“What brings you to my lair?”

  “Haven't seen you in a few days, which is odd.”

  “Been a busy few days, first snowfall and people lose their minds and can't drive for shit. Homicide is having a slow week.”

  “That is a rarity.”

  “Doc, my adorable ghoul. Your coffee. Remy was slacking.” A smiling Stevenson breezed through the automatic doors with a large to-go cup in hand.

  “You trying to seduce me, Detective?” I nibbled at my bottom lip as I took the cup.

  “Am I not trying hard enough?” I batted my lashes, and Stevenson groaned. “Cute, Doc, but that's nothing unusual.”

  “What are you up to? I know this adorable ass is irresistible, but you're laying it on thick.”

  “Hmmm, that depends on how thick you like it. I may not measure up.”

  I dropped my eyes down his body. “I'm sure you measure up just fine.”

  “Okay, I'm hosing you two down.” Remy pushed an arm between us and then turned to me and mouthed really, and I rolled my lips between my teeth that in no way hid my bratty grin.

  Stevenson slipped around us and took a seat in my chair.

  “So, since I'm not getting left alone to be seduced by the sexy detective, why am I special today?”

  “You're special every day,” Remy said as he gave me a charming smile.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Graves got his ass chewed out by Robert yesterday, and the tension is ridiculous,” Remy said.

  I frowned. Graves was a bit of an asshole, but he was extremely by the book. So the fact Robert had to say something to him surprised me. “What did Graves do?” I turned to follow Remy with my gaze as he went back to sitting on my desk. Automatically I lowered to sit, and instead of ass meeting chair, ass met some seriously thick, strong thighs. I tried to jump up, but Stevenson fisted his hand in the back of my lab coat and tugged until I rested against his chest. The man was just being cruel, but I wasn't moving.

  “He had a bit of a run-in with a new homicide detective that took over one of the four empty spots in the unit.”

  “And that’s an issue, why? Cold Case Unit is kinda the black sheep of the department. It’s the rainbow brigade down there, but I'm still unsure if Graves is bi or gay.”

  “The captain called demanding a reprimand. Robert said he’d take care of it. He wasn’t going to give Graves shit, but as soon as he started to talk to Graves, our normally staid and straight-arrow unit-mate went off on Robert.”

  “About what? I need the gossip.” I whined as Stevenson chuckled and rested his chin on my shoulder.

  “I think he's as bad as I am.” His scruff teased the side of my neck as he spoke.

  “Well, Graves left an open case that he'd worked his ass off on, had it ready to go to the DA’s to see about issuing warrants.”

  “And?”

  “The guy kicked it down to Cold Case and said the investigative work was shoddy and hoped the detective was no longer working for the department.”

  “Ouch, them's fighting words.” I sipped at my coffee as I swung my feet and stared at Remy.

  “Very much so. So, when the case was on Graves's desk Sunday when he came in to pick up something he'd left over the weekend, he went straight up to Homicide. Apparently, they almost came to blows.”

  “My money would've been on Graves.”

  “See, my little man agrees with me. That's what I told Remy, too.”

  The automatic doors opened, and all three us panned behind us to see a big, dark-skinned man in an expensive suit walk through the doors.

  “Am I in the right place? I'm looking for Doctor Warner.”

  “That would be me. What can I do for you?”

  “I'm Detective Marcel Douglas. I'm a new detective in Homicide. I was told you did the post-mortem on one of my cases.”

  “Name?” Stevenson turned the chair to face the grim-faced detective.

  “Gerald Perkins.”

  “Forty-six-year-old, African-American male, six-foot, one-hundred eighty pounds. Found deceased in his home from severe burns and smoke inhalation from a ceiling collapse. No underlying disease or injury. Happily married with one child. I ruled the death undetermined until further information could be presented by the arson investigators. They determined faulty wiring that Mr. Perkins and his wife had complained about on several occasions. Without the safety issues of the dwelling, our victim would've, with reasonable certainty, been able to flee the home.”

