Out to Protect (7 page)

“I don’t see anyone.” Parker turned and buckled his seat belt.

“Well, he was there. Just standing there looking directly at the car. He gave me the creeps.”

Parker placed a reassuring hand on Grant’s arm again. “It’ll be okay. I’m not going to let him hurt you. I have your back.”

How did he manage to do that? One minute Parker seemed so guarded, the next so comforting.

“I appreciate it, Parker. If Ralph is the killer, we’re dealing with the worst type of killer. He knows the ins and outs of the detective work.” They really were dealing with the extremes—the worst-case scenario.

Parker moved his hand up and down Grant’s forearm. “He’s not going to get to you. I know you look at me like a rookie, but I have expertise. I can protect and serve you and the citizens of Bristol.”

Grant laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Parker pulled away as if his skin had been singed.

“Nothing. There’s nothing funny about this situation. I just think you’re being a bit naive if you think you can protect me or yourself from someone as skilled as Ralph. He’s been around a long time. He’s averted danger on many occasions. Do you know he’s never been shot?”

“Impressive, but not infallible. Just because he’s managed to outrun a few bullets doesn’t make him Superman. He could be hit by a train tomorrow. He’s not a superhero.”

At one time, he had been in Grant’s eyes. But Parker was right—anything could happen. It didn’t ease Grant’s fears. If Ralph wanted him dead, Grant would likely turn up dead.

His body shook. Damn, it was going to be a long day.

PARKER SILENTLY CURSED. They weren’t in a good situation no matter how he assessed it. If Ralph wanted Grant dead, it meant Parker putting his life on the line for his partner. He knew there’d be a day when he’d have to risk his own life for someone else; he just didn’t expect it to be so soon.

“Keep a look out for Ralph, please. I don’t want him sneaking up on us. We’re supposed to be following him, not the other way around.”

“Right.” Parker studied the side mirror, trying to determine if they were being tailed. He didn’t see anything suspicious. Grant was likely being paranoid. He could see the stress written all over his face. That’s why Parker had reached out to him. The
only
reason he’d shown any sign of comfort toward his partner. What the fuck was he thinking touching Grant in such an intimate way? He had to keep his distance. Yes, he’d do everything in his power to protect Grant, but when it came to being overly friendly, he had to tone it down a notch. He couldn’t risk being outed as the homosexual he was.

“I don’t see anything, Grant.” He didn’t, but he knew better than to believe there wasn’t the chance they were being tailed. Ralph was smart and a killer. A deadly combination.

“How do you do it?”

Parker spun around so he faced Grant. “Do what?”

“Be super-supportive one minute and cold as ice another?”

Parker didn’t want to explain his actions to Grant. He didn’t want to explain anything to anyone. He’d been supportive because he couldn’t help himself. Grant made Parker want to be protective. He was attracted to Grant. Parker longed to feel Grant’s lips on his again. Parker wanted to touch him all over. Parker craved Grant so bad he could taste it. Only he couldn’t let his feelings rule his head. One little distraction, and they could both end up dead. One little slip, and he could be sitting in Grant’s shoes. Parker didn’t want the department looking at him like he was some kind of freak.

“I don’t want to see you stress over this. I understand the enormity of the situation, but stressing over it won’t change the facts. We have to stake out your former partner. We need to have a clear mind. If you’re constantly worrying about Ralph, it will distract you when you need to be on your game. I’m here for you.” Parker shrugged. He didn’t know what else to tell him. It was his job to protect, and that included Grant. He wouldn’t admit that he wanted to protect him for other reasons. No, Parker planned to keep his growing feelings for Grant a deep secret.

Chapter Five

Grant didn’t feel comfortable returning to his apartment. He didn’t know if Ralph would be waiting for him, lurking in the stairwell or even in his apartment. The chief would blow a gasket if he learned Grant left Parker to stake out Ralph’s place alone.

Parker had insisted. He felt it would be a quiet night. If Ralph suspected they were on to him, he wouldn’t be out killing anyone. Grant had agreed. He felt Ralph would wait a week or two and let the heat die down, unless he was looking for Grant. Then he figured all bets were off.

He neared the local pizza place where he planned to pick up a pie, stop in for clothes at his apartment, and head to a local hotel when his phone buzzed.

“Yeah.”

“Ralph’s on the move.”

“Shit.”

