar crack of the bat sends adrenaline surging through me.

  I drop it and take off running as the ball soars to right field. Cheers from the dugout signal that Tanner made it home. Hector ends up on third and I’m on second. I can’t stop the grin on my face. This is so going to be a good game.

  This game is the complete opposite of our terrible one the other day. We’re hitting well, getting the runs, and playing as a team when out in the field. Even our coach, who is usually pretty stoic, is smiling.

  If we can keep up this tempo, this energy, throughout the rest of the season and into the playoffs, we might have a decent chance to go further than we did our first season together.

  While we don’t score any more than we did in the first inning, we’re able to keep them from earning a run. The game ends 3-0 in our favor. When we make it back to the locker room, I check my phone, finding a message from Ariella.

  Ariella: Great game, Colby!

  Me: Thanks. Reward me once I get home?

  Ariella: Was already planning on it. ;)

  With a smile, I put my phone back and hit the showers. Let’s hope the rest of the road trip goes just as well as today. The better the trip, the better the reward once I get home. After I go to that picnic thing, of course.

  I’M NERVOUSLY PACING the around my car. Colby’s plane is late, and he said he would drive to the picnic, instead of me picking him up at his place. Duke is already here, along with my family. Of course, not all the
detectives could make it, but the majority of us are here along with our families.

  This was such a stupid idea. Why did I ask him again? I’ve already subjected him to my family once. Now, he’s about to meet my extended family. This will definitely make him run away from me. I look at my watch for the millionth time and worry he isn’t coming.

  Until his car pulls up.

  I slightly relax since he showed up, but now I have to keep him from the masses. If he makes it through this, then he could make it through anything, right?

  “Hello, beautiful.”

  “Hi.” I grin brightly. “Are you sure you’re not too tired?”

  “I’m good. Sorry, I’m late.” He kisses my lips quickly.

  Before I can say anything, I hear, “Hey, hey, none of that.” Duke walks up to us with Lil D in his arms.

  “Hi, Duke.” He greets Duke as they shake hands.

  “Duke, why are you wearing those sunglasses? You look like Will Smith from Men in Black.” Lil D reaches for me and I take him, resting him on my hip.

  “Colby, don’t you think that sounded like a compliment? I think it did.” He pulls the glasses down a bit and glares at me. Colby just chuckles and we hear Mom yelling for us.

  “Food’s ready.”

  “We better hurry.” Duke jogs back to the crowd and many of them are staring at us already.

  “If you ever want to know what it’s like to be on display in a wax museum, this will be that opportunity.” I adjust Lil D on my hip and we head toward the crowd.

  Of course, my mom and sister are the first to greet Colby, each giving him a hug and then ushering him over to the food. Many of the detectives’ wives are coming over to get the juicy gossip about Colby and me. I give bits and pieces; it’s really no one’s business.

  Alizeh fixes me a plate since I’m still holding Lil D, but now I’m at our table getting him ready to eat his baby food.

  “I’ll take him, Sis.” Alizeh reaches for him, but I shoo her away.

  “I’ve got him.” I get the first spoonful in his mouth without spilling it. “See.” I say proudly.

  I glance up to see Dad, Colby, Duke, and several other detectives in a small circle talking. I hope they’re not grilling him too bad. Maybe Duke can ease the pressure on him a bit. Soon, I see them all laughing and Alizeh goes and helps Mom bring over the plates for the guys.

  We chat about the weather and Lil D’s newest accomplishment, as I keep one eye on Colby. He looks relaxed in his dark jeans and polo shirt. He also looks really hot and my mind is thinking about his abs more than they should.

  “Excuse me, are you going to feed your nephew or stare a hole through your boyfriend?” Alizeh’s question steals me away from my daydream.

  “Huh? What?”

  Alizeh points at Lil D who’s patently sitting on my lap with his mouth open waiting for food.

  “Sorry, D.” I kiss the top of his head and give him more of the smashed peas. “Aunt Ari won’t let it happen again.” I give him another bite.

  Mom softly laughs. “It’s cute to see you this way.”

  I give her a small smile, but go back to my nephew who seems to inhale the food as the guys finally make their way to the picnic table. “I see you survived.” I tease Colby as he sits down.

  “It wasn’t bad.” He winks and thanks Mom for the plate.

  Duke, Dad, and Colby being talking about baseball and it’s great to see my family all together. Colby seems to fit right in and it warms my heart. Dad begins to tell us stories about his days as a beat cop and I hand over Lil D to Alizeh when she’s done eating, so I can grab a few bites from my plate.

  We’re all laughing when Duke’s phone rings and I watch the smile leave his face to be replaced with shock. He flicks his eyes over to me and shakes his head. My heart sinks. I know it has to do something with my one of our cases.

  “Thanks.” He sits his phone down. “They just found Sassy’s body by the train tracks.”

  My mouth drops. “What?”

  “Who’s Sassy?” Colby asks taking my hand with concern.

  “She was a young girl helping us with a case,” Duke explains since I’m still in shock.

  I rest my elbows on the table and rub my temples. Anger is pulsing through me, and I know Dice did it. There’s no one else I want to catch but this punk right now.

