Chapter 8
Brice pulled the SUV up to the old, beat up trailer. It was seven at night and a domestic disturbance call had come in. The trailer was beige in color, mostly from rust, the paint having long be eaten away. On the front steps sat a shirtless man, perhaps in his early thirties, drinking a beer.
Keeping his eye on him, Brice stepped out of the SUV, taking a quick look again at his surroundings. There were no other homes and just two cars, both empty. Wondering where the woman was, he approached the trailer slowly, his hand ready to go to his sidearm if things should go wrong.
“Evening. We had a call come through. It seems like you two have been arguing?”
The guy took a drink from his beer, then crunching the can, threw it to the side. Snorting, he stood up, his hand reaching for the railing to steady himself.
“Cindy called. But she is alright now, just needed a little talkin’ to, if you know what I mean,” the guy said with a grin. The man was bigger than Brice suspected, his physique strong. If this came down to a wrestling match, it would be close.
“Let me speak to her for just a minute, then I will be on my way.”
“No need.”
Brice stopped about five feet from the man. “I’m afraid there is a need. So, where is she at?”
“I said no need!” the man said, his voice rising.
“I’m going to need you to put your hands behind your back,” Brice said, his heart racing.
The man shook his head, his face reddening. “Fucking asshole,” he said turning around.
Brice grabbed his handcuffs, trying to control his fear as he put them on the man. It was the first time he had detained someone and he was thankful that the man didn't resist.
“Why am I under arrest?”
“You’re not. You’re just being detained. Now, what’s your name?”
“Johnnie Masters,” the guy spat.
The name sounded familiar, but Brice couldn't place it. “You live here as well?”
“No, Cindy does.”
“Is she inside?”
“Yeah.”
“Alright, partner, I’m going to check on her, then I will be on my way. Hang tight here for me, alright?”
The man shook his head, swear words by the dozen coming out as Brice moved past him and opened the screen door.
“Sheriff’s Department. I’m coming in,” Brice said, his hand on his holster. Hearing a choked sob, he turned towards a small kitchen where a woman stood with a bag of ice on her cheek. She appeared to be around thirty with long blond hair that needed a good brushing.
“Evening. You must be Cindy,” Brice said as he tried to keep his voice conversational.
The woman nodded as Brice approached her.
“Do me a favor, please. Can you move that ice pack for me?”
Slowly, her hand came down, revealing a bright yellow bruise that was forming under her eye.
“Did he do that to you?” Brice asked.
Though her head shook no, her eyes were so full of fear he knew the truth. Seeing her hurt like this made him angry. Bullies and cowards did this to people, especially women and quiet guys like himself.
“Don't tell him shit, Cindy,” Johnnie yelled out.
Brice turned around, scolding himself inwardly for not having Johnnie wait near the SUV.
“Do not interfere with my investigation again or I will have you arrested,” Brice said, his finger pointed at the drunken man who stood peering through the screen door. Turning back to Cindy, he lowered his voice.
“Ma’am, no one deserves to be hit.”
She started crying again. “He didn't, I been drinking and fell down the steps.”
Brice nodded, knowing the classic line that abuse victims used. Looking at the woman, he could tell she would stick by this guy no matter what. Part of his training on domestic abuse covered this, and it broke his heart seeing it in real life.
“Alright. Well, because you’re both drunk and arguing, I have to take one of you away. And since this is your home, I'll be taking him back to his. If you need us again, just call.”
Cindy nodded, and heading back outside, Brice began to explain the situation. Then in the middle of talking, the man spit on his uniform. Brice felt his temper flare, and grabbing Johnnie by the shoulders, he led the man to the SUV, the whole time being cussed out. Once Brice had him in the backseat, he jumped in the front, started the car, and let out a deep breath.
“Harry is a friend of mine. Your charges won’t stick at all,” Johnnie spat, his words slurred.
“Sure, buddy, whatever you say.”
***
The next morning, Brice was up at eight and in town right at ten. Having dropped Johnnie off last night at the station, he was glad to put that piece of shit in jail. His heart went out to Cindy, hoping one day the woman would come to her senses.
Brice walked along main street, giving a few friendly nods and waves. It was getting closer to August, and then before he knew it, it would be fall. The sun was out and the sky was blue, and Brice was heading towards Second Chances to do a surprise visit on Logan. Even thinking about the man had Brice's heartbeat increasing. His good looks, his smile, the broad chest and thick arms, all so tempting. Then there was his cocky smile, and judging by the bulge in the jeans, it was obvious why Logan had that smile. But Brice was a cop, and Logan was a convicted felon, a pairing that no department in the USA would stand for.
Plus Brice was scared. He had only had one boyfriend, a guy back in college, who had used Brice in every which way possible, leaving him not only single but heartbroken. Brice had fallen in love with the man, only to have his heart torn apart. And even if Logan finished his parole, and Brice wasn't a cop, he wasn't sure he would risk going down that same road again.
“Why are you even thinking about him that way?” he whispered out loud to himself. Giving a wave to Janet as he passed by the hair salon, he continued his thought process. It wasn't just Logan’s good looks, it was the way the man had stood up for his sister, willing to take the fall if need be in her place. That was an honor and a love so strong that was so rare nowadays.
