Rocco's Atonement

PROLOGUE

ROCCO

I stand therein my dress blue uniform looking at the Chief of Detectives. I knew this could be an option when I lied. I should have just admitted that I handled the situation badly. I shouldn’t have been thinking with my fucking dick instead of my head. I was honestly jealous that every time I was with Tracy she only wanted to ask me questions about Linc. My anger almost got him killed, and I could have hurt his new wife and unborn baby. Not even the daughter Linc shares with Tracy was off limits; her own mother had used her for her personal gain. There are so many things I regret and wish I could change. I had become just like the man I hated.

“Distonoli, if I had my way, you’d be walking the unemployment line right now instead of being demoted back to patrol. Prove to me that you deserve this job. Prove me wrong.”

I’m about to answer him when there is a knock on the door. It opens, and I turn my head to see who it is. Shit! My body locks up as I stare at the commissioner. He is never involved in situations such as this, but here he is.

“I’d like a moment with Officer Distonoli.” It’s not a request but a statement. I turn back and face the Chief of D’s as he stands and gives me a sympathetic look before he steps out the door.

I stand there at attention, my hands behind my back, my shoulders back, and my head held high. My mom had always taught me to face my consequences; the one time I didn’t listen to those rules I landed right here.

“Rocco.” Commissioner Caine’s voice is deep, and I turn my body to give him my full attention and respect. This man started low in the ranks and worked his way up to where he is today. He has a son and nephew on the force, and Linc is like an adopted family member.

“Sir.” My voice sounds tight to my ears.

“You’re probably wondering why I’m here. I was the one who decided that you shouldn’t be fired. I felt you deserved a second chance.”

“Thank you, sir.” I nod my head and wait for more, because I know he didn’t come here to brag about saving my job.

“I knew your father.” And there it is. That statement causes my already taut body to turn to cement. “I know you are a better man than he was. You were manipulated by Tracy, just like several people were. If she hadn’t used you, she would have used other men. She will be going to prison for a long time. Both Linc and his wife, Rylee, will heal and be okay. I’m fairly certain you learned your lesson.”

I raise my brow. “How can you say that? I put his children’s lives in danger. I could have gotten him killed.”

The commissioner nods slowly. “You are correct, but you know what you did was wrong. We all need to learn the hard way once in a while. Will you ever do that again? Will you betray another partner like that?”

“Hell no! This job means everything to me, and I won’t jeopardize it ever again. In fact, I never want to be in another relationship.”

He chuckles softly. “Rocco, one day you will find the woman meant to be yours, and I’m pretty sure you’ll move heaven and earth for her—”

“I’m never going to do that. I don’t deserve that after I risked Rylee’s life.”

“You didn’t risk her life, Tracy did that. Besides, the worst you did was lie to IAD. I can’t make that go away, and other officers will treat you differently after they find out you were sleeping with your partner’s ex. You will have to fix that by proving to them it was a one-off. Now, brush off your uniform and report to the 19th Precinct for patrol. I don’t want to see you again unless it’s to award you. Do we understand each other, Rocco?”

“We do, sir.” I tip my head again and try not to choke on the words. I can’t believe I’m being given this chance.

Commissioner Caine turns to the door and stops. “Oh, and by the way”—he looks back at me—“you might want to swing by and check on Linc.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t want to see me.” I wouldn’t want to see me if I were him. I slept with his ex-wife and gave her information she could use against him.

“That’s where you are wrong. Stop by. He might get bored in a couple of weeks after the honeymoon is over.” He chuckles.

“I doubt it, but I will stop by.” When he starts to argue, I clarify, “No, I mean he won’t be bored with his new wife.”

He nods and laughs. “You’re right, he won’t be bored with her, but he’ll get tired of being stuck at home.”

“Thank you again, sir.”

The commissioner exits the office, and I wait until the chief comes back in.