Steele watched fierce green eyes follow him. God’s form was good, similar to his own. God threw out a couple test punches before striking out with a powerful combination that resulted in a hit grazing Steele’s left jaw. Full-on impact would’ve hurt like hell. He’d have to be fast to dodge the blows. If God got more than a few good hits to his face, he’d be dazed. Steele was never one to go down easy; he ducked God’s right and dipped, catching him twice in the ribs on the left. God stepped back and frowned, immediately dropping his elbows to protect them. Steele moved in the other direction in an attempt to confuse God and come in at another angle. With God’s height, he’d assume Steele wouldn’t go for his face, but he was going to fool him there as well.
Steele took a step in and danced back before he made his next move. Swooping in quick, he threw a right to God’s side and caught him with an uppercut, but not before God clipped his chin when he tried to get back out of his reach. His lieutenant was smart, he’d give him that. He’d already figured out Steele’s strategy of sneaking inside then quickly getting out. A few yells came from the sides, including a few encouraging him. Steele kept his eyes locked on his target. He was charged and ready, now. Let’s dance, God.
Tech
Tech swiveled back and forth in his chair, waiting for his program to finish running a diagnostic check on his inventory system. For some reason, he kept getting duplicate orders. While he waited, he listened to Michaels on Ruxs’ speakerphone, talking about the trout he’d caught while fishing with his partner, Judge, in Virginia. He’d had a two-month leave planned to travel with Judge, to connect with some of his deceased father’s relatives. He put in the request seven months ago and left right after the shootout with Artist. He was scheduled to come back next month. But on this team, you took a vacation with the understanding that it could end any time God, Day, or Syn said. Being on call was a requirement. Even if you were out of the country, you’d better figure out a way to answer the call.
Ruxs was telling Michaels about Steele and what it was like working with him. Steele was already getting a reputation on the streets, too. But being partnered with the two crazies… how could he avoid it?
“Man, I look forward to meeting him. Alright guys, I was just checking in. Tell Ro I said stop faking like he’s still hurt and get his ass back to work.” Michaels laughed and hung up.
Tech smiled. He missed Michaels’ rough charm. He was one helluva sniper. When he took aim – just like the rest of them – he didn’t miss. He could fire from six hundred yards with absolute accuracy. Needless to say, he’d won the lieutenants over in no time, as had Steele. Steele was making friends quickly, and not only in their department. Hell, he was living with Ruxs and Green. That counted for something. They trusted him already. He hoped that meant Steele was sticking around.
Tech turned and looked at Syn, wondering when he was going to get back to him on his request to get out in the field. It’d been quiet the past couple weeks, but the Enforcers had made two arrests and had assisted SWAT with two raids. Tech was never even asked to go and observe. He wouldn’t think Syn would ignore him; surely, he had to have talked to God and Day by now.
Things were back to how they’d always been in the office. Day was back to his fun self, and nobody had missed the shiny two-tone band on his finger. They’d wondered if the two had run off and eloped, but Day was proud to announce the official wedding date to everyone. There was a collective sigh of relief when he’d finally put that doubt to rest. Tech wasn’t the only one who’d thought Day was going to either leave or shoot God in his balls for stringing him along. His lieutenants were finally getting married. They were all invited but had been instructed not to tell anyone and not to bring anyone. The ceremony would be at Ruxs and Green’s home, an intimate setting and a couple hours afterward a few invited guests would come for the reception. That way, God and Day could simply leave when they were ready and the rest of them could party and celebrate. Invitations to the reception had already gone out and a few coworkers had been by the department to either RSVP in person or rib the guys.
Tech was getting ready to go over to Syn and Day when one of the homicide detectives burst through their doors wearing a pair of sweats and an APD tank top, his face sweaty and flushed but his eyes as wide as saucers. “Your new guy, the Marine, is sparring with God downstairs!” he yelled, and took off back through the bullpen, a few of the beat officers racing along behind him.