Stopping in front of Second Chances, Brice smiled. What a fitting name, he thought. Brice could use a second chance in love, and based on his observations of Logan, he needed one in life. He opened the door and stepped in and immediately saw Logan walking towards a clothing rack, boxes in hand.
Brice bit his lip, looking at the bicep that bulged out, the strong hands with fingers stretched out holding the two boxes. He hoped his face wasn't as red as it felt, thinking how those hands would feel wrapped around him. Perhaps lifting Brice up and holding him against a wall. His lips on Brice’s neck, then his chest, while Brice reached down and wrapped his hand around his dick.
Shaking the thoughts from his head, he walked over to Logan and watched him squat down to set the boxes on the floor. The jeans pulling tight, muscles and the great ass tight against the denim.
“Brice? I’m surprised to see you here,” Logan said, standing up and extending his hand.
Brice shrugged. “Surprise visit. It’s part of the job,” he replied, accepting the offered hand. With a firm handshake, they both looked into each other’s eyes, then the hand was gone, loneliness coming over Brice.
“Well, do you need to inspect anything in particular?” Logan asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. Brice reached out to a rack to keep himself from falling over from the lack of breath. The biceps, forearms, chest, bulge were all so big. How he would like to inspect them all himself.
“Oh, no,” Brice said, then cleared his throat, his voice almost squeaking. “I just needed to make sure you were here is all.”
Logan nodded, a warm smile on his face. “I am. Come on, let me show you around the store.”
Brice nodded and then a female voice called out for Logan. Brice turned and saw Maddy walk up. Her smiled faltered when she saw Brice, and then a scowl replaced it completely.
“Maddy, this is my parole officer, Brice,” Logan said.
“Nice to meet you, Ma’am,” Brice said, extending his hand.
Maddy looked at it, then looked over at Logan. “When you’re done with the clothes here, would you mind grabbing the boxes off shelf five? I can’t reach them, and that wooden ladder is not stable.”
Logan nodded. “You bet.”
Without another look at Brice, Maddy walked over to the counter.
Brice followed Logan, who gave him a quick tour of the front and then led him to the back area.
“There’s a small office, well, Maddy's office. She lets me eat lunch here at least,” Logan said with a small laugh.
Brice smiled as he followed him into a larger room where the back wall was lined with industrial shelving. “I have to hand it to her. This is a well-kept-up store, clean, organized, so much unlike my life,” he said, with a laugh.
Logan joined in. “You’re telling me. Sorry, let me grab that box,” he said, motioning to the shelf behind where Brice was standing.
“Oh, let me get it,” Brice said. The box was already hanging off the edge, and he pulled it off the shelf, the weight of it far heavier than he thought. “Crap,” he uttered, afraid the box was going to fall and that he would make a fool of himself.
Then hands were on his shoulders, moving quickly up his arms, and the bulge pushed into his ass. Biting down on his lip, Brice closed his eyes when lips were whispering dangerously close to his ear.
“I got you.”
Brice glanced up. The strong arms took the box, then the bugle that was nestled against his cheeks were gone, as was the body pushed against him. It had seemed to last for hours, but in reality, it had been no more than just a few seconds.
“Why she has heavy boxes on top…” Logan mumbled, taking the box and placing it on the table.
Brice followed him over to the table, hoping his face was not as red as it felt. “Thanks,” he said, his voice hoarse as Logan stepped back.
Logan turned around, his arms once again crossed over his chest. Was this guy flaunting on purpose for Brice, or did he just naturally look sexy every day? “No problem. I appreciate the help.”
Brice smiled, not sure what to say. The way Logan stood there with that cocky smile on his face wasn't helping the situation. They both turned when they heard Logan’s sister’s voice, apparently talking to a customer. Having regained his composure, Brice turned back to Logan.
“Your sister doesn't like me, does she?”
Logan nodded. “She doesn't like cops in general after what happened to her, and I don't blame her.”
Brice shook his head. “What do you mean?”
“It doesn't matter. Look, I don't like your type either to be honest. And I’m not saying this because you hold the key to my freedom for the next five months, but you’re the exception to the rule around here. I don't think you’re dirty, you’re the type that would pass on bribes.”
“Well, maybe I would take a bribe. You don’t know that,” Brice said, not knowing why he said it. It would be the last thing he would do, but for some reason he felt like he needed to show Logan that he was tough as well.
Logan smiled, a shake to his head. “Anything is possible, I guess. But you’re a man with integrity. I admire that.”
“I appreciate it,” Brice said, crossing his arms over his chest. Though his arms were not as big as Logan's, they were by no means skinny. A smile crossed his face as he watched Logan's eyes light up. “My parents instilled good values in me. And you’re right, I don't take bribes or look the other way.”
Logan smiled. Then they both turned seeing Maddy at the doorway.
“Logan, I need you to load a cabinet for a customer up front, please,” she said, then walked away.
“Guess that’s my cue to leave,” Brice said, though he wanted to stay here all day.
“I guess so. I'll see you Monday, then?”
“Noon. I'll be there.” Brice said as they walked back up front. Then his heart jumped, his breath stuck in his throat, hearing the barely audible whisper.
“I can’t wait.”