Chapter Thirty-Three

Stephen

I woke up early this morning and gave Luke a call to let him know Trin wouldn’t be in today.

We’d hardly slept last night and I didn’t want to disturb her this morning. I’d checked on her a little while ago and she was still sound asleep.

I leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss, then gave both my babies a soft kiss.

I went downstairs and called Clint and Dave to come over.

Once they got here, we went outside to talk. I didn’t want to risk Trinity overhearing and if she did, I knew I’d be in deep shit.

“So, what’s up, man?” Dave asked.

“I think Chad’s been talking.”

“He said he didn’t say anything when he came over,” Clint said.

“I don’t believe him. They knew too much, stuff they couldn’t possibly know unless someone was talking.”

“Rat.” Clint cursed. “What’s the plan?”

“Look, don’t take this the wrong way, but you need to stay out of this from now on,” Dave cut in. “You’ve got a pregnant wife upstairs and Clint, you’ve got a new baby.”

“Let me handle it. I’ll call Barcelona and see what’s going on.”

“Are you sure, man?” I asked. “I don’t want to drag you into this more than necessary.”

“Positive.” He cleared his throat. “So, what were they saying?”

“They kept asking which one of us was the last to see him alive. Benji shut them down as soon as they asked. But it’s the first time they’ve implied he’s dead, which makes me wonder what Chad really said.”

We talked a bit more until I saw Trinity coming down the stairs, heading into the kitchen.

“Quiet, I don’t want her to know about this yet,” I told them.

“Be careful, man,” Clint warned. “She’s going to kill you if you keep any more secrets.”

“I know, I know.”

“Stephen, did you turn off my alarm?” she asked.

~Shit!~

“Hey baby, how’d you sleep?”

“Don’t change the subject. I asked you a question.”

“Baby, you needed the sleep.”

“I also needed to work today!”

“Did you though?” I asked. “Need or ~want~?”

“Ugh! Fuck you, Stephen!” She stormed off.

~Whoa!~ Where did that come from?

Clint and Dave burst out laughing.

“How’d you still end up in the doghouse?” Clint joked.

“Fuck, man, I have no idea.”

The guys laughed again and lit up as I flipped them off and went inside to find my wife.

I found her leaning over the kitchen counter waiting for the kettle. I walked over and started rubbing her back, half expecting her to push me away.

I didn’t say anything for a moment. I just massaged her hips and back while she waited for her tea.

I reached around and started rubbing her belly, leaning forward to kiss her shoulders. “I’m sorry, baby.”

“I’m sorry too,” she sighed. “I was rude.”

I wrapped my arms around the top of her bump and pulled her against me, her back pressed into my chest as I rested my head on her shoulder.

“Want to talk about it?”

“No baby, we’re good. I just woke up surprised because I didn’t hear my alarm and I reacted like an asshole, that’s all.”

“If it makes you feel any better, you’re my favorite asshole.”

She slapped me on the arm and turned to look at me as I smirked at her. She brought her hand up to stroke my cheek and pulled my lips to hers. We kissed softly until the kettle whistled.

“Go sit down, baby,” I told her. “I’ll finish making this and bring it out.”

“Thank you, darling.”

I watched as she went outside and the guys got up to hug her.

I brought her tea out and we all sat around talking for a bit. The guys were great, they didn’t mention anything from yesterday to alarm her and I could see she was starting to relax again.

Clint had to leave to help Mia with William and Dave was heading over to Montague to get some stuff done.

“Babe, how about we go shopping today and get the last things for the nursery if you feel up to it? If not, we can just browse and order online?”

“That sounds good, actually. I feel like my legs could use a stretch.”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing for years, shorty.”

“Hey! I resent that!”

We both laughed and I helped her up so we could get dressed and head out.

***

We’d been out for a few hours and picked out everything we liked for the nursery. I was standing in line waiting to order some food when my phone rang.

“Hey, bro.”

“Call Benji,” Clint said. “Looks like it’s my turn to dance with our favorite detective.”

“He’s there now?”

“Yeah. Same routine he pulled on you yesterday.”

“Got it. I’ll call him now, and we’ll head over to help Mia with William. Call me when you’re out if you need a ride.”

“Talk later, bro.”

I hung up and dialed Benji.

“Two days in a row, Stephen? Didn’t you have enough fun yesterday?”

“Ha, not for me today, mate. They’re pulling the same routine on Clint now.”

“I’m on my way.”

“Thanks, Benji.”

I hung up and got our food before heading back to my wife. I decided I’d better tell her this or she’d definitely have my balls for earrings.

“Baby, we need to take our food to go. We’re going to head over to Mia and Clint’s.”

“Okay, why?”

“Detective Peters has taken Clint down to the station.”

“Oh my God, is Mia okay?”

“She’s okay, sweetheart. I just got off the phone with Clint. I asked Benji to meet him there.”

“Help me up, darling. Let’s get moving,” she says, extending her hands.

I assist her to her feet, guide her to the car, and we make our way to Mia’s place.

***

The day unfolds much like the one before, and after a few hours, I receive a text from Clint. Benji is bringing him back.

We’re all gathered in the living room when Clint and Benji walk in.

“We really need to stop running into each other like this, huh? Although, I don’t think we’ve met before?”

I chuckle as Benji tries to charm my wife. “Back off, asshole. That’s my wife you’re talking to.”

“Really? Your wife? You’re batting way out of your league, aren’t you?”

Trinity grins gently as she attempts to stand. I help her up and she walks over to shake Benji’s hand.

“Baked, not fried, right?” he teases, pointing to her belly and winking at her.

Trinity laughs. “It sure feels like it. I’m Trinity. Nice to meet you, Benji.”

“Likewise. If you ever get tired of this jerk, give me a call.”

“Dream on,” I retort.

“When’s the big day? Any day now?”

“Actually, we’ve still got about two months. They’re twins,” I say, beaming with pride.

“Wow! Look at you, double trouble.”

We all laugh again at this audacious guy.

“So, what’s the verdict?” I finally ask.

“Not much, really. Same drill as you. But I think he’s hiding something. He keeps mentioning this agent as if he’s dead.”

“What?” Trinity asks.

“Damn, sorry. Your wife didn’t know?”

“Oh, I know,” she replies. “But what’s this about the deceased?”

“They’re looking into the disappearance of a special agent from the DEA. Our detective friend seems to think that this Special Agent Suarez is dead and that someone linked to these two was the last to see him alive.”

“Of course, it’s all conjecture from an overzealous detective. There’s not much substance to the investigation. Nothing to worry about, really,” he assures us.

“Well,” Benji claps his hands together, “I need to head out. I’ve got a trial tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Benji.”

“Thanks, Benji,” Clint echoes. “I’d say see you soon, but hopefully not.”

“Ladies, it was a pleasure,” Benji tips his head.

“Bye, Benji,” Mia says.

“Nice meeting you.”

I watch as Benji exits and I brace myself…

~Three…~

~Two…~

~One…~

Trinity turns to me, hands on her hips.

“So, when you assured me last night that everything was fine, did you plan on mentioning that he’s now talking as if Mike’s dead?”

~And there