She’s your partner—completely offlimits.
“What took you guys so long?” Iasked.
Chad hugged McBee as Myla leaned onto the bar to get into my field of vision to answer. “We wouldn’t have taken so long if the babysitter hadn’t gotten stuck on the train.Sorry.”
I shrugged. “The national anthem hasn’t even started. I think you’regood.”
Karla kissed my cheek. “You’re always the nice one of the group, Sean. Some people think they can throw hissy fits for no reason when someone is five minuteslate.
Myla stuck her tongue out at her kind-of-sister-in-law. “Just because my brother and you have a kid together does not mean you can make me late to watch my boysplay.”
Karla rolled her eyes teasingly. “They’reourboys, My. Don’t forget that Gavin and Brayden play on the sameteam.”
“Have they been like this all day?” I whispered into Jess’sear.
She giggled while nodding. “It’s a big game, so they’re just full of nervousanticipation.”
“I’ll take that as a yes,then.”
Jess put her hand on my knee for just a split second as she replied, “Yeah, they’ve been like this and it’s be quiteentertaining.”
The touch was innocent and fleeting but I missed the feeling the second she moved her hand and continued talking with thegroup.
* * *
There wasa minute left in the third and the Otters were down by one goal. As the clock wound down, Gavin had the puck, unfortunately missing the shot right as the buzzer rang. In unison, we all slammed our fists onto the bar. As fans, we had all been spoiled with win after win. A loss had been bound to happen, but it was stilldisappointing.
Right as Myla was starting in on her rant about the bad calls the referees had made during the game as the post-game show started to air, a few guys at the other bar across the restaurant started yelling at each other. Chad, Jessica, and I all jumped into cop mode as a bottle smashed on the bar top and punches started tofly.
Tomlinson and I grabbed each of the drunken hooligans as McBee called in the brawl. One guy’s eye was busted open pretty badly, and the other was bleeding profusely from his swelling lip. They were both struggling, shouting profanities at each other and us. The overwhelming aroma of vodka emanated from them as I tried to get some straightanswers.
“All right hotshots, care to tell us what this was all about?” Even though the three of us were off duty, the police officer in us never really was. The meaning of “protect and serve” was always pumping through ourveins.
The one I had by his shirt collar spit blood onto the floor at my feet. “Fuck you,” he growled as Jordan handed him a clean towel to help soak up some of the blood gushing out of his eyebrow. “Mind your own damnbusiness.”
McBee got right up in the dude’s face. “Check your attitude pal. I don’t think you know who you’re dealing with rightnow.”
The douche canoe Chad had in almost a headlock tried to wriggle free as he yelled, “Fucking cunt. I’ll kick your damn asstoo.”
“Wrong answer.” I laughed as Gabi walked into the bar. I loved how badass the women in our department were. They were tougher than a lot of the guys, and I had to give them props forit.
Gabi strutted in, hands on her belt. “Everything okay here?” She glanced around at the three of us as we continued to keep the two hotheads apart. She was totally putting on a show, and the entire bar was eating out of the palm of herhand.
“I think you can handle it from here.” I slapped Gabi on the shoulder, getting close enough that only she could hear me. “It was just a drunken fight, no big deal, but that one”—I pointed to the guy with the busted lip—“kind of threatened McBee. Scare him a little, willya?”
“Ha! What an idiot. Consider it done.” We shook hands. “Thanks, guys. See you around thestation.”
Chapter 7
McBee
Kings Plaza was bustlingwith last-minute shoppers as the holiday spirit started to seep into my pores. There was something so magical about the decorations and lights everywhere with people hurrying around in their hats and coats, trying to find that perfect gift for their lovedone.
“Are you and Sean going to be able to make it to our party this weekend?” Myla asked as she eyed a gorgeous gold necklace with a pearl pendant in the window of KayJewelers.
I shook my head before sipping my steaming green tea latte. “We’re working the Marcie Mazzola Foundation charity concert at the Times Square main outdoor stage thatnight.”
Myla frowned as she sighed, leaving the stunning necklace. As she walked a few paces away, I snapped a picture and texted it toGavin.