Cop Tales an Anthology for a Cause

by T. R. Cupak

  “Fine.” She stomps her feet and growls at me. For a split second I’m not sure if she’s going to punch me in the dick or give in. Lucky for me, it’s the latter. She walks around to the passenger side, but not before I hear her mumble, “Asshole,” under her breath and climb in.

  My hands grip the steering wheel as I glance over at her. “Buckle up, Claire Bear.” The name is out of my mouth before I can think anything of it. I shouldn’t keep taunting her like this, but I can’t help myself. Her anger is the best foreplay I’ve had in years.

  “Fuck off, Jared.” She pops her gum and slaps the buckle in place until it clicks.

  It’s a struggle not to laugh at her spunk. I’ve missed this. Hell, I’ve missed her. And after years of breathing, but not really living, I’m home to claim what’s mine—what’s always been mine. I just hope she doesn’t kill me in my sleep before I can win her over.

  Chapter Four

  Claire

  My teeth grind together as I battle to keep my emotions in check. So far my anger has won out, but those damn sky blue eyes still make my heart race just as fast as it did back then, back when I thought he was my forever guy. Now, he’s just a reminder of what could have been, of a future that no longer exists. I press against my seat and do my best to ignore the way the sunlight outlines his square jaw. Or the way it highlights his brown hair. It’s cropped short on the sides and styled in a fauxhawk at the top. He should not look this hot right now. It’s not fair. He should at least have a flaw somewhere, but no such luck. My ass grew, but he’s stayed exactly the same. Life sucks.

  “Where to, Claire Bear?”

  “218 Peach Tree Lane.” My fingers dig into the cloth upholstery of my seat. “And if you call me that one more time, I’m going use the skin of your nuts for my next coin purse.” I bite down on my gum to keep my temper in check.

  Jared, the ass that he is, laughs. “You never minded before.”

  “That was until Denny Henderson decided to chant ‘Claire Bear has no hair anywhere’ in the middle of the quad.” That was the most embarrassing moment of my life.

  “Couldn’t have been that bad?” He shrugs and puts the key in the ignition.

  “It was.”

  “You’re being a bit dramatic, don’t ya think?” He cocks an eyebrow at me and I have to fight to the urge to punch it off his face.

  “The only happy part of that whole situation was when he showed up the next day with a black eye.”

  Once again, he laughs at me. “You’re welcome for that, by the way.”

  “What?” My jaw drops at this bit of news. “You punched him? Why?”

  “He made you cry, so hell yeah I did.” He shrugs like that’s all the reason he needs.

  It’s both shocking and hot as hell to hear, but I must remain strong. Don’t soften up now. He’s still the asshole that left me high and dry. I clear my throat and ignore the strange tickle in my throat. “We going or what?”

  “What?” His face scrunches.

  “We have an eyewitness to question. It’s the whole reason I’m even stuck with you in the first place.”

  He nods. “Got it.” He turns the car on and that’s when “I’d Do Anything For Love” by Meat Loaf blares through the speakers. I take back my earlier statement—this is one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. His hand pauses on the gearshift before he casts his eyes in my direction. He doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t have to; it’s written all over his smug-as-sin face.

  I roll my eyes and play it cool, but that doesn’t ease the burning of my cheeks. “What? It’s a good song.”

  “Right. Never mind that it came out the year we were born.”

  “’93 was a good year.” And it was.

  He mumbles something under his breath and backs out of the space. Then he stops and stares at me. I’m not liking the devilish smirk on his face.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “You know what it is he won’t do, don’t you?” He wiggles his dark eyebrows at me.

  “Don’t you dare say it.” I press my lips together to keep from laughing.

  He leans over and whispers, “Anal,” before speeding off.

  Chapter Five

  Jared

  The drive over is quiet, but no longer filled with tension. My smart ass joke seems to have done the trick and softened up her shell a bit. I still can’t believe she still listens to that damn song, but it’s great news for me. Means she hasn’t forgotten me or our past.

