Holding a Hero

by Layne, Lyssa

  Once back at Christine’s apartment, Brad tucked her safely under a blanket on the couch letting her doze, while they waited as patient as expectant parents for Joe to join them.

  When the doorbell rang Brad and Christine startled. Brad jumped up to answer the door. But it wasn't Joe. It was a stranger. Someone who silently took control of Christine's well-being the second he pushed past Brad and entered the room, making Brad feel like an unwelcome guest.

  Chris squealed then smiled brightly. “Jared, you’re home?” She laughed and hugged the newcomer as if he were a long-lost lover.

  They seemed to ignore Brad. Might as well not be here. He let himself out of her apartment and went home, cocooning himself in his own familiar surroundings. He headed straight for the fridge, took a bottle of beer out then found his way through the living room and slouched down into the couch. He sat and brooded in the dark. Chugging his beer for comfort. A cold bottle of booze was a poor substitute for Christine's warm embrace.

  Brad rubbed the pain in his chest, remembering how Christine responded to the man.

  Admittedly, he could understand Christine’s draw to the man. He was what Brad had considered a pretty boy. He had devilish good looks, charming personality, and a total babe magnet.

  So, that was Jared. Damn it all!

  He didn’t stand a chance, no way would she choose him over Jared.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Christine answered the door, and Joe stepped inside. “How’d it go?”

  Once in the living room Joe recounted his excursion. “I had no trouble picking up what remained of Leftie,” he chuckled as he said it. “From the hospital I went straight to the lab. Using a high definition Camera, I took several pictures of the leg and printed them for you to show the insurance company, then I retrieved the casing, bagged it and tagged it, logging it into the evidence room for safe keeping.” He handed her an envelope with the printed pictures enclosed.

  Joe looked around “Where’s Brad.”

  Christine was hurt, sad, and confused as hell that Brad slipped out of the apartment as soon as Jared arrived.

  Joe gave Jared a stern glare, silently questioning who he was.

  “Joe, this is Jared Williams. He’s the world’s best physical therapist ever, a wonderful person, and my best friend. If it weren’t for Jared, I don’t know what would have become of me after the accident when I lost my leg. He saved my life and by the grace of God is solely responsible for my recuperation.”

  Joe offered his hand to Jared.

  Jared accepted it with the same skepticism presented on Joe’s face.

  Christine could see the wheels working in Joe’s head. It was always the same. So what if the guy could have passed for Brad Pitt’s stylishly dressed twin brother, who looked like he’d just stepped out of a GQ magazine advertisement. He was perfect. From his stylishly cut blonde highlighted hair to a set of azure blue eyes, from his cleanly shaven face complete with the requisite perfectly matched dimples, right down to the dress slacks and collarless shirt and blazer, the man exuded the sex appeal of a rock star.

  She also had to admit just how intimidating Jared could be. The man was so well put together, any regular man would feel as if he were a bum compared to Jared. She gave kudos to Joe, who responded politely nonetheless.

  “Nice to meet you Jared. Where Brad? I wanted to let him know how everything went.” He passed an envelope to Christine for insurance purposes, then pocketed two remaining pictures. Proof positive to show Brad.

  While Christine put on a pot of tea for them all, Joe and Jared exchanged pleasantries. By the time she served the tea in the living room, Joe smiled and laughed as if they had become fast friends.

  “Any idea when Brad left? I assumed he’s at his place. But I didn’t expect to find him gone, knowing how protective he is of you.”

  There was a blatant look of arrogance on Jared’s face, as if he were questioning Brad’s protective nature. She was sure Joe saw it too.

  When Christine covered Jared’s hand, Joe snickered.

  Jared turned to Christine and asked, “Oh, is Brad that handsome creature that slipped away right after I arrived?”

  Joe snorted, and fought to keep the surprise from his face.

  “Jared, stop it. Why do you like to set people up with your stunning revelations about your possible sexual preferences? Hell, I don’t even know for sure.”