“Where are you?” Grant pulled over to the side of the road to talk.

“He hasn’t pulled away from the curb yet. He’s just sitting in his car. I don’t want to get too close, but I wish I could see what he’s doing.”

Grant’s phone beeped, alerting him to an incoming call on his other line.

“Hold on, Parker. I got a call on the other line.”

“Matteson here.”

“Watch your back, faggot.”

“Ralph? Is this you, Ralph?” Fear rocked him to the core.

The phone beeped. Ralph had hung up.

He pressed the Talk button and switched back to Parker.

“Hey, that was Ralph again warning me to watch my back.”

“Damn, he must be calling from his car. Wait, I see taillights. He’s on the move.”

“What direction?” Sickness filled Grant. He didn’t want Ralph to be guilty. He didn’t want to have to arrest his friend. He didn’t care that Ralph regarded him as an enemy now; Grant still cared about him. Yes, he still feared Ralph. Given the two phone calls he’d received, he had every right to be frightened. Yet, until Ralph was proven guilty, he wanted to believe the best about him.

“Stay put, Grant. I’ll keep you posted. Once he stops, I’ll give you a location so you can meet up with me.”

Fine by Grant. As much as he wanted to catch the killer, if it were Ralph, Grant preferred to remember his friend as a hero, someone who saved lives, not ended them.

“Are you sure?” Grant held his breath, waiting for Parker to change his mind.

“Yes. I’ll get back to you shortly.” Parker ended the call.

Grant sat in his car outside the pizza place. He wouldn’t be eating now. His appetite fled once he learned Ralph was on the move. He rested his head against the side window. Where did everything go wrong? How had things come to this? He knew he wasn’t to blame for the killings, but shit if he didn’t feel partially responsible. They seemed to come out the same day he told Ralph, and that was the day the killer took the life of a male prostitute. It seemed there had to be a connection to Grant coming out. It was the only thing that made sense.

As much as he wanted to believe Ralph was innocent, there were the phone calls. They basically pointed a guilty finger at him.

“Fuck.” How much more could go wrong?

A car honking caught his attention. He looked up and realized it was directed to another driver. Unable to wait any longer, Grant grabbed his phone and dialed Parker.

“Hello.”

“Where are you?”

“You really want to know?”

“Of course; why the fuck do you think I asked?” What was wrong with Parker? Had he lost his mind?

“He’s headed in the direction of your house.”

Grant’s lungs constricted. He couldn’t breathe. Ralph was headed in his direction. What did that mean? Was his life in danger?

“Are you certain?” He knew the answer, but hoped it wasn’t true.

“I’m certain. Stay out of sight. I can’t protect you if I’m not there yet.”

Grant wanted to laugh. Parker acted like Grant wasn’t capable of protecting himself from Ralph.

“Have you forgotten how long I’ve been a cop? I can handle Ralph if I need to. Besides, we’re not certain he’s coming after me.”

Grant watched the street, looking for signs of Ralph’s car. Shit, the chief would be extra pissed at Grant once he found out he and Parker had separated. Grant would need to be honest and let the chief know it wasn’t Parker’s idea; he’d take all the blame for this one. He couldn’t allow his new partner to get in trouble for Grant’s actions.

“I’m not saying you can’t handle Ralph. It’s just that we’re better as a team than alone.”

Grant wondered if his comment had more meaning to it than just protecting him from Ralph. Pumped up from a possible encounter with Ralph, Grant felt the adrenaline flowing through his veins. The idea that Parker may feel something for Grant added to his blood flow.

He didn’t have much time to contemplate Parker’s feelings, because Ralph drove by him.

“He just passed me.” Grant pressed the Off button and turned his car around to follow Ralph. As predicted Ralph pulled up in front of Grant’s house. He turned off his car and got out. Ralph didn’t look around to see if anyone was following him. He didn’t appear to have any weapons on him, but that didn’t mean anything. If he was using a syringe filled with antifreeze, Ralph could easily hide that in his pockets.

Ralph entered the front door to Grant’s apartment building.

“Shit, he’s here to kill me.” Grant parked his car and jumped out to follow Ralph.

Once inside the doors he found Ralph waiting for the elevator.

“What are you doing here, Ralph?” Grant asked. He didn’t want to take his eyes off Ralph, but he wanted to see if they were in the camera’s view.

“We need to talk, Grant.”

“Freeze,” Parker said, coming up behind Grant.

