Page 74 of Declan
“I will, once we get the cuffs on you,” Declan snapped. “Roll over.”
Reluctantly, Johnston turned, flinching as Tank’s razor-sharp canines dug deeper into the flesh of his forearm, making blood appear. The metallic click of Nevada’s handcuffs echoed through the clearing as he secured them around Johnston’s wrists. Only when Declan yelled “Release!” did Tank finally loosen his vice-like grip, though the dog’s amber eyes remained locked on Johnston, muscles coiled beneath his glossy coat, ready to spring if the suspect made any sudden moves.
Declan followed behind Nevada, holding his hand over his ribcage, as he marched Johnston through the deep snow toward the cruisers parked at the road. Nevada’s hand pressed firmly against Johnston’s scalp, forcing him to duck as he was guided into the cage-like backseat. Meanwhile, Declan opened his own vehicle’s rear compartment, where Tank obediently leapt inside, panting heavily. Declan’s fingers found the sweet spot behind Tank’s alert ears, then he got a bowl out and filled it with water for Tank.
“Good boy, Tank,” he murmured, as he offered a liver-flavored treat from his pocket, which the dog accepted with a gentle nibble and closed the door.
Declan sauntered over to Nevada’s cruiser, where the back door hung open and Nevada was deep in conversation with Johnston. As Johnston shot him a glare that could cut glass, Declan responded with a smug smirk.
“I’ve got you now. This time, you’re heading straight to prison. DUI, driving on a suspended license, fleeing from officers, resisting arrest, shooting a law enforcement officer, and assaulting a K-9. The judge won’t be able to save you from this one.”
“Fuck you, Cavanaugh,” Johnston barked, his voice dripping with venom.
“I don’t think he likes you, Declan,” Nevada chimed in, a grin playing on his lips.
“You wouldn’t either if he was fucking your wife,” Johnston snapped.
Nevada shot Declan a look, one eyebrow arching in curiosity. Declan simply shook his head, a hint of exasperation in his expression.
“I never touched her after she started dating you and you know it,” he declared firmly.
“Bullshit. Why do you think I hate you?” Johnston retorted, his words laden with bitterness.
“Because I’m better looking?” Declan replied with mock innocence, eliciting a chuckle from Nevada.
“I’m not taking a breathalyzer.”
“You don’t have to. Your blood will be taken, and it will probably be amber in color. We also have you on the dashcam swerving all over the road and almost running me off it,” Declan stated.
“Too damn bad I didn’t.”
“Do you want to add threatening an officer to the list?” Nevada said as he folded his arms.
“Just take me in. I’m freezing.” Johnston turned away from them.
“You should have thought of that before you ran through knee-deep snow, jackass,” Declan said.
Nevada closed the door and walked with Declan back to his cruiser.
“You’ll have to go back to the office to book him, but I don’t think he’ll be out any time soon.” Nevada nodded at his vest. “Are you alright? Maybe you should go to the hospital and get checked out.”
“I’ll be fine. I have to find out what to do about his daughter.”
“He has a kid?” Nevada asked, shocked.
“Yeah, and he’s probably had her with him several times he’s been drunk. I hate to call CPS, but I don’t have a choice right now.”
“Child protective services will take care of her until they find a relative.”
“He has a sister. I’ll see what I can find out about her.”
“Alright. I’ll see you back at the office. Why did he have to wait until we were just about off duty for the day? Call Sam and let him know about this. Tell him you were hit. I guarantee he’ll want you to go to the hospital. You could have a cracked rib.” Nevada shook his head, then walked back to his cruiser, not expecting an answer.
Declan climbed into his cruiser, turned it around and followed Nevada back to the office. He hoped Johnston didn’t make bail, but he did feel sorry for Johnston’s little girl.
After booking Johnston, Declan sighed as he drove to the hospital. Nevada told him Sam would probably make him go, but he called Sam because if he didn’t Sam would be pissed. He was a damn good boss, but his deputies knew they had to followprotocol.
He parked in a designated spot at the hospital, let the SUV running, leaving the back windows down a little for Tank, then walked inside.
