Page 92 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

Pike’s attention dropped to God’s holster, where the twin Desert Eagles rested at his side. Chrome. Ten-inch barrels. Twenty-four-karat gold appointments catching the fluorescent light. Custom black walnut grips, each one etched with a lion’s head, because Day had never believed in gifting his husband anything subtle.

Pike scoffed under his breath. “Overcompensating where you’re coming up short?”

Day turned his head slowly, fixing Mr. Fancy Pants with a glare sharp enough to cut glass.

“Trust me,” Day said. “He’s not.”

Vega sat at the head of the table. “Let’s not start off on the wrong foot, Lieutenants.”

“Too late,” Day murmured.

“I’ve spoken with your captain in Atlanta,” Vega said. “Your reputation precedes you. He had nothing but good things to say about your field instincts, and your loyalty to your team.”

Day almost smiled until…

Vega continued, “He also said trouble follows you wherever you go.”

No shit, Day thought. And they followed us by way of first class.

Vega eyed each of them and asked, “What are you doing in Los Angeles?”

Day leaned back in his chair. “We’re on vacation.”

The captain sighed.

“Our friends Wesley and Lawson invited us out for a little R and R in your wonderful city,” Day said. “To enjoy the overcrowded beaches, the pungent smog, an opportunity to be snubbed by the overprivileged, and sit in traffic jams that make me wanna shoot myself in the kneecap. You know. Typical LA vacay.”

No one laughed except Free.

Vega glanced at Salazar, then back to Day. “You expect me to believe you flew several members of your tactical investigations unit to Los Angeles for vacation?”

Day shrugged. “Sure, why not.”

Sergeant Greer opened the folder in front of him. “Why were your detectives chasing a man down Vesper Lane?”

“Um, I think they were trying to buy a star map,” Day answered.

God closed his eyes.

Greer stared at him. “Excuse me?”

“They’re hell-bent on finding Keanu Reeves’ house.” Day pfft’d. “I can’t explain it.”

“Look guys, this comedy act might work on your superiors in Atlanta, but I’m not amused.” The captain scowled. “Witnesses say the man they were chasing was eating in a restaurant when your guys engaged him, assaulted him, and chased him through the service exit when he tried to get away.”

Day feigned outrage. “Poppycock!”

Free snorted.

Detective Pike chuckled. “Lieutenant, I’m the lead on Xander Vale’s case. He was in the restaurant with your detectives, the same detectives in the video footage of his property after his break-in last night.”

Day’s humor cooled a couple of degrees.

Pike stood and rested both hands on the back of a chair. “Help me put the pieces together.”

God raised one brow. “Nothing to put together. Xander Vale is a close personal friend of Wesley and Lawson. They asked us to hang out with him while we’re in town. Keep an eye on their friend. Nothing more.”

Skeptical looks passed between the men, followed by a few low grunts of disbelief.