“You too,” Charles said and ended the call.
Until he met Rosslyn, Charles never believed in coincidence or fate. No such thing as luck either. A person made his path in life by the choices he made. But Rosslyn wasn’t part of his plan. If anything, she was going against it. So what brought them together? One accidental meeting and then another, until finally he needed to speak to her. If that wasn’t fate, what was?
He didn’t believe Gia was searching for any malicious reason. She just happened to stumble across something no one else had. Charles didn’t need to know any more than that. This was done as far as he was concerned. Hopefully it was for Gareth as well.
Charles opened his laptop to finally start working when his cell phone rang. “Sal, let me guess, your mother called.”
“Over and over again. Thanks for riling her up. She’s even talking to me about grandkids again.”
Charles laughed. “Wow. It’s worse than I thought.”
“I thought we had a deal. We never take our dates there.”
“It slipped my mind,” Charles said. He knew it was the one place he could take Rosslyn where she’d feel relaxed. It turned out he was right.
“That’s why I’m calling. She must be something else for you to forget things like that. Where did you meet her?”
“Would you believe me if I told you on the street?”
Sal laughed. “That doesn’t sound good. Unless she’s a—”
“No! She’s not. Actually she works for Maxwell Grayson.”
“Hell no. And you’re dating her? You know her job will be gone when he finds out. Please tell me you’re not dating her just to fuck with him. I’m sure it’s tempting, but that’d be fucking wrong. And my mother would have your hide too.”
“I’m not that big of an asshole. I actually like her. She’s different.” It was the first time he’d admitted that she meant something to him.
“Since you took her to my parents’ restaurant, I knew that. Just wasn’t sure you did,” Sal said.
“The timing sucks. Remember I told you I was going to make him regret what he did to my father?”
“You mean you’re actually going after Grayson?” Sal asked.
“I am.”
“Since I am still a police officer, you might not want to tell me too much,” Sal warned.
Charles laughed. “I’m not breaking the law. This isn’t going to be some street fight. Everything I have will be turned over to the Feds.”
“Damn it, Charles, you better be prepared for the repercussions. I’m not the law in the city and can’t help you if he retaliates.”
“Someone has to stop him.”
“Just watch your back, Charles. Grayson doesn’t play by the rules. That gives him the edge. Make sure you have everything lined up before going to the Feds. Hell, I’m not sure he doesn’t have a few of them in his pocket.”
That was a fear Charles had as well. “Do you want to look at the files I have?”
There was a pause and then Sal said, “I’d do anything for you, Charles, you know that. In this instance, I’m thinking it would be best if I kept my distance.”
“Worried about what you’ll see?”
“No. But if I’m brought into a court of law, I don’t want them to be able to use me against you.”
Sal was right. And Maxwell might dig enough to find the connection between Sal and him. How would Sal explain he knew of the illegal activity and did nothing? I can’t have Sal become another one of Maxwell’s victims.
“Then let’s talk about something else. And not Rosslyn either.”
“Since I’m on duty, you’re lucky, because I can’t talk long. We’ll catch up soon. But do me a favor. Take your sweetie someplace else for a while. Maybe my mother will start complaining about you instead of me.”
“You got it,” Charles said and ended the call. Where was he going to take Rosslyn for dinner tomorrow then?
Leaning back in his chair, he smiled. Take out. He didn’t normally take women to his place. Definitely not for an overnighter. There was no indication that she’d be opposed to staying, but then again, he hadn’t asked either. Maybe I shouldn’t assume, and let it take its natural course.
But he missed having her in his arms. Kissing her goodnight in front of her building was not how he’d wanted last night to end. He didn’t want a repeat tomorrow either.
Oh Rosslyn, what are you doing to me?Sal was right. This girl was special, and he wanted to make sure she knew it.