  “Don't you need to check your notes, Doctor?”

  “No, Detective, I do not.”

  “Be polite, little man.” Stevenson warned.

  “Do I have to?” I pouted.

  “For now,” Stevenson whispered in my ear, and I slipped off his lap from where I was very comfortable.

  “Due to water damage to structural beams and a short in the wiring, the ceiling collapsed not long after the short caused a fire in the insulation, which was a result of the fire retardant being essentially washed from the fiber. He was a perfectly healthy adult male before the house came down on him.”

  “So medically, if he was able to escape from the house, he would've lived.”

  “Yes, at the very least, the landlord is guilty of criminal negligence.”

  “And is that your professional opinion, Doctor?”

  “Oh, you might want to put a leash on Little Man.” I heard Remy say behind me.

  “No, I think he's got it.” I grinned at the confidence in Stevenson's voice on my behalf.

  “I've been a medical examiner for thirty-six years. I was doing this job before you were out of diapers. So yes, that is my professional opinion that Reginald Trass is a slumlord whose properties are so in disrepair he should've been tried twenty years ago. Because he keeps getting off every time someone makes a complaint because his tenants can't afford to move, and they recant their statements. Witness tampering and intimidation, Detective.”

  “God, has he always been that sexy?” Stevenson stage whispered.

  “Hush, you're ruining the effect your boy's going for.”

  “He's not ruining any effect on me.” Remy's snort was loud at Stevenson's statement.

  “So, as you can see, I'm well versed in the case you want to throw out because it wouldn't be high-profile enough, just like the three ego-maniacal detectives before you who have come down here to get me to change my opinion. If that's all, I was very comfortable on that sexy detective's lap, enjoying my coffee. Are we done here?”

  “Shouldn't you show some more professionalism, Doctor? Spend time with your boyfriend on your personal time.”

  “Oh shit,” Remy and Stevenson both whispered.

  “Honey, this is as professional as you're going to get. I can point you in the direction of my direct supervisor if you'd like to lodge a complaint, but I assure you it'll be a nice addition to the other hundred or so complaints from detectives and commanders that I've received since taking this job. I'm a killer on the stand. The conviction rate with my testimony is almost hundred percent.” I smiled sweetly at Douglas and returned to my perch on Stevenson's lap. “I can call my supervisor to come here if you want?” I lifted the receiver of the phone on my desk.

  “I think I can find his office myself. Good day, Doctor.”

  He pivoted on his toes and left, and I rolled my eyes.

  “You going to get in trouble?” Stevenson asked as he looped his arm around me and handed me my coffee.

  “Remy?”

  “Forman worships the ground Doc's tiny shoes walk on. Prosecution gives the Doc whatever he wants, whenever he wants it. It's not news that Homicide is filled with over-inflated egos. Do you know how much schmoozing went on to get someone with Doc's education and qualifications? I swear they would've promised first-born to get him to take the job. A medical examiner with almost perfect recall and can't be tripped up with trick questions on the stand? Doc is golden no matter what. And I can see why Graves went the hell off, though.”

  “Shit, I'm gonna have to work with him on a regular basis.”

  “If you're a good boy, I'll give you all the rewards you want?”

  “Will you two stop? I swear, hosing you both down. Come on, Stevenson, I'm not leaving you two alone.”

  I giggled as Remy pulled me off Stevenson's lap, and I got hugs before they both left me to my work. All the detectives had learned that they couldn't bully me, and Douglas wouldn't be any different. He'd learn as soon as he tried to complain to my boss or his captain.

  13

  Stevenson

  Fuck, I cursed to myself as I entered the office to find Douglas seated at my desk looking as put together as if he'd stepped off a damn runway. What did I do to deserve this early morning visit?

  “Detective Douglas, what brings you to the dungeon?”

  “I was looking for Graves.”

  “He's in court today. And if you're looking for the Detectives Kauffman, they don't come in until they drop their daughter off at the babysitter after breakfast.” I removed my jacket and hung it on the coat stand behind the door, and then I went to start a pot of coffee. The first one in made caffeine for the others, or there was hell to pay.

