"Because those people bother you? Is that it, boy?"
Did he suspect? There shouldn't be any real clues to make him wonder.
Or was there? What kind of man lets another guy taste his dick?My father had a word for it.
I nodded, basically telling him 'those people' disturbed me.
He sighed with disappointment. "Let me educate you. When you're in law enforcement, you go to places that aren't respectable. Otherwise, what's the need for police? We endure to protect decent folk." He slapped the wooden desk, and I jerked. "You went to five and sawnothing? Seriously?"
"You told me what to look for, so I did. There weren't any men or women touching each other."
He frowned. "It's better if we can use you as a witness." Again, he swore under his breath.
Why did I have to go spy? The gays—not me—were doing their thing in private. I'd ask him to leave them alone, but that'll bring more trouble.
He tapped a pen against the desk in time to the ticking wall clock. It was the same action he'd do when arresting someone. He'd mention the jail time, and if they cooperated, hemighthelp.
"Do you know what'll happen if we don't put a stop to this?" He gave no time to answer. "A bar for them in every city. Would you like that?"
More bars meant more places to look forhim.I didn't know his name, but he knew mine. My wallet disappeared with my address. A pickpocket could have lifted it, but I'm sure it fell out when I, uh, got kissed down there.
A gay guy out there knew what I did and how to find me.
My father shrugged. "My buddy's going forward with the raids and he'll catch someone. He always does." His voice turned cold. "I hope he still considers this a favor, since you came back empty-handed."
"Then why a raid? They aren't doing anything."
The last sentence left my mouth before I realized it.
"We're protecting people from the sick and deranged." He pulled at his metal badge. "You see this? Take a damn good look, because I'm not sure you understand what it means. When I wear this,Idon't get to decide the laws. Thepeopledo, and I'm their servant. Me going out is the people's will. You were too young when I busted one dive, miles outside of town. I don't want to have to tell you what I saw men doing in the shadows."
I had an idea.
"I don't know what's gotten into you, but it's obvious you're not taking this seriously. Ever since you were a little boy, you wanted to protect people, right? Used to see you play Cowboys and Indians, then Soldiers. This is what you're doing now, except it's not playing anymore. You can see that, can't you?"
I nodded this time, making sure to sell it.
"Come on son, don't make me look like a fool. I built you up to my buddy and told him how capable you were. Said you'd make a fine officer one day." His expression turned warm as he did with criminals when he pretended to be their friend. "The lessons you take from this assignment will serve you overseas."
He held up his finger. "Come back a hero with military police experience and take my job when I'm elected. That girl of yours needs someone to take care of her. Diana—"
"Donna."
"Right, pretty little thing. A woman wants a big home and to have a man take care of her. That's only possible with a lawman's salary."
My gaze went out, thinking not of marriage but something else. Me in a cage with wood and jungle around. Almost looked like bamboo and it wasbetterthan the life Dad described.
Dad smiled, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Oh, I see. You got that look every man's got. Don't worry about being trapped because it'll all be worth it on your wedding night and after."
His grin turned the same way it did when he was with his buddies. "Of course, I'm sure you've had a few girls already."
"No, sir."
"No need to lie. I was a young man once, like you. Nothing wrong with sowing your wild oats, but watch where you stick it. You don't want something you can't get rid of, you know? Keep it covered."
He segued into thoughts on how to deal with women and I stared out, nodding in reflex. In my mind, I was back in that dark bar withthose people, includinghimwith his warm, wet lips around my cock.
It had to happen, or we would've gotten beaten up.
