Garcia

Caleb Johnson’s background is unremarkable except for one thing. He lives far beyond his means. Marines aren’t in it for the paycheck we’re here for the honor of defending our country and the sense of belonging.

Caleb’s house is in an area where entrepreneurs and high-powered lawyers live. There’s no way he can afford it on a Marine’s salary unless he comes from money and from what Kimber has told me he doesn’t.

I thought maybe his girlfriend had something to do with it until my detective found out she’s nothing short of a whore. Caleb sent her packing over a month ago, two weeks after Grayson was born.

I don’t know what that means but ever since I learned that piece of information I feel like a rock is sitting in my stomach. I had the overwhelming urge to call Kimber and see if she was still at our house. What if this guy is trying to get his family back? They haven’t been divorced that long, they have history and a biological child together.

He divorced her because he didn’t want a child and now that he’s decided he does. Does he think he can just walk back into her life and take her back? If so, he is seriously underestimating my love for Kimber and Grayson.

I’m eating lunch at my desk today while I go over the file detective Brown put together last week. Other than spending too much money and partying a lot for a man his age, he’s pretty average.

I flip the folder shut and call Kimber. It rings through to her voicemail and I hang up and try again. I’m about to hang up and call Drake when she answers out of breath.

“Hey, sorry I left my phone downstairs when I went to change Grayson’s diaper.”

I feel like scolding her but that’s not like me, never has been. I’m not about to start acting like a psycho overprotective fiancé. I don’t want her to think I don’t trust her when it’s Caleb I don’t trust.

And then there are my stupid brothers. Who knows what they are up to? I should have Brown find out if they’ve gone back home or if they’re hanging out somewhere nearby.

“It’s okay, how are you? How’s Grayson?”

“Good, we went for a run this morning and he just had a major blowout all up his back. I had to give him an impromptu bath, but other than that things are fine.”

“Gross, I’m glad I’m here.”

She laughs and the stone in my stomach feels a little lighter. Her laugh lights up my world. I can’t live without it. I won’t.

“How about I bring home some steaks and grill tonight to give you a break from cooking?”

“I would love that, I have so much work to do on the plans for Tiana’s house and that’ll free up a couple hours for me this afternoon. As long as this little man sleeps.” I hear Grayson grunting and gurgling in her arms as she talks to him.

“Wait, did you say you went for a run?”

“Yeah, it was great. I bought this awesome jogging stroller, it didn’t even feel like I was pushing it and I think he liked being outdoors.”

“You didn’t run into anyone, did you?”

She’s quiet for a moment. “Like Caleb? No, I didn’t see him anywhere. I’m not sure what he drives but there were no cars parked on or near our street after everyone left for work. I was careful.”

“Maybe you can recruit Tiana or Belle to run with you, so you’re not alone, ya know?”

“That’s not a bad idea. I don’t think Belle could run around the block, though, she’s so small and frail. Tiana seems like she’s athletic, though, I’ll ask her. How’s your day going?”

“It’s alright. It would be better if I were home with you. I can’t stop thinking about you handcuffed to the coffee table last night. We need to schedule a date night at least once a week.”

“Shush, don’t let anyone hear you say that.”

“What? That I want to take my fiancé on a date?”

She lowers her voice, “No, you goof, the part about the coffee table.”

“Oh, you mean the handcuffs?” I say raising my voice. I’m in my office with the door closed and no one can hear me but she doesn’t know that.

“Garcia!” she hisses into the phone. She only calls me Garcia when she’s pissed or embarrassed but I think it’s hot every time she does.”

“You know I love it when you call me by my last name, baby.”

She’s rolling her eyes. I can feel it. “Stop, I won’t be able to look any of those guys in the eyes again.”

“I’m alone in my office, baby, don’t worry. What we do in bed, or on the living room floor, is our business nobody else’s”

“Thank you.” Grayson starts to fuss and cry. I hear her trying to juggle the baby and the phone around while she consoles him.

“I’ll let you go, be home around five or five thirty. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I almost hang up but I hesitate and blurt out, “Kimber?”

She has to bring the phone back to her hear, “Yeah?”

“Lock the doors, okay?”

She pauses for a moment. “Julián, is there something you’re not telling me?”

“No, baby, I would just feel better if you kept the doors locked when I’m at work. When you fall asleep with the baby you’re exhausted. I don’t think you would hear anyone if they came in.”

“Alright,” she says slowly with a hint of suspicion in her voice.

“Thank you, see you in a few hours.”

“See ya, bye.”

Her name disappears from my phone’s screen and that fucking rock in my stomach is back but now it feels like a boulder. I sweep my lunch into the trashcan next to my desk, my appetite suddenly gone.

I fell like I’m being pulled into two directions. I’m needed here to protect and serve my country but I’m also needed at home to keep my fiancé and baby safe.

We need to get this thing with Caleb settled soon. No time like the present. I pick up the phone and ask to have Gunnery Sergeant Johnson sent to my office. It’s time to tie up some loose ends.