after the conviction of this terrorist so that the FBI can share the news cycle." Then she offered Bradley her hand. "Good day, gentlemen. Take the afternoon off. You've both earned it." She shook Jason's hand last.
The pair headed back out into the hallway without a word. Bradley looked over once with a smile breaking through his stony facade, but they still didn't talk about it. Not until they were in the elevator and heading downstairs. Then, once they were finally alone, Bradley flopped back against the wall.
"I think you just earned your freedom, Jason."
"I'll believe that when I see it," he replied. "But you? Section Chief? I think you should take it. I'll train up another partner. Who knows, maybe we'll report to you."
"Can't say I'd be opposed to that," Bradley admitted. "I kinda like cleaning up your messes. Keeps my days interesting. And I'm going to make sure you call me 'boss' if that ever happens."
"Sure, boss," Jason told him just as they reached the ground floor. "Now take me home so I can get my woman and go back to my home. Even better, make sure they do not assign me a fucking case between now and my wedding or Zara is going to cut off my balls."
"You pick colors yet?" Bradley asked.
Jason groaned. "I am not allowed to have any say in that, according to her. Riley promises that she will make sure I match, but it's all supposed to be a surprise. And Adam has gifted us with an entire week in the best suite he has. Room service, all the extras, and Murder is handling everything else."
"Nice," Bradley said. "Means you won't go into debt for this."
"I have some crazy-rich friends," Jason admitted just as they reached the truck. He headed to the passenger side and climbed in, still talking. "Did you know that last night, Zara informed me that I would be a reference for Rhaven if she ever decides to adopt? Not asked. She told me."
"Well, tell Rhaven she can use me too," Bradley assured him. "So, even if you aren't a fed, I will be."
"Is this it, then?" Jason asked. "When they talk about happily ever after, is this what they mean?"
"There's no such thing," Bradley assured him. "You think you're there, and then that adorable little baby learns to talk, and you realize you're in a whole different hell. I'm glad I only had one."
"Two," Jason said. "That's what Zara wants. I'm just hoping for girls. Not sure I wouldn't make a mess of a boy."
"On the upside, means a lot of 'trying,' right?" Bradley flashed him a grin as he pulled the truck out of the parking garage and onto the New York streets. "Word of advice, Jason. When she tells you she's pregnant, make a fuss. Don't worry first or she'll be crushed. When she's pregnant, make sure she knows she's still the most beautiful thing in your world. And when the kids arrive, kiss your sex life and sleep goodbye. It's not a fairy tale, but it's so worth it. There's nothing as amazing as seeing your woman holding your child. After that, nothing else will fucking matter."
Jason glanced out the window and just smiled. "We're already trying, you know."
"Really?"
"Yeah." Jason shrugged. "I'm a lot older than her, and I'd like to be able to play with them. I've been shot in the shoulder, arm, side, legs. I'm gonna slow down one day, and I don't want to wish I'd been able to throw the ball for my little girl or whatever. We talked about it, and yeah, we're trying."
"Then we really need to get you home soon," Bradley said. "A little girl, huh? You know that means you're getting nothing but boys, right?"
"Did you want a girl?" Jason asked.
"Shit," Bradley said. "I wanted one to make it to term. Just one. I got him, and I'm perfectly happy with that. And if you two have problems, let me know. I have the name of a damned good fertility doctor. You can't afford her, but I think your friends could."
"Never knew that, Brad," Jason admitted.
"Figure I've got nothing to hide from my partner," Brad told him. "Because he's not hiding anything from me anymore."
"No, sir, I'm not," Jason agreed.
Chapter 27
A week later, the grand jury decided to go forward with the case against Arturo Ganza. For Jason, that was seven days of waiting - with nothing at all to keep him distracted. He had no more people