  We pull into the driveway of a very familiar two-story Queen Anne style home and my body tightens. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in White Oak—the type where residents get a big house and a little bit of land—so, it’s a bit surprising how bright the white of the wooden siding still is and that the black shutters aren’t falling off the hinges.

  From the time we step out of the car to the time we’re walking up to the front porch, I’m hit with a strange sense of déjà vu. At least this time, we don’t have a pissed off parent with us. My foot still hesitates at the first step.

  “What has you looking so constipated?” Claire sighs next to me. Figures she’d pick up on my mood.

  “Nothing.” I shake my head. “I just feel like we’re ten again.”

  “Relax. We’re not here because you stole her tractor this time.” She snorts and stomps up the porch steps. I follow after, enjoying the view of her ass wiggling with each step she takes.

  “Well, look who’s here, little Clairey.”

  “Hi, Ms. Kroger.” Claire smiles, drawing my eyes to her plump lips.

  Her face pinches together the second she sees me. “And you.”

  I brace myself because I knew this was coming. Gotta love small towns. “Good to see you too.” I plaster a fake smile on my face and do my best to be the Southern gentleman my mama raised me to be.

  “Is it okay, if we come in and ask you some questions about the other night?” Claire ignores our little exchange and keeps focused on why we’re here.

  Ms. Kroger waves her finger between the two of us, her gray bun bobbing on top of her head as she does. “You can come in, but he has to stay outside like the dog he is.”

  I shouldn’t be surprised she knows all about our relationship issues. Nothing gets by her. She’s the town’s black book of gossip.

  Claire’s lips twitch as she fights the urge to smile. She’s enjoying every bit of this. “As much as it pains me to say it, he has to come in.”

  “It’s official police business.” I clear my throat and force my tone to remain neutral.

  “Fine.” Her blue eyes narrow in my direction before she shuffles further inside the house, leaving Claire and me to follow after her back toward the dining room. Some things never change.

  Ms. Kroger beams at Claire and sets down treats for her at the table. “Sweet tea and a slice of my famous peach cobbler. Your favorite.” She offers Claire a seat and takes one herself, while I’m left standing there like I’m not even in the damn room.

  I ignore it and continue on with why we’re here. The sooner we finish, the better for my sanity.

  Claire takes a bite of her cobbler, pulls out her pen and paper, and begins questioning Ms. Kroger. I hang back and let her because there’s no way that old woman will answer a damn thing that comes out of my mouth.

  “I went out for my nightly walk with Petey around eight or so, I reckon.” She points a wrinkled finger behind her to a bird cage that up till now had escaped my attention and scrunches her face together. I’m worried that if she tries to think any harder she may shit herself. “There was a hooded figure in the park.”

  “Take your time.” Claire stops jotting down her notes and smiles. “The slightest detail could be important.”

  “I remember he walked funny.”

  My head perks up. This is a new detail that could help us, which is why I speak without thinking. “Funny how?”

  Ms. Kroger shoots me a death glare, and looks back to Claire to an
swer my question. “He dragged his right leg like it was dead weight. It was dark, so I couldn’t see much else. I’m sorry y’all came out this way and it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.”

  “You did just fine.” Claire squeezes her arm in reassurance.

  Ms. Kroger smiles and slithers up to her feet. “Let me pack you some cobbler for later.”

  “You don’t have to go through all that trouble.”

  “Nonsense. It’s no trouble at all for my favorite girl.” She pats Claire’s arm and hobbles back into the kitchen.

  Claire gets up and walks over toward Petey’s cage. “Who’s a pretty bird?” She taps the bars and babbles on like she’s talking to a damn baby.

  “I am.” The bird bobs his head at her causing a bright smile to light up her face. She’s like a magnet of sunshine drawing me to her. My feet are moving toward her without even realizing it until I’m leaning over her petite frame. The smell of cinnamon hits me and causes all of my blood to head south. I shift my hips, adjusting my hardening dick before she feels it against her ass. It’s going to be a long day if I can’t keep my shit in check.