  “Ah, so, this is where four of the so-called best homicide detectives came to hide.”

  As I rolled my eyes, I didn't bother turning around to give him my attention. “We see it as giving voices to those who no one else cared about. Still smarting after Doc handed you your ass?” I smirked over my shoulder.

  “Your boyfriend could learn some decorum.”

  I didn't bother to correct him. It wasn’t any of his business that Doc and I were just friends, no matter how much I'd recently started to wish we had more. “Would ruin his adorable personality.” Seeing my adorable little man go toe-to-toe with a man almost three times his size was sexy as fuck. From Douglas's temperament, I was sure I'd see them go at each other a lot more in the future. “If you're homophobic, you're in the wrong unit. I'm sure you don't need directions back upstairs.”

  “I kinda wanted a look at the unit that took down a serial killer no one even thought existed.”

  His tone implied we were beneath him for whatever reasons that played out in his head, but it wasn't the first time and wouldn’t be the last we were ostracized for something that wasn't in our control. Being gay or different in any way wasn't always acceptable in the boys' club that was law enforcement.

  “That's because he went after homeless kids and sex workers. No one cared because it wasn't one of their kids. So, we've established you're an asshole, and you look down on us. Was that all?”

  “Fuck, I should've called first.” I grinned as I turned to find Doc standing in the doorway.

  “Hey, honey, what brings you here?” I asked as I put myself behind him and Douglas. He was wearing a baggy winter coat, a slouchy rainbow beanie, and his cheeks were pink from the cold. As had become my habit, my gaze dropped to his full lips, and I wanted to know what they felt like under mine.

  “I got you Sandowski.” He tilted his head to the side as one of the waves of his silver hair touched his cheek.

  “I'll reward you with whatever…I don't care how expensive. Where?” I closed the distance between us. I'd practically staked out the bastard's office and asked around, but no one knew shit about where he was. It would figure my little brat would find him for me.

  “Tempting, very tempting. Here.” He handed me a piece of paper. “It's his favorite bar, office away from office. You can find him in a back booth after eight. Bouncer is gonna lock the back door to bar his escape. Sandowski is hiding out, he owes a bookie his soul right about now, and there's also an ex-wife trying to get him served for about a century in back alimony. Skull owed me one and said he'd keep him there for you.”

  “And why would a bouncer named Skull owe you one?” I didn't like the bratty grin that curved his lips at my question or the way he leaned slightly out of my personal space.

  “Wouldn't you like to know, Detective? You're not the only one who finds my ass adorable.” He stared up at me through the heavy fringe of his lashes.

  “I see spankings in your future.”

  “That's just an incentive.” He tried to back away, and I snagged his jacket and tugged him close. His pupils expanded, and he held his breath. His small hands settled over my love handles.

  “You're so asking for it, little man.” My cock ached but thankfully decided to behave. If we hadn't had an audience, I didn't think I would've resisted pushing him a bit.

  “Maybe, bring me coffee, normal time. I have a double homicide waiting for my undivided attention.”

  I leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “I'll see you in a few hours, and thanks.”

  “Anytime, have to keep my gorgeous detective happy.” He rubbed my chest and lower over my belly, stopping just before he reached my buckle.

  I growled, and he let out one of his cute giggles at my expense. “Get going, you're too distracting, and I do have to work.”

  “Stevenson?” The flirty tone had disappeared from his voice, and I held his jacket a little tighter.

  “Yeah.”

  “Wear your vest. Sandowski has a quick trigger finger. Please.”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks.”

  He didn't bother saying anything to Douglas before he was backing away with a bratty wink. I turned back to find Douglas's nose snarled. “You're still here.”

  “He can't be as good as everyone claims.” He was staring past me to the empty doorway Doc had disappeared through.

