Page 46 of Deep Down
“What’s wrong, Alex?” Gloria’s narrowed gaze locked with his.
Alex sighed. “I was with Craig.”
Gloria’s eyebrows rose. “How is he?” She had taken a shine to Craig and often asked if Alex had seen him.
“Alright, I think. Still has low self-esteem, understandably.” Alex frowned. “I hate seeing him beaten down, especially after knowing how strong and confident he was previously.”
“It’s not easy. You know that. You see enough cases go through the hospital each week.”
“I know. I hate it.” With a half-hearted smile, he headed off to room six.
****
Alex held his side with one hand, gasping for air as he bent over in his chair.
“It’s not funny, Alex!” Casey chastened.
All Alex could do was nod helplessly as laughter flowed through him. Casey had told him about his date the previous night and an unfortunate incident with some handcuffs. The poor guy—Casey’s date, not Casey—had been locked up for several hours when the key had been knocked off the side of the sink and down the plughole. Casey ended up having to call Logan to help.
“You’re an asshole, Alex.” Casey crossed his arms on his chest and glared across the bar, though he couldn’t hide his slight smile.
Once Alex had regained the use of his lungs, he sat up, wiping his face. “Oh my god, I needed that.” He gulped a healthy swallow of his beer before clearing his throat. “How did Logan take it?”
Casey glanced back at him and sniggered. “How do you think?‘Well done, Casey. That’s one way to catch a crook. What did he do? Rip your clothes off in your sleep?’The guy didn’t know what to do with himself. He thought he was in real trouble! Especially as Logan came in full detective mode.”
“What’s the guy’s name, anyway?”
“Does it matter? I’m never going to see him again. I’m too fucking embarrassed!” Casey pouted.
“You never know. Maybe he thought it was hot?” Alex tried to make light of the situation.
Casey’s eyebrows rose. “So when he said, “Is this a game you two play? You’re fucking nuts!” as he left, you think I have a chance?” He cocked his head, waiting for Alex’s response.
Alex grimaced. “Sorry.”
Casey snorted. “Never mind. Handcuffs are now waaaaay down on my list of things to use in the bedroom.”
“Or bathroom,” Alex added with a guffaw.
“Shut up!” Casey punched Alex in the shoulder, laughing.
“I should arrest you for bodily harm after that punch, Casey Taylor.”
Casey jerked, having had his back to Logan’s approach. Alex sniggered. “Asshole! You could’ve warned me!” Casey went to punch Alex again, but he discontinued at Logan’s voice.
“Now, now, now. You don’t want me to put you in handcuffs now, do you?”
“Oh, fuck off!” Casey leaned back against the booth seat and pinned Logan with a glare which had been known to back other people away hastily.
Alex bit his lip to contain his humour.
“Didn’t think I’d see you two in here tonight?” Logan sat next to Alex when Casey refused to budge.
“It’s a bit busy for my liking, but we needed a night to blow off steam.”
Logan nodded.
Alex glanced at him, gnawing his bottom lip. He wanted information about Craig’s case but knew he couldn’t ask. Swallowing his questions, he went back to his drink. Logan chuckled. “What?” Alex frowned.