  “You always did love animals,” I whisper over her shoulder.

  Her finger lingers against the cage as my words sink in, but she remains silent.

  “What’s the bird’s name?” I keep at her. Sooner or later she has to let me in.

  “Petey.”

  “Hi, Petey.” My knuckle raps against the cage.

  “Cocksucker,” the bird squawks back.

  My head tilts to the side. There’s no way I heard what I thought I did. “Did he just say what I think he did?”

  “Yup.” Claire’s body shakes as she laughs her ass off.

  “Here you are.” Ms. Kroger chooses that moment to come back in the room. She hands Claire a container big enough for an army. She’s a Southern woman through and through. “I’ll walk y’all out.”

  We move to follow her, but not before I lift my hand behind my back and extend my middle finger toward that little fucker.

  Claire stops in the archway and stares at me.

  “What?”

  “Did you just flip the bird to a bird?” She raises a dark eyebrow at me.

  “No.” I answer so fast she knows I’m full of shit.

  She shakes her head, laughing the entire way to the car. At least she’s not wanting to roast my nuts. It’s progress and I’ll take it.

  Chapter Six

  Claire

  It’s been two days since we questioned Ms. Kroger and we’re still no closer to catching the killer than we were before. Jared’s still pushing my buttons any chance he gets and I’m fighting back with a fire of my own. It’s amazing how quickly we’ve fallen back into old habits. It feels like we’re in high school, dating all over again. The thought is both happy and depressing. It’s a bittersweet reminder of what could have been, of what he left behind. I can’t handle having him this close and keep my emotions from taking over much longer before I do something stupid.

  This case is also wearing me down. I’m running out of ideas or fresh leads, which is why I’m stuck at my desk at eleven at night across from Jared, rummaging through the files once again.

  He leans back in his chair and runs his fingers through his hair causing the muscles of his biceps to flex against his dark blue t-shirt. It takes everything in me not to stare and keep focused on the file in front of me, which is why I’ve read the same line five times with no idea what it even says. “We need a change of scenery. You hungry?”

  “Sure.” I close my file and toss my gum in the trash before glancing up at him. “You?”

  His tongue licks along his bottom lip, as he stares into my eyes. “I could eat.”

  There’s no missing the heat behind his eyes or what he’s really implying. My cheeks burn and a warm ache builds below my waist, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he got to me. Without a word, I get up and head out to the car, knowing full well he’ll follow. We make it to the diner in record time and only fight once about him driving.

  Inside, it’s a typical small town diner with red vinyl seats and white tables that give it a 1950s vibe. I slide into my usual booth, while Jared does the same across from me. The sounds of the dishes clattering and the smell of day-old grease wrap me in comfort like my favorite blanket.

  Jared glances around the diner, taking it all in. His face is blank, giving nothing away. If he’s feeling nostalgic, he’s playing it off well. “I can’t believe this place is still here. Or that you still sit at our table.”

  I shrug off his words and the memories they’re pushing to the front of my mind. We’re here to work, nothing more. “Why wouldn’t I come here? Mary Lou’s is the only diner in town. Not to mention they have the best peach cobbler.” His eyebrows rise at that and I realize what I just said. “You tell Ms. Kroger I said that and I’ll castrate you in your sleep.”

  “My lips are sealed.” Jared’s lips twitch. He opens his mouth to say something else, but Mary Lou herself comes to our table.

  “Look what the cat drug in! Jared Blue, is that you?” Mary Lou sets Jared’s coffee down and slides my sweet tea over to me. It’s been seven years and she still knows what we drink.

  “Yes, ma’am. It is.” Jared nods his head and does his best to fly under the radar, but it’s Mary Lou. Her voice carries across the room no matter where she’s at, so it’s impossible to go unnoticed when she’s standing right in front of us.

  “Last time I saw you, you were fixin’ to go to a fancy new job in the big city.” The corners of her brown eyes crease, as she stares at him.