Grant turned to see Parker standing there with his gun pointed toward Ralph.

“What is wrong with you?” Grant asked through clenched teeth. “Is it really necessary to barge in here with your guns blazing?”

Parker dropped his gun and apologized. “Sorry.”

“Not good, Parker.”

The two bickered for a few seconds. Fed up, Grant turned his attention to Ralph. Much to his surprise he was gone. Vanished. Disappeared without a sound.

“Just great, Parker. Now he’s gone. Fucking gone.”

“Sorry. I had to be sure he knew you weren’t alone. He needed to know you had protection.”

“Stop talking about protection. I’m not some green kid off the street. I’ve been a cop for a long time. I can handle myself.” Grant stomped off into the night. He wouldn’t go back to his apartment now. He needed to know what Ralph felt they had to talk about.

Ralph didn’t look like someone who had murder on his mind. He looked—what was the word he was looking for? Ralph appeared almost concerned.

“I’m sorry, Grant.” Parker appeared beside him. “I didn’t mean to make you feel inadequate. I thought you were worried about Ralph killing you. I only wanted you to feel secure.” Parker did it again. He reached out a reassuring hand to Grant. When his skin touched Grant’s arm, he felt the flames flickering, even though there was a layer of clothing between Parker’s hand and his arm. Heat radiated over his body, straight to his groin.

The intensity of the heat had him groaning.

“It’s all right, Parker.” Grant moved away from his touch, afraid of what he’d do if the heat increased. If it raised another notch, Grant would pull Parker in for one helluva kiss, and with Ralph lurking around somewhere, it was the last thing either of them needed.

“We need to find Ralph. Should we take my car or yours?”

Grant shook his head as he bit the inside of his cheek, fighting the urge to throw caution to the wind and invite Parker up for a quickie. Their lives were in danger, and Grant couldn’t get sex off his mind.

PARKER WAITED WHILE Grant battled some internal demons. He could see the struggle written in his expressions. Grant’s nose flared one minute and then eased another. Whatever was bothering him had nothing to do with Ralph. Parker couldn’t help but wonder if Grant felt the electricity between them. He’d felt it the moment he connected with Grant. His cock had sprung to life. Fuck if this wasn’t a difficult situation to be in. He wanted Grant, but he had to hide his identity, or should he say sexuality. They were chasing a possible serial killer. There wasn’t time for sex or thoughts of feeling Grant’s cock in his hand. No, Parker had to clear his mind and focus on catching a killer.

“We’ll take your car, Parker. I don’t feel like driving.”

Parker wanted to drive, but not the car. He wanted to drive his aching cock into Grant’s ass. He wanted to feel Grant’s anus tightening around his dick, clenching and eventually milking him of all he had.

“Parker!”

“Right, I’m driving. Let’s go.” Parker silently cursed as he walked to the car. He had to get rid of these thoughts consuming his mind. They’d both be in danger if he didn’t.

“He couldn’t have gotten far on foot,” Grant said, climbing into the passenger’s seat.

Parker agreed. What bothered him the most was where he took off to.

“Why aren’t we checking the building?”

“Do you honestly think he’s going to stick around the building, Parker? He likely took off out the back door and is long gone. Now instead of arguing with me about what we should be doing, let’s drive around and see if we can’t find him.”

“You’re the boss.”

Grant mumbled something under his breath, but Parker decided it best to ignore him. Grant was obviously in a mood, and anything Parker said would only fuel the fire.

“Hey, what do you make of Ralph being without Stanley?”

“I hadn’t thought about it. Come to think of it, they should be together. Good point, Parker.”

“Odd.” Parker left it at that. He didn’t know what else to say.

They drove around in silence, except for the occasional direction from Grant. Parker’s hard-on tempered down as he followed Grant’s orders. They drove around aimlessly with no trace of Ralph. When they decided to head back to the apartment to search the building, they were both shocked to find Ralph’s car gone.

“How the hell had that happened?” Grant asked.

“Because you decided we shouldn’t bother checking the building,” Parker spat. If Grant had listened to them, Ralph might not have given them the slip. In that moment Parker wondered if he could trust Grant. Had Grant insisted they drive around to allow Ralph time to get away? Parker didn’t like the thoughts clouding his mind, but he had to be aware of every possibility. If Grant was giving Ralph enough time to escape, then he was just as guilty.