Nothing Special V (Nothing Special 5)

God spoke first. “Someone’s been issuing threats. Last night a man broke in his condo and took a shot at him. Ric tussled with him before he took off. We believe he’ll keep trying until he succeeds.”

“You got any leads?” Hart frowned.

“I’m pretty sure we got a good one, and a solid plan. We found the one who’s been breaking in, tracked him backward from his hack into Pres’ security system. We’re gonna pick him up as soon as we get a ping from Tech’s system.”

“Alright, God. I’ll be back by seven, at the latest. I’ll accompany you to get him.”

God opened his mouth, but Hart snapped his huge arm up, cutting him off. “Not a word. Unless we get a call for my team to go out, we’re there with you.”

“Thanks, Hart. I appreciate it.” Day nodded.

“So do I.” Ric stood and shook Hart’s hand again.

“There’re your guys coming back.” Hart craned his thick neck to look through the glass. “Who’s that with them?”

Tech

“Free, this is the bullpen. Other detectives and officers work in this area. It’s usually not so full, but that’s Prescott and his partner over there taking pictures, so I’m sure that’s why. You can meet him when he comes back inside.”

“He’s more handsome in person,” Free said.

“He’s alright if you go for the Hollywood type. I’m more into the rugged look, myself.” Tech grinned, noticing Steele’s smile as he kept his eyes forward while they walked. “Downstairs are booking and holding cells and the basement level is the gym and locker rooms. Upstairs are other departments, homicide, robbery, cybercrimes, special victims, ya know.” Tech kept pointing as they moved through the large precinct. “That’s the captain’s office. He has an open-door policy and is always available. And straight ahead is our department.”

Free stopped so suddenly, Ruxs had to dodge him to avoid running into his back. Tech turned to look at his friend, wondering about the haunted look in his face. “Who’s that in there?” he whispered harshly, his voice sounding strained as if he had to struggle to say the words.

Tech looked closer, noticing God standing there with Day and… oh… Hart. Tech told Steele, Ruxs, and Green to go ahead. They looked confused but didn’t question him. When they were out of earshot, Tech stood there alone with Free since most everyone was crowding around the star in the room.

“That’s SWAT Captain Hart and his lieutenant, Roberts. I know he looks intimidating from here, especially in his gear, but he’s really a great guy. God and Day use his assistance when we have a big bust. There’s no reason to be nervous. He’s extremely sweet and surprisingly gentle. There are female officers who actually prefer to train with only him,” Tech said, rubbing Free’s arm.

“I’m sorry. I’m acting insane. I know we’re in a room full of cops, but you understand, right?”

“I know your dad was an asshole cop who abused his authority, but you won’t find that around God or Day.” Tech looked into Free’s eyes. “I wouldn’t’ve called you here if I wasn’t hundred percent sure you’d be safe. You’ve commented about my job before, how special it is. Well, here’s your chance to have that. You can do my job even better than me, but we won’t broadcast that.” Tech gave Free another sad smile. “Don’t let your dad continue to control your life. You’ve beaten him already, it’s time you moved forward, Free.”

Free closed his eyes and took a long breath and turned to head towards their department with his back straight and his eyes focused. Tech was proud of him already. He’d come a long way.

Tech moved around introducing him. The looks Free got were interesting. He was definitely a sight to see. Couple his trendy look with his fascinating mind and he was incredible. Tech moved him over to Hart. “Captain, this is a school buddy of mine from MIT. Lennox Freeman. Free, this is Hart.” Tech inched back to let them shake hands. Free had his hand out for an uncomfortable while before Hart finally snapped his mouth closed and clasped his hand. Tech didn’t miss his friend’s slight flinch at the contact, but when he spoke, his voice was strong.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Hart.”

“Call me Ivan,” Hart said, more softly than Tech ever heard the man speak. Tech could see Hart’s grip wasn’t firm, either; he was just barely grasping Free’s hand. “I hear the accent. Where are you from?”

“Born in Baltimore. My father is from Peterborough, it’s ninety or so miles from London. I was raised there until I was eleven, then I came back to America,” Free answered, his eyes only having to lift a fraction to look into Hart’s ice blue ones. His body unlocked and his posture took on a relaxed stance within seconds. What was going on? The two interacted like there was no one else in the room with them.