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“Were you aware then that she was actually being protected by Mr. Andreas?”
He avoided the direct question. “While Mr. Andreas provided a home for these young women, and they were not engaged in any acts of prostitution. They did assist him with other tasks that furthered his drug deals and illegal weapons sales. The man wasn’t a saint by any means.”
“So you wouldn’t say he was a hero?”
At least she’d stopped the incessant giggling now. “I’d say he was a man who made a choice to help someone he could’ve hurt.”
“Would you consider yourself a hero?”
Gray dodged that too. “I’m a cop who takes his job seriously.”
“And what does doing your job mean to you?”
“To protect the people of this city and to bring those who break the law to justice.”
“One final question. What is it like to be out as a gay man while serving on the police force?” Giggle.
Obviously that deserved some laughter. “I suspect it’s much like it is to be a straight cop since we do the same job in the same way.”
“Surely you’ve faced prejudice, though. How have you dealt with it?”
“By doing my job and showing everyone that my personal life doesn’t affect my ability to uphold the law in any way.”
“Speaking of your personal life…”
Gray could see the sparkle in her eyes. This wasn’t going to be a question he’d like.
“I’m here to talk about my police work. Like I’ve said, my personal life isn’t something I bring with me to the job.” He made sure his tone indicated he wouldn’t bend.
She didn’t push, thank God; maybe she didn’t want an on-air argument during a feel-good piece. “Then maybe tell our viewers whether you feel a personal interest in helping victims?”
That he could handle. “I have an interest in helping anyone whose life or well-being is threatened. It doesn’t matter whether they are a prostitute or an accountant or a factory worker. Everyone deserves to live their lives without fear inspired by men like Whittaker.”
The producer signaled that they had to end things.
“Thank you for your time, Detective Sadler.”
“You’re welcome.” He supposed he should thank her, but he was trying to stay sincere.
The cameraman signaled that they were off the air.
Mindy giggled again. “Off the record. Do you really have two boyfriends?”
“Off the record, I still don’t answer personal questions.”
She grinned. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“You can take it however you want.” He really wanted to get out of there.
The producer saved him. “Mindy, we need to get back to the studio.”
She looked annoyed but followed him toward the door.
Gray found a bathroom and washed the makeup off his face. He looked a bit red and scrubbed, but he felt much better. And now he was free.
19
During the next week, Gray gave interviews to another television reporter and three local newspapers. He even received a call from a national gay men’s magazine. He told them he’d consider their request. A few months ago, he would’ve said no to such a thing immediately. He might not have even been civil about it. Now he’d accepted that he somehow had a talent for talking to reporters: grumpy, closed-off, need-to-control-things bastard that he was. He didn’t get why people wanted to see and hear him, at least not outside of the bedroom, but they did. Bryce was right, damn him. The people watching him apparently saw something different than he saw in himself. He might as well embrace it.