  “Ariella,” Colby softly says my name and places his hand on my thigh. “You okay?”

  “Not especially. This ass now has a third murder under his belt.”

  Alizeh and Mom say, “Allegedly,” at the same time.

  “I don’t want lawyer-speak right now,” I snap at them lifting my head. Colby squeezes my leg. “Sorry,” I quickly add. “I need a minute.” I toss my napkin down and stalk off towards my car.

  I lean against the hood and stare at the playground across the way. The kids are laughing and having fun and all I can think of Sassy’s child. His father is a career criminal and his mother is dead. I hate the vicious cycle more than anything else.

  “May I join you?” Colby quietly asks, walking up on my other side.

  I nod and he leans next to me. He doesn’t say anything.

  “I just talked to her a few days ago. You know, she was going to school. She didn’t want to be in this life and she wanted better for her baby. Now, he’s a motherless child,” I mumble.

  “You want to rid the world of criminals?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ah, so I’m dating Wonder Woman. When do I get to see you in the outfit?” He grins and I can’t help the small laugh. “Ariella, I can’t tell you how to do your job, because you’re damn good at it. I think you just put a lot of pressure on yourself and you shouldn’t. Not every criminal is caught, but I know you will keep plugging away until you have him. I have faith in you. However, I think you need time to enjoy your family, yourself, and me. If not, it’s going to make you go crazy.”

  I nod again. He has a point, and I know he’s right. One this is for sure, criminals will eventually mess up and get caught.

  I just have to wait.

  The rest of the picnic is fun. I go back and finish my food. Dad and Colby play horseshoes and clean the clocks of all the other players. When we are about to leave, Mom begs Colby to tell her his next day off and we will do a family dinner. He promises to tell me so I can pass on the message.

  Colby follows me home in his car, and I’m thankful for the few moments alone. I quickly think of all the facts of the case and try to devise a new plan; although, I don’t know what will work or not, but I will get Dice.

  I figured Colby would jump me the second I walk through the doors, but he doesn’t. Instead, he takes Buster out for me and I grab us a couple beers and turn on some music. I didn’t feel like watching TV right now. After a few minutes, he comes back in with my overly affectionate dog, and I play with him for a few moments as Colby sits next to me on the couch. Once Buster seems satisfied with our playtime, he trots off, panting, to his dog bed and stretches out.

  I curl up next to Colby, rest my head on his chest, and just enjoy the soft music playing around us. I’m so glad he isn’t pushy or impatient on making me open up or anything. He seems so perfect; too good to be true. I’m scared of what will happen when the other shoe drops. But, he keeps telling me to ride the wave in this relationship and I am going to ride.

  “Thank you for today.” I gaze up at him, my head still on his chest and my hand on his tight abs.

  “I had fun. Thank you for inviting me.” He brushes his lips against my forehead.

  “Would you hate me if I said I’m not in the mood to give you your reward tonight?”

  “Ariella, you know I won’t hate you.” He seems a bit offended.

  “Then may I ask a very selfish question?”

  “Sure,” he answers, a bit baffled.

  “Would you stay the night?” I sit up a bit more to face him better.

  He smirks and softly kisses my lips. “I already planned on it.”
/>   I wake up to the alarm clock blaring, but I’m in Colby’s arms, and it makes a bit easier.

  “I wish I didn’t have to go in so early.” He kisses my neck.

  “Me too.”

  “You’re coming to the game, right?”

  I roll over and face him. “Yes. I have to go into work for a bit and then I’ll be at the game.”

  He kisses the top of my nose. “Okay.” He quickly moves out of the bed, and I study his firm ass all the way into my bathroom; I can’t believe this is my life right now.

  Until I leave the bed and face reality.

  Colby and I move around my kitchen as if we’ve done it a million times. I make a quick egg sandwich for us while he makes us coffee. We part ways at our cars with a quick kiss, and I watch him drive away. The smile on my face hurts, and it’s a good hurt.

  When I make it into the office, there’s a round of jokes and my desk covered with a variety of baseball magazines and a couple Colby t-shirts wait for me.

  “You’re all so funny,” I dryly tease, but I know they’re doing it out of fun. I would have done the same to them.

  “Hey, we did get good news,” our lieutenant says. “We have a witness. A real one.”

  “What?” Duke and I pop up.

  “Yep, he came in last night and we were able to get the warrant to the apprehension team. Hopefully, we’ll have Dice soon.”

  “Why didn’t anyone call us?” I ask.

  He shrugs. “We had it and now you get Dice.”

  I’m over the moon with the results, and I’m hoping to have his ass in jail soon. I go right to work on my next case and hope the Apprehension Team gets him soon.

  When I look up from my desk, a few hours later, Mom and Alizeh are standing next to it.

  “Hi?” I’m not sure why they’re staring at me or have big smiles on their faces.

  “Colby contacted us, and we’re having a girl’s day at the baseball game,” Mom says.

  “He even got us good seats, so he says.” Alizeh cheerily claps.

  “Was it your idea?” I chided her.