Page 41 of Justice for Aleta

“As well as can be expected, considering she’s scared half out of her mind. I’m doing my best to keep her calm.”

Cappy gave him a lopsided grin. “I bet you are.”

“And you’re okay with this? Our relationship?”

Morgan nodded. “It hasn’t interfered with the investigation in any way, and it’s not going to. Wallace is right. You embody everything we want in a trooper, Jack. I have complete faith in your judgment, and if you say you’re not going to let the relationship get in the way of what needs to happen, I believe you.”

“Thank you, sir. That means everything to me.” He couldn’t believe it. Even after his screw-up the night before, they were honoring him with their trust, and he’d die before he’d let them down.

“Why would we have you here if we didn’t trust you? So carry on. And please, stay safe. This is a precarious situation. I don’t want anything to happen to you or Mrs.Culp.” As he said those words, he opened the door, and Jack was surprised to see Braxton and Collins standing there with Aleta, waiting for him. “Mrs.Culp,” Cappy said and extended his hand.

“Sir?”

“I’m CaptainSeitzer, TrooperFletcher’s commanding officer. I just want to take a moment to tell you how sorry I am for your losses. We’re going to do everything we can to take care of you and TrooperFletcher and get you through this while getting justice for your husband and son.”

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate everything everybody’s doing for me, really. I know it’s expensive, and a lot of guys are involved, and it’s hard to do and people might get hurt, but I really am thankful for it all.”

“I know.” Jack watched as Morgan’s other hand rested on top of his and Aleta’s joined ones. “But there is no price on a human life. Yours is as important as everyone else’s, and we’re sworn to protect it. And make him behave,” Morgan said, pointing back at Jack. “He’s a handful.”

“Don’t I know it! Thanks again, sir,” Aleta said, her cheeks pinking.

Goodbyes said, Jack and Aleta let Braxton and Collins lead them to the Escalade and they rolled back toward Jack’s house. A million things flashed through Jack’s mind, but one in particular repeated itself loudly.

We’re going to be okay.

Chapter 8

Jack rustled through the bags.“I thought I asked forbarbecuepotato chips.”

“They didn’thaveany,” Amos snapped. “I got you what they had.”

“And where’s my French onion dip? And my reduced-fat chips?”

“The dip’s in there.” Amos reached into a bag and pulled it out.

Jack shook his head. “Wrong brand.”

“You wanted French onion dip? You got French onion dip.”

Continuing to prowl through the bags, Jack nodded. “I see you managed to find the right cottage cheese. One outta three, Amos. Your odds aren’t too good right now.”

“Why don’t you shut the fuck up?”

Jack chuckled. “Why don’t you resign yourself to this detail until it’s over and make the best of it?”

Amos shook his head. “Nope. Can’t. I can’t believe they assigned me to buy your groceries. I can’t believe this. Potato chips and diet soda.”

“Yeah. That’s the ticket. Oh, here,” Jack said and reached into the bag, pulling out a granola bar. “I got this as a treat for you.”

The look Amos gave Jack was more like a death ray. “Oh, wow. Thank you ever so much,” he deadpanned.

“You’re welcome. So question: Are you coming over Sunday to watch the game with me?”

“Do I have to bring the snacks?”

“I figured since you’d be doing that anyway?”

“I don’t believe this.” Amos stormed toward the front door with Jack laughing behind him as he went. “I’ll come watch the game. And I’ll bring all the snacks. But next time?”

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