Reckoning - 17. Chapter 17

Artie followed Adam’s jeep on AJ’s instructions.

“What is this?” Artie asked.

“Unsure, but you see how he’s driving.”

“Yeah. Radio dispatch to tell anyone near not to interfere.”

AJ radioed dispatch as Artie turned the dashboard siren lights. He almost lost Adam when they realized where he was going. They reached his building just as he darted into the building.

“Should we follow?” AJ asked.

Something near the building caught Artie attention next door.

“Artie,” AJ said, spotting his partner’s distraction. “What are you looking at?” AJ leaned over and saw a couple talking, pointing and taking photos with their phone at something in the alley.

“Nothing I suppose.”

“Well, should we follow Adam?”

“No, let’s wait this one out. And see if he comes down.”

“What about the couple?”

“They’re not doing anything out of the norm.” Artie released his seatbelt and stared straight ahead.

AJ opened his belt and removed his cell, checking his messages.

Artie glance over, watching AJ become immersed into his phone. He wasn’t big on looking at his own AJ wasn’t with him and he searched for any messages.

AJ could tell Artie wanted some attention as he listened to him drum his fingers on the steering wheel. He peeked over at him and smiled to himself. “You’re so like a child,” he said, his eyes still on his cell.

“What did I do now?”

AJ dropped his phone to his lap. “You’re mad, I defended Adam.”

“I’m not mad.”

“Which means you’re mad.”

Artie’s head snapped to AJ. “You always defend him.”

“I don’t.”

“You do, AJ.”

AJ turned and made eye contact. “I cheated on him.”

“He went off the rail and put his and your life in danger.”

“It didn’t give me the right to cheat on him.”

“It gave you the right to leave. Do you regret it?”

“No,” AJ said, clenching Artie’s arm. “I love you.”

“I love you. More than you’ll ever know.”

They leaned in to kiss when something else caught Artie’s attention. Adam leaving his building.

“Look, it’s Potter,” Artie said, turning away.

“Okay,” AJ said, sitting back.

“And look where he’s going.”

“The alley.”

“Now we follow.” Both detectives climbed out to follow.