They hadn’t officially been charged with anything, but it was clear they weren’t free to go. They could be held for questioning up to thirty-six hours, ninety-six if they were suspected of a serious crime. Murder was quite serious. He hoped the APD checked their facts quickly, because he was ready to go.
They’d taken all his possessions: his cell, his wallet, his goddamn watch. Everything. He hadn’t been able to contact Cayson and let him know to stay at his house with all the doors locked. He huffed again in frustration. At least he wasn’t chained like an animal anymore. They’d removed the wrist and ankle cuffs an hour after he got there. He tried to do his breathing exercises to keep his anger at bay, but the more he thought of needing to hear from Cayson that he was safe, the less effective the techniques were. It wouldn’t be long before he was up and putting his fist through that one-way mirror. He’d punched through way thicker objects.
Quick figured it had to be at least one or two p.m. by now. His stomach was growling loudly, having missed breakfast and lunch. If there was anyone on the other side of that mirror, he was sure they were getting a good laugh at his discomfort. He leaned back in the chair, was trying to pop a few kinks out of his neck when he heard a commotion and loud voices just outside the one door to the room. They were male and it sounded like the argument was escalating, because it wasn’t long before Quick could hear exactly what was being said.
“He’s my suspect, Lieutenant. A brutal murder has been committed.” Quick recognized the voice of the smug rookie who had kicked them out of their office. Had he been watching Quick for hours?
“Looks like self-defense to me.” A deep voice responded casually. He sounded important and he sounded in charge.
“A man’s head was blown wide open from a distance by an expert marksman.”
“Well I gotta meet this guy. Step aside.” The third guy’s voice was not as deep, and his comments were not as serious as his partner’s. Everything this guy said sounded laced with humor.
“With all due respect, Lieutenant Godfrey, this isn’t your department. I don’t need your assistance. We’re more than capable of building a case without the dynamic duo intervening.”
“While I’m flattered you find us so dynamite… fuckin’ move out of my way.”
“Lieutenant Day! Do not speak to my suspect” The rookie was yelling at their backs as the door was forced open so hard Quick thought it’d been kicked, and a huge, hulking figure appeared in the doorway.
Well, it didn’t take rocket scientist to know the sarcastic, witty son of a bitch was the partner. He realized it was the notorious God and Day who Judge raved – well, more like bitched about, all the time. Supposedly, their team was off the charts crazy. But, because their team was so successful and made the mayor look good, they got away with a lot of borderline ethical crap. They weren’t only partners on the police force, they were also lovers, and it was no secret. That in itself was badass, because couples were prohibited to work together in the same department in most any government job.
“And you are?” The man who stepped from behind his taller partner said by way of greeting. They both had on street clothes, accessorized by bright gold badges with Lieutenant etched in black across the top.
“You first.” Quick stood to his full height, only to realize that the big motherfucker glaring at him with intelligent green eyes, packing two of the largest handguns he’d seen, was an inch or two taller. Damn.
“I think you know who we are.”
“I think you know who I am,” Quick said right back, tilting his head down at the file now in Day’s hands. Day nodded once, a disturbing smirk on his – good fucking lord he was fine – handsome face.
“We don’t have all day. Judge is in our office. You can walk over with us,” God said with finality.
“Then can I leave? Or can I make a one-minute phone call? Is Duke still here? Did he call our lawyer?” he asked either one of them, rapid-fire.
“I don’t answer questions, so stop asking. Let’s go.” God crossed his arms over his chest and moved a couple inches to the side so Quick could get out the door. There was no way in hell they’d both fit.
“Just a goddamn minute. You can’t take my suspects!” The rookie yelled at their backs as Quick left the room with God and Day behind him.
“Take a right at the end of the hall and you’re gonna take it all the way down to the double doors marked Homicide Division,” Day said, keeping pace behind them. “As soon as you walk through them, I want you to yell that everyone there is under arrest for being a fucking idiot and wasting taxpayers’ money, under authority of Lieutenant Leonidis Day.” Quick frowned and stopped to face the two men. He couldn’t be serious.