  “Just for this reason. It’s the fastest way to screw with people’s minds. Usually if they are of the same inclination the men immediately smile and relax. Those that aren’t, act shocked and are afraid it will rub off.” Jared seemed to love his shocking revelations.

  Joe couldn’t stop laughing. “I’ll tell you right now, Brad is in his apartment thinking the worst, believing that he lost the love of his life, whether he was ready to admit he’d found her or not. This is priceless.” Joe laughed uncontrollably, holding his stomach as if it hurt.

  “Huh?” Christine was not amused.

  Joe regained his composure. “Do you realize that at this very moment there’s a man, an officer of the law, who’s been relieved of duty for killing his best friend. And I don’t know if he’d be happier right this minute to find out Jared’s gay or to find the bullet that killed Marty?

  “What are you talking about, Joe?” Christine asked seemingly oblivious to the problem.

  “Don’t you see, Brad is probably over at his apartment sulking because he thinks Jared is the man in your life and that he’s lost you to him?”

  Jared joined in the laughter, “I don’t think so. But if Christine is done with him, I sure wouldn’t mind having a go at him myself.”

  “Jared, knock it off or Joe will believe you’re serious.”

  “Who’s joking? You better think twice before you end it with Casanova, because I’m next in line.” He blew her an air kiss.

  Christine felt Joe’s eyes on her, beginning to see the humor in the situation. She felt her cheeks warm up. “Joe, would you kindly go bring Brad back. In the meantime I’ll bring Jared up to speed on what’s happened since he left town. Believe it or not, he might just come in handy in helping to clear Brad.”

  “Sure, but I’m going to have some fun while I’m at it.”

  “Okay, but don’t be too mean. I’m not sure how much more he can take,” Christine added.

  “Which reminds me, I read about your little accident in the paper on the flight back. So I stopped by my office and brought you something.” Jared said.

  Joe grinned and waggled his eyebrows as he left.

  Christine and Jared walked Joe to the door.

  ***

  Brad heard a knock at his door. He didn’t want to answer. Didn’t’ want to see anyone, but the knocking persisted. He prayed they’d go away soon.

  Then he heard a key in the door that meant only one thing. His partner.

  Joe flipped the switch near the front door.

  Brad squinted from the light, nursing the dark beer in his hand.

  Stepping into the living room, Joe eyed the white sheet spread out on the floor. “Still don’t have your bike back, huh buddy?”

  Brad didn’t answer. He didn’t even acknowledge Joe had entered the room. He continued to stare at his grandparents framed photograph sitting on the top of his coffee table.

  “Brad? You okay?”

  “Nope.”

  One night when he and Joe were getting drunk after a particularly harrowing raid, Brad blurted out how his youth had been less than normal. He let Joe know his past kept him from getting close to anyone. So, the fact that he wanted something specIAl with the beautiful woman in the other apartment didn’t make it any easier. Brad needed someone like Christine if he ever wanted to get past this rotten time in his life.

  “Christine asked me to come get you. She wants you to meet her friend. She seems to think he can help us clear your name.”

  “Don’t bother. I’ve met the infamous Jared.”

  “Oh really?”

 
; “Well, let me rephrase that. I saw the incredibly warm reception she gave him. Believe me it was disgusting enough to know she hasn’t got any room in her life for another man. Namely me.”

  Joe didn’t try to hide his smile. “Frankly, you’re being fair to Christine or her friend. I met him and I happen to think he’s quite nice.”

  “Excuse me, quite nice? Are you nuts?

  Joe continued grinning like a fool, acting as if he saw no reason for Brad to act this way. “I think you owe it to Christine to at least hear her out.”

  Brad shot him a look that said, don’t you think I’m suffering enough? “Fine. Let’s go get it over with, then I’ll order us some pizza and beer.”

  “Fine.” Joe gave Brad a slight shove as they left Brad’s apartment.

  Brad stood in front of Christine’s door, but couldn’t bring himself to knock.

