Page 18 of The Attercop

Declan sipped his beer and watched. Nothing had been simple between him and his dad. He remembered the battles they’d had when he was a teen. Declan wondered how much of their conflict may have originated on his side.

But looking at Sam today, his father did seem to have changed. He was much more relaxed. Declan wasn’t sure if it was Gwen that had brought about the change, or maybe it was Sam’s age and the healing effect of passing time. Whatever the cause, seeing his father and boyfriend sitting together, laughing, gave Declan some hope that there was still time to repairtheirrelationship.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Good to see you here, Declan,” Sawchuck said before turning to Sam and yelling, “God, you old war horse, are you still here?”

“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything,” Declan said.

“I call bullshit. I bet Gwen and Charlie had to drag you here.”

Declan shrugged.

“Well, whatever brought you here, I’m glad you came. Believe it or not, your old man’s proud of you and what you’ve done with your life, and not just for the fact that you got off the force in one piece.” Gary winked and headed off to an empty chair near Sam.

Declan was about to join them when he saw one of the reasons he hadn’t wanted to come today. Sergeant Gerry McKeckran had walked in. Declan wasn’t surprised, after all, McKeckran wasn’t the type to miss an occasion that involved free beer and food. Declan could actually see him lick his lips. McKeckran made hisway to the table of food, filled up a plate, then sidled over to where Declan was standing.

“I’m surprised that you had the guts to come here.”

“And why is that, Sergeant McKeckran?” Declan asked.

McKeckran got right up into his face. “Because girls like you are a disgrace to the force and all those who died wearing the uniform.”

Declan could feel the spray of McKeckran’s saliva on his chin.

“I was invited here by my father. You wouldn’t want me to let him down, would you?” Declan kept his volume low. The last thing he wanted to do was spoil this day for Sam and Gwen.

“You let him down the second you were born!” McKeckran raised his voice. “Fags aren’t welcome here at The Precinct.” He finished the sentence by jabbing his finger into Declan’s chest.

Declan was weighing his options when he sensed a presence behind him.

“Funny, I don’t remember putting you on the guest list,” Sam said. “So maybe you’ll do us all a favour and get out.” Sam turned to the rest of the room and said in a loud voice, “And if any of you aren’t comfortable with my son being here, you can join McKeckran.”

A silence fell over the room.

There was some grumbling as McKeckran stormed out, taking his plate of food with him. A couple of others slid their chairs back and took their beers into the front room.

Gwen came up to Sam and took his hand. He looked down at her. “I’m the one who’s retiring. I can say whatever I want to.” He turned to Declan. “Never liked him. Bad cop. You’re worth a dozen of that guy.”

“I shouldn’t have come,” Declan replied.

“Maybe not,” Sam said, “but I’m glad you did. Now, let’s sit down and have a drink.”

Chapter Ten

The Attercop returned from the gym and tossed his bag in the corner just inside his condo front door. His muscles were pumped. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. He looked at himself in the mirror and was pleased with his progress. He had to keep himself in shape, not that he was going for bulk, just toned strength. The Attercop had no interest in gaining the bulky mass of Declan Hunt. He thought of himself as a lean and hungry predator—swift and deadly.

He went to the front door closet and retrieved yesterday’s souvenir from his coat pocket. The Attercop slid the twenty-dollar bill that Declan had given him between his fingers, then gave it a sniff. His heart raced. He could swear he could catch a whiff of Declan’s ass. He bet that Charlie parked his nose between those cheeks every chance he got. And who could blame him? The Attercop would certainly do it, once he had the chance.

His thoughts drifted back to Friday night at Bar-None. His disguise had been perfect. He’d been right there with the two of them, rubbing up against them as he’d passed behind, and they’d had no clue. Even when he had mopped the drink off Charlie. The only thing that had been standing between him and the little geek’s slim frame was a thin bit of cloth.I should have spilled it on Declan, he thought. He imagined what it would have felt like to run his hands over Declan’s muscular shoulders. He let out a childish giggle at the thought.

The Attercop was aroused. It was time to spend a little time with Declan in a more intimate way.

He got up and stripped off his gym clothes, only leaving on his jockstrap. He fixed himself a strong cup of coffee. It was too early for vodka, and he wanted to be fully present for what he was about to do. The Attercop sat down on the couch, opened his computer and pulled up Declan Hunt’s audio sessions with his therapist. He located a random, unheard file and hit ‘play’.

“So, today let’s talk more about Charlie,” the voice of Michael Colton said.

The Attercop took a sip of his triple espresso. Declan’s silence filled the room.