Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,42
office, arms crossed, an amused look radiating from his eyes. “Are you going to tell me who she is now?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“I’d rather not discuss my private life at work.”
“Over beers tonight?”
“Nope.”
My phone chimed with an incoming text. I flinched and resisted grabbing it, knowing it was likely a text from Tomi.
John caught the action and pointed at me. “Lover calling?”
I glared at my second in command, but John just chuckled. “All right. All right. I can take a hint.” He went to walk away but flipped back around. “However, if you want to fool people, you oughta wipe that love-sick grin off your face. It’s telling. I’m not an idiot, and I’ve known you long enough to know you got some last night, and it was goooood.”
“Get outta here and get to work.” But he was right, and I couldn’t banish the smile if I wanted to.
When John didn’t immediately move, I glanced up. The moment I caught his eye, we both laughed. He shook his head and returned to his office, calling over his shoulder, “I’m happy for you, big guy. It’s about bloody time. Now answer your text. I’ll be in my office.”
The minute John was gone, I tugged my phone out and checked the text Tomi had sent.
Tomi: The sheets smell like you. I might still be in bed when you get back.
I groaned, wishing I was there with him.
Ignoring the seed of worry that this whole ordeal with Tomi was ten seconds from being exposed, I set to work, writing my report about Felix and the incident from the day before. My two-finger typing slowed me down. Once I’d completed it and reread it, an idea hit me. I decided it wasn’t unusual to check up on the kid to ensure he was doing all right and his injuries were healing.
With a reduced weekend staff, John was manning the desk while catching up on in-office work. Another constable was out patrolling and responding to calls. We had another officer on call if necessary, and usually, I remained available as well.
I poked my head into John’s office before heading out. “I’m going to pop over to the Sauvage residence and see how Felix is doing. Can you do me a favor when you get a chance?”
“Sure thing. What’s up?”
“Call Matt and see if he’s had a chance to look through his yearbook. I’d rather not wait until Monday, if at all possible.”
“Will do.”
“If he figures out who this Grant kid is, let me know. I’ll be back shortly.”
“No rush. It’s quiet so far.” John rapped his knuckles on his desk, his way of hoping it stayed that way.
I drove to the address we had on file for Felix Sauvage. His family lived in a brick, three-level back split in the new subdivision at the west end of town. I’d learned his father was an insurance broker, and his mother had a managerial position at the post office. Felix was the oldest of two children. His sister, Penny, was twelve and attended Jasper Elementary still.
I parked my cruiser on the side of the road and double-checked I had the correct address before ringing the bell. The sound of a lawnmower drifted from the backyard, and a dog barked from the window of the neighboring house. Thumping bass from someone’s loud music hung in the air. I thought it resonated from somewhere down the street.
When the door opened, it was pre-adolescent Penny who greeted me. Her eyes were a pale blue, and they widened. She stepped back, putting distance between us.
“Good morning. Is your mom or dad around?”
She didn’t say hello. Instead, she turned and yelled into the house. “Dad, the police are here. Are they going to arrest Felix now?”
I would have explained I wasn’t there to arrest anyone, except Cleveland Sauvage appeared from around a corner, a deep frown on his face. When he saw me at the door, his lips flattened into a straight line before he shooed his daughter away. He was the same stern-edged man I’d met at the hospital the day before.
“What can I do for you, Chief?”
“I’m just doing a courtesy call. Checking up on Felix and making sure no new injuries have made themselves known. Is he around?”
“Felix is fine. A good ass-kicking won’t hurt the kid. Maybe it’ll teach him a lesson.”
“Is he around?” I asked again, making my voice firmer and less like I was asking.