Page 51 of Second Chance

“What other kind is there?” The officer looks honestly baffled, but his tone is curious, not judging.

“The kind based on open conversation and consent.”

The officer snorts. “You don’t debate with murderers.”

Idly, Tony wonders whether this guy would debate with queers.

“What are you doing here, anyway? You don’t seem like…”

Tony raises his own eyebrows and crosses his arms right back at the officer.

“…a student,” the officer finishes.

“I’m not. Just waiting on Professor Rosenbaum.”We have a dinner date, he could continue. Or even,He’s my boyfriend, to see how this guy reacts. He’s probably Hudson Valley born and raised. Why else would a cop end up here?

He probably has more in common with Tony than Daniel does.

At least in terms of the things you can see easily.

The door to Daniel’s office bursts open. Detective Taylor stalks out, obviously frustrated, her hair coming loose from its standard twisty updo and her blouse wrinkled. Tony wonders about that. Is it the case? Two murders in a year in what’s supposed to be a sleepy precinct? Or is there more to it?

“Mr. d’Angelo,” Taylor says sharply. “Perhaps you can talk some sense into Professor Rosenbaum.” With a jerk of her head toward the officer, she bites out, “Jeffries,” and the officer follows her out of the building, giving Tony a nod as he goes.

Tony steps to the open doorframe of Daniel’s office.

Daniel’s slumped in his chair, staring blankly at the space where the detective was previously.

“Hey,” Tony says.

“Hi. I’m guessing you heard?”

“Enough. They think it was a student, huh?”

“Yup.”

Tony steps inside to lean against Daniel’s desk. “Well, it’s gotta be someone connected to the college. What else do you and Amelia Lawrence have in common?”

“I know.” Daniel rubs a hand across his forehead. “I still don’t want to believe it. I also don’t want a riot on my hands when the students find out about the room searches.”

“Or for the murderer to lash out at you when they find out.”

If Tony weren’t watching closely, he would miss the way Daniel’s entire body flinches.

“Or that.” Daniel’s voice is calm. “Do you think I’m insane?”

“No more than usual. I like that about you most of the time.”

“But not now.”

Tony sighs. “Daniel, you can either not tell the police about the legitimate threats of violence against you and the murder weapon in the kitchen, or you can be anxious about how it will affect our relationship. Both isn’t fair.”

To his surprise, Daniel laughs. “You’re right.”

For a moment, they stare at each other.

This is where Tony should comfort Daniel, should let him know it’s okay, that Tony supports him. Except the stakes are too high. Daniel’s choices are too dangerous, and Tony can’t do it.

Instead, he asks, “You think the students will riot?”

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