  Joe knocked and started laughing.

  Brad thought his partner was going off the deep end, but stopped dead in his tracks when Christine answered the door. He was stunned speechless.

  She stood on two legs, without the aid of crutches. Smiling like her fairy Godmother had bestowed her with the most beautiful gown and glass slippers. Who cared if the leg, made of a single bar, connected at one end to her upper thigh and a well-worn tennis shoe on the other end? She stood before them and proudly displayed her balance and renewed confidence.

  Brad couldn’t stop himself. He forgot everything the moment he’d seen her standing on two legs. He took one determined step after another until he was standing in front of Christine. With a loud whoop of delight, Brad scooped her up, twirled her around, ignoring the others in the room. He set her down and said, “Oh honey, do you know how good it feels to see you standing on two legs all by yourself, no help needed?” Brad’s hands covered Christine’s cheeks as he pulled her closer. “You’re the prettiest woman in the world.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips then stepped back when he remembered where they were and who else was in the room with them.

  “In that case, you owe it all to Jared. He had the forethought to stop by his office and pick up Slim. He’d read in the paper about my damaged leg and figured I could use a bit of help.”

  Okay, so he'd have to eat a little crow. Without salt and pepper. Brad turned to Jared, his hand out, which Jared took in a warm handshake. “Thank you so much for giving her back that sparkle in her eyes. Independence must be responsible for it and since you supplied it, I guess it’s you I owe my thanks.” Brad took a deep breath and said the hardest thing he’d ever had to say. “And while I know she’s not mine, please take care of her. She’s one very special lady.” Brad turned, intending to leave Christine alone with Jared. “Come on Joe, it’s time to leave.”

  “Brad?” Christine called out before turning her wrath on his partner. “Joe, did you or did you not tell Brad the truth?”

  That got Brad’s attention. “Christine, Joe, what’s going on?”

  “I take it Joe failed to explain Jared’s presence.”

  “Which would be?” Here it comes, the big kiss-off.

  “That I wanted to introduce you to Jared. He was to be my escort to my opening, but was out of town when you so graciously offered to take his place. She smiled sweetly sending Brad's heart into overdrive.

  “Brad this is Jared, my physical therapist, best friend, and savior. Jared this is Brad, local cop unjustly accused of murder, handsome escort, and the new man in my life, unless he’s changed his mind.”

  “Huh?” Brad’s gaze jerked up from the floor of Christine’s plush-carpeted living room, blank expression on his face. That blank look rapidly changed to one of disbelief as her words sank into his numb brain.

  Brad looked from Christine to Joe to Jared, waiting for one of them to speak up as if expecting the three of them to start laughing at him at any moment.

  “Well, did you? Change your mind, that is?” Christine bit her bottom lip. “I sent Joe after you to bring you back so I could introduce you as a very special man in my life.”

  Brad held his breath, afraid for her to go on. What if his hearing was off and she didn’t really say what he thought she said?

  Christine stayed her ground.

  Brad held his breath. Afraid to breathe.

  Joe tapped Jared on the shoulder, then snagged him by the arm, dragging him into the kitchen so Brad and Christine could have moment alone.

  Christine took one step toward Brad.

  He took a hesitant step of his own. Together they closed the gap between them. She nestled her cheek in the crook of his neck.

  He held her tight vowing never to let her go again.

  One step at a time. First, admit there’s someone special just for him. Yes, that’s the start he needed.

  “Brad, I think I know what’s going on in that mind of yours, but please let me talk first?”

  “Go ahead, I’m listening.”

  “You left so abruptly after Jared arrived, that I didn’t have the opportunity to introduce you to him.”

  “And—”

  “Just that you have nothing to worry about where he’s concerned.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Let me put it this way, Jared called dibs on you if I ever call things off between us.” Chris chewed on her bottom lip.

  The realization of her words sinking into his thick skull made him laugh. “So in other words, I’ve been acting like an ass and worried about nothing?”

