“Rich thinks highly of you,” is all I say.
Boyd rises, coming to stand in front of us, and keeps his eyes locked with mine. “We have rules, regulations, and protocols in this department. You understand?”
“I know all about living a strict code.”
“That’s why I’m not kicking your asses to parking patrol for the next year.”
“Appreciate it.”
His lips twitch, and he breaks our stare, shaking his head in amusement. “Fucking ex-special forces, badass fighters, awards of excellence. Right here on my team.”
The guys shift uncomfortably as he summarizes us.
“Your files are locked tight. I didn’t understand why there was so much pressure to push you through the academy at rapid speed. I have gone rounds with my team about who would work with y’all because of the rumors swirling of special treatment.”
“We didn’t think it was necessary to tell our life history.”
“Not my place to do so, but I see things in a whole new light. You men want SWAT, I won’t stop you. But I’m also not softening the expectations.”
“No need.”
“A word of advice. Keep your intentions under wraps. It won’t make you popular amongst your peers if they think you aren’t committed to the department.”
“Advice appreciated, but we’re not here to be popular.”
He moves his gaze toward us again. “I didn’t think so, but remember who’s in charge.”
“Of course.” I jerk my chin and turn to leave, the others doing the same.
“One more thing,” he calls out, and my heart sinks at the sound of his tone. I can guess what’s coming.
I glance over my shoulder, waiting.
“Rich and I have worked together for a long time. Even though I didn’t know you, I was around years ago when all that went down with your dad. He took it personally that they involved you in the mess. Glad to know it’s worked out for the best.”
I dip my head and walk out. It goes without explanation I owe Rich more than I can ever repay. What no one knows, except the three men at my side, is that Rich shaped my life.
But it was his daughter who was the driving force. Harley Jacobs… my Harley.
Everything I’ve done, everything I’ve accomplished… everything that has gone well in my life up to this point… it has all been for her.
And hopefully soon… for us.
“We’ve got company,” Talon announces, strolling into the room with another round. “Security cameras show a grey SUV.”
We all know who the vehicle belongs to. He’s laying it out to gauge my reaction. I’ve been in a shit-fucking mood since we came home and, besides the occasional comment on the game, no one has spoken directly to me.
“Guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” I pop the cap off a cold beer and straighten from my lounging position.
“Want privacy?” Talon asks.
“No need. My guess is he isn’t alone.”
There’s a quick rap at the door before Ford answers. My guess was right. Amanda is standing next to Rich with her motherly smile bright.
I stand and wait my turn to greet them. There are a lot of muffled voices as Amanda doles out congratulatory hugs and Rich gives strong-armed handshakes.
When they get to me, Amanda’s eyes pool with tears. “God, Ace! I am proud of you!” she gushes, throwing herself in my arms. She’s said this many times over the years, but today is different.
“Thanks, Amanda.” This is the first time I’ve seen her in months. A twinge of guilt creeps in, knowing I should have attempted to visit, but my focus was on other things. “It’s good to see you, but you could have called instead of driving all the way out here.”
“I wasn’t giving you a chance to come up with an excuse. It was time I saw you face to face.” I’m aware they were at the graduation a few weeks ago, but we ducked out immediately after the commissioner finished speaking. It was a dick thing to do, but there was a good reason.
Rich has been a member of the Nashville Police Department for over thirty years. The last fifteen as a detective. He exchanges a look with Amanda that tells me all I need to know. This is more than a social drop-in.
“We came to talk,” Rich confirms my suspicions.
“We sure as hell did!” Amanda raises her face, eyes now on fire. “I should strangle all of you!”
She twists her head to the other guys, who shrink back like scolded boys.
“It’s my fault.” I take the blame, knowing it’s useless. She’s gearing up for lecture mode.
“It’s all your faults. Graduation was an important day—why weren’t any of your parents there?”
“It was a formality, and we made it low-key,” I explain. “We’re having a celebratory weekend soon.”
This is the truth. Talon, Ford, and Major’s families are visiting in a few weeks.
“Well, that’s fine, but what about Pete and Sandy?” Amanda pushes.