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Gage’s chest tightened in a way that had nothing to do with the cracked ribs.
“Thank you for suspending me.” Dakota looked at the bag in his hands. “I called my brother, Will. We talked for a while.”
“Did you decide anything?”
“He said there’s this place. A therapy center for veterans, and they’ll take a washed-up cop. He’s gonna try and get me into their residency program as soon as possible. It’s in Last Chance County.”
Gage nodded. “The Ridgeman Center. That’s a great idea, Dakota.”
Dakota nodded as well, like he didn’t know what else to do.
Gage put out his hand. Dakota shook it, but Gage used the hold on his friend to lever himself up to standing. He only let out a tiny groan when it hurt. Gage pulled Dakota into a hug. “Bro.”
Dakota hung on. They slapped each other’s backs.
“You need anything, give me a call,” Gage said. “And I mean anything,ever.”
Dakota nodded. There was more slapping, and then Dakota was gone.
Gage still didn’t know how he was going to bend over and slip his feet into his boots. He tied the laces loosely and dropped the first boot on the floor. Wiggled his foot into it.
“Aren’t you a sorry sight.”
Gage twisted around so hard he nearly passed out.
“Whoa.” Dennis McCauley strode in far enough to put a hand on Gage’s shoulder.
He breathed and tried not to pass out.
“There’s someone here who wants to see you’re okay. I’ll give you a second, though.”
Gage looked up, then just stared when McCauley didn’t move. He had no idea what to say. “I’m not going to turn your life inside out.”
“You think I wasn’t blindsided?” McCauley took half a step back and folded his arms. “But I figure from the look on your face that you were as well.”
Gage said nothing.
“The old man is the only one who doesn’t seem to be surprised.” McCauley shook his head. “Though, I guess he was there.” He winced. “You know what I mean.”
Gage realized the captain was as flustered as he was. “Look, McCauley—”
“Yeah, we’re gonna have to figure all that out,Gage.”
“That’s just weird. Deluca is fine. Orlieutenant.”
“Yeah, ’cause I can call youlieutenantat Thanksgiving dinner.” McCauley chuckled. “We just need to embrace the awkward. Jeanie—that’s my sister, the one you met—can get over it. She’ll love the drama of the whole thing once she realizes you’re all right. And my wife will have someone else to mother. She’ll send you smoothie recipes and ask about your health regimen.” He patted his stomach. “If you’re eating enough greens.”
Gage couldn’t help but smile.
“And the kids will have someone else who can help keep them in line.” McCauley must’ve read Gage’s face because he said, “Two girls. Fourteen and twelve. So get ready for that firestorm.” He must’ve thought that was hilarious.
Gage wasn’t sure he wanted to know.
“Anyway, Pops wants to see you, and I left him in a chair while I cleared the air, so…”
“Thanks.” Gage nodded.
McCauley nodded back. “You should sit with us at church on Sunday. Lunch after at my house. We’ll go from there.” The tone sounded an awful lot like Captain McCauley orders. Honestly, that made Gage feel better.
