Gene wasn’t sure how to react.
“We both want permanency. So, now, I’m going to work on that next. I can only do one thing at a time, and this case has to be next. I’ll give you what you want, but after I find a serial killer because I don’t want us to die on this case, and you told me to be focused.”
He parked the car and turned in his seat.
Then, Gene stared at him.
“That makes it sound…”
Ethan shrugged.
“I’m new at this. I’m trying. I’d rather not have a fight about my inadequacies with how it sounds. I’m being logical. We have to work, and then, I’ll regroup regarding our relationship. As long as you’re not angry, I’ll be good.”
Gene was honest.
“I’m not angry.”
Then, it was solved.
“Perfect. Let’s work, and deal with the other pink elephant in the room later.”
Oh, despite what he was saying, Gene knew that his man was not happy.
Gene knew him well.
Saying goodbye to Callen had to hurt. It had to pull at a piece of his heart, and he hated that he was suffering because he’d been insecure for a moment.
Only, he knew when Ethan was shutting down a conversation—like now.
“Okay, Ethan.”
Touching his cheek, he saw the pain in Ethan’s eyes, but let him have this. If his man needed to work through this on his own, he was entitled to that moment.
He needed space.
So, Gene would give him time to regroup.
And mourn.
Getting out of the vehicle, he saw the two homicide detectives heading their way.
“Great timing,” Ethan said. “Ready to get the autopsy updates done?” he asked.
The male cop stopped him, and already, he knew he wasn’t going to be happy. Dannie knew if he was in his position, he’d be livid as fuck.
But this was out of his control.
“We need to talk.”
Both Feds stopped.
Nothing thatEVERfollowed that was good.
NOTHING.
Oh, Jesus.
“What?” Gene asked.