  “He remembers cases from thirty years ago as well as he remembers one from yesterday with nothing more than a name and date. You can't trip my man up, and if you're gunning for him, you won't have to worry about getting settled into Homicide.” He opened his mouth. “Listen, I've been a cop for twenty years, most of those in Homicide. I know we all want to make a name for ourselves and move up the ranks. But if you fuck over your support people, you won't get cooperation. And this isn't a threat. If you don't make nice with Doc or Remy, these streets are not going to be kind to you. Most of them won't talk to you without Remy or Doc's word that you're trustworthy.”

  “They run these streets, huh?”

  “You could say that. They've been around here for over thirty years. They've earned the trust of all the people you're going to want to interview at some point.” He started to open his mouth probably to argue more, but we heard footsteps coming down the hallways.

  “Uncle Stevenson.” I spun at hearing Roo's voice, and she darted into the room. Some of her enthusiasm disappeared when she caught sight of a stranger.

  “Hey, Roo, can I get a hug?” She nodded, and I picked her up. “You just missed Uncle Doc.”

  “Aw, but I can't go to his work.” She pouted.

  “I know, sweetie. But his office isn't appropriate for little girls.” She still didn't understand why she could visit our office and Vega's but never Doc's. “So, why do I get to see your beautiful face today?” At the flattery, her lashes went into hyperdrive. Remy and Doc had to have taught her the power of the fluttering lashes. Both of them used it to their advantage any chance they got.

  “Doctor appointment, therapy,” she said in a whine.

  “But isn't today art therapy day?”

  “Yes, I'll draw you and Uncle Doc a picture.”

  “He'll love that. Remy, why the early appointment?” I asked with a little concern because shouldn't her appointments be lessening than increasing in frequency. Doc had said Roo was having a hard time with the thought of school coming up next fall. She was working with tutors and online classes to try to get her up to speed on what she'd missed out on during her recovery.

  “With school coming up, she's having some issues with the change, so we're doing three days instead of two for a while. And we had to shift some of her appointments with the new schedule. Detective Douglas, this is not a pleasure.”

  “Baby.” Robert's Daddy voice was clear.

  “Sorry. Also, Vega's on her way.” Remy sent me a pointed look, and I narrowed my eyes as he grinned like a damn fool.

  “Yay, Auntie Vega! Is Auntie Cash coming with her?” Roo practically twisted all the way around in my arms.

  “Shit, I'm out. Love you, Roo.” I kissed her soft curls.

  Remy couldn't laugh louder if he tried, and I wasn't happy with his amusement. “How are you still scared of the five-foot-nothing computer geek?”

  I shifted Roo to my hip as I pouted at my friend. “Remy, she holds my fate in the palm of her sadistic hand. If she doesn't like me, I'm back to square one with Doc. Those two are besties. She holds all the diabolical power.”

  “If you make sure Doc is a very happy little man, she'll worship you.”

  “Man, that evil grin of yours doesn't elicit comfort. Roo, yours and Doc's coloring books are in my bottom drawer.” I set her on her feet, and she muscled her way into my chair, making Douglas jump. He watched her like she was a pigtail-wearing perp ready to pull a weapon at any moment from her tiny pink, sparkly backpack.

  “Detective Douglas, I haven't heard very many flattering things about you,” Robert said with the professional smile he'd perfected over the years of covering Remy's ass.

  “I assure you, it's mutual. I was coming to see Graves, but it appears he isn't here. That one had some verbal foreplay with Doctor Warner before that menace left.”

  What was his deal with not liking any of us? He'd barely been in the department long enough to have that much disdain for us. We'd burned some bridges when we blatantly threw decades of bias in our fellow officers and detectives’ faces, but damn.

  “Again, why do I keep missing this new development?” Robert smirked. “I was given some very interesting intel of yesterday in the morgue. I have it on good authority that my husband wanted to hose you two down.”

  “If he'd only left us alone.” I smirked as Douglas cleared his throat. The man wasn't going to survive if he had to work with us very long, especially if he didn't loosen up some.

  “Well, well, well, if it isn't Doc's overnight visitor.”