  “Pretty much—yeah, you are an ass, thinking I’d screw around behind your back. If nothing else, I’ll have to worry about him taking you away from me.”

  Slowly their lips joined, fused by the power of want and need. They remained lip locked for what seemed like hours, but when they heard Joe and Jared whistling to get their attention, they finally released their hold on one another.

  Then with a loud whoop, Joe and Jared converged on them laughing as well.

  Before anyone could say another thing, Joe interrupted, “Now that you two have kissed and made up, can we get to work clearing my partner? I’m tired of working alone. Christine you said you thought Jared could help. How about telling us what you had in mind?”

  Christine spent the next half hour explaining her idea.

  “With any luck by this time tomorrow we will be in possession of the bullet that killed Marty, the bullet Brad shot and with the bullet from Lefty, hopefully ballistics will clear Brad so he can happily be on his way back to the force he loved so much.”

  Everyone nodded in agreement, Joe and Jared went home to change into dark clothes while Brad tucked Christine safely into her bed, planning to bed down on her living room couch. Then remembering the need to wake Christine up every two hours, she invited Brad to join her. Setting the alarm clock on Brad’s side of the bed. The exhausted duo cuddled and snuggled until they fell into a dreamless sleep, Brad’s first real sleep in over a week.

  His last thought before dropping off was a bit complicated. Was it really possible to get the girl, clear his name, and find the happiness he’d been looking for all his life?

  He didn’t know, but he was damned sure going to try.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Brad got out of his car two blocks from the warehouse. Staying in the shadows he wove his way to within one hundred yards of the yellow tape still in place blocking the public from the crime scene.

  Jared arrived at two a.m. as planned, and parked closer to Chris’ car in case she needed help.

  They used all three vehicles so they could split up and not be scene together.

  Brad found his way to them and together they slipped through the dark shadows moving ever closer to their target.

  Right on cue Joe pulled in to the parking lot of the warehouse where Marty was killed. He immediately went to relieve the officer on duty. They needed to get rid of him, since Brad technically wasn’t allowed on the premises.

  Officer Scott Evans flicked his chin toward Joe. “Hey Gallagher, what are you doing here?”

  “I
came to relieve you from watch. Thought you might want a break. I want to do a little digging and see if I can’t find something the lab might have missed.”

  Normally the scene would have been released, but since a police officer had been killed on sight and the bullets hadn’t been recovered, it was still restricted area.

  Evans shook his head. “It’s a lost cause. They’ve combed every inch of this place, at least three times. There’s no way you’re going to find anything to clear your partner. It’s about time he fesses up and admits he fired the shot. Besides, no one would believe the evidence if you did find it.”

  “Can’t blame me for wanting to try, can you?” Joe said clenching his fists at his side.

  From his vantage point Brad was able to see Joe’s failed attempt to control his anger. But at the same time, his words had merit. What if they did find evidence?

  Joe gave it another attempt. “Look Evans, I know how you and the guys feel, but I’ve been Brad’s partner for years and I don’t believe he’s capable of what you’re suggesting.”

  Evans rolled his eyes, “Believe what you want. Good luck, because you’re going to need it to save his sorry ass.”

  “I hope you like crow,” Joe’s shouted, his anger was unrestrained.

  Evans gave him a middle finger salute. “Be my guest, but I’m telling you, you’re wasting your time.”

  “Well, it’s my time to waste, so leave it to me.”

  “Whatever.”

  As soon as Evans jumped into his car and left, taking a left down Shannon Avenue, Joe motioned for the others to join him. From around the corner of the yard they joined him behind the warehouse, where they couldn’t be seen from the street.

  Brad, Christine, and Jared hugged the building, barely visible in their black clothes. All four went into the building via the roll-up door.

  “I don’t trust Evans, I wouldn’t be surprised if he calls Roberts and Van Norton and tells them you’re here.” Brad worried they’d show up before they made any progress.