  “I was.” He clears his throat and squirms against his vinyl seat.

  I’m not gonna lie—I’m enjoying watching him squirm.

  “What brings you back here?” She scratches the top of her salt and pepper hair as she studies his every move.

  Jared’s eyes dart up and hold mine. “I’ve since realized I’m more of a small town guy.”

  “Bless your heart.” Mary Lou snickers, takes our orders, and heads back to the kitchen.

  Meanwhile, I’m having heart failure. His words hit me someplace deep, someplace I thought was damaged beyond repair. The softness of his gaze is making my palms sweat. He meant what he said, but I’m not sure I’m ready to forgive him yet. He must sense my unease because he breaks our staredown and changes the subject.

  “So, Petey’s interesting.”

  “He’s the best.” A smile spreads across my face, as I flash back to the other day. I seriously love that damn bird.

  He grunts and takes a sip of his coffee. “How are Tucker and Calvin?”

  “They’re okay. Still working on the farm with my dad.” I play with the straw of my drink and cast a glance his way. “Why? You worried my big brothers are gonna come kick your ass again?”

  “That doesn’t count.” He shifts in his seat. “I was a scrawny-ass thirteen-year-old. No way did I stand a chance against a couple of sophomores.”

  “Mm-hm. What did y’all fight about that day anyway?” I take a sip of my sweet tea while I wait for him to answer, but he doesn’t. When I glance back up, his eyes are fixated on my lips and his mind is elsewhere.

  “Here’s y’all’s plates. Careful now. They’re a bit hot.” Mary Lou’s voice startles me and I damn near choke on my drink. She sets my fried chicken and waffles in front of me and then sets down Jared’s shrimp and grits. When she doesn’t make to leave, Jared strikes up a conversation because that’s what you do in the South. Meanwhile, I’m starving and dig into my food like an animal.

  “Business must be good.” Jared waves a finger around the busy restaurant and reaches for his fork.

  Mary Lou smiles. “It is. Hired me a new bus boy last month. Y’all remember Denny Henderson?”

  My eyes dart around and find him cleaning off a nearby table. His blond hair is hidden underneath a black hair net as he does. If she hadn’t mentioned him by name, then I would have never recognized him.
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  Jared’s fingers grip the handle of his fork so tightly, his knuckles turn white. “Sure do.”

  “That boy’s a card short of a full deck, but he never complains.” She winks and walks off.

  Jared looks ready to go kick his ass, so I grab a nearby file and change the subject. “We have to be missing something.”

  Jared shoves a bite of grits in his mouth and chews on what I’ve just said. “Ms. Kroger said he dragged his foot when he walked. That’s very specific and something not too many people around here do. We find him, we find our killer.”

  “Right. Because I never thought of that.” I’m doing my best to keep my temper in check, but I can’t believe the nerve of him. It’s not like I’m a moron or anything.

  “Whoa. Calm down, Claire Bear.”

  “I am calm.” I roll my eyes at the same time he laughs.

  “Liar. I can see the fire burning behind your gaze from here.” He reaches over the table and grabs my hand. The warmth from his fingers feels so good I shiver. “I’m not implying you’re not good at your job. I just want to be sure we nail this asshole.” His thumb strokes the top of my knuckles, causing my lower belly to clench. I can’t keep my walls up when he’s soft like this. Our eyes stay locked on each other as my pulse quickens. The longer I stare at him, the more I get lost in our memories. I’ve suddenly lost my appetite for food.

  There’s no missing the hunger behind his eyes as he pins me with a heated stare. For a moment in time, it’s just the two of us. There’s no baggage or broken hearts. It’s just a boy and a girl getting lost in each other.

  A loud clatter of breaking dishes shatters our moment. I pull my arm away and we finish our food in awkward silence. Mary Lou comes with the check a few minutes later. I pull out my money and Jared waves me off.

  “You can get it next time.”

  “Thanks.” I ignore the tingles of excitement his words cause and nod my head.