Page 27 of Samuel's Heart

“Wouldn’t it be best to rest and get back on your feet before you put yourself in danger again?”

“Nothing dangerous in what I’m doing.”

“I doubt that, as we are involved.”

What can I say? They are dangerous people indeed, but on the right side of the fence. As a policeman, I should be arresting them, not asking for their help. But they saved Martin, and so I kind of owe them.

“Everything will be okay,” I assure Keegan.

“Don’t let your need to save others put yourself at risk. You could lose your job.”

“Who’s losing his job?” Martin’s voice surprises both of us.

I shoot a glance at Keegan, telling him without words to keep his mouth shut.

“No one is losing their job.”

Martin rushes to my side and takes my face in his hands, and moves my head until we’re eye to eye.

“Are you losing your job?”

I try to shake my head, but his grip is strong.

“No one is losing their job,” I repeat.

“Is it because of your leg? This is my fault.” His eyes fill with tears, and for a second I see the scared man he was nearly a year ago.

I grip his wrist and pull his hands away from my face, and when our eyes meet again, I talk. “No one is losing their job. I’m doing physio, and when I’m better I’ll be back at my desk.” I don’t let my eyes wander, just in case he thinks I’m lying to him.

“You promise?” he asks, and fuck if the fact that he worries so much for me doesn’t melt my heart a little.

“Yeah, I promise.”

I don’t acknowledge Keegan’s doubting look, but I do pull Martin in and kiss his cheek.

“Where’s my tea?” I ask, trying to dissipate the heavy atmosphere, and using the chance to get Martin out of the room so I can ask for the documents.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot.” And he’s gone as quick as he appeared.

“Can I have them?” I say to Keegan, while looking at the door in case Martin comes back. I extend my hand, waiting for him to place them on it.

“Here they are,” he says, pulling them out of his jacket, folded in half. He doesn’t make any effort to give them to me. I try to snatch them out of his hand, but he’s too fast. I don’t need another person making my life harder than it is.

“Stop that. Don’t be like Aidan. Please. He’s given me enough grief to last me a lifetime.”

“Who’s giving you grief?” Martin’s voice once again takes us by surprise.

“Oh, come on. Can you stop appearing at the worst moment?”

“I’ll say I have the best timing. Keegan can vouch for that.”

“Yuck. Don’t. I don’t want to know anything about your sexual performance and timing.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. I was so ready to share.” He places one of the cups in front of me and the other in front of Keegan before he sits and opens his mouth, ready to shock me with his filthiness.

I’m glad when Keegan grabs him and pulls him close, so he can slam his mouth on Martin’s and shut him up. I don’t complain this time about their activity because I’m glad it’s distracting Martin.

When they come up for air, Martin’s all malleable and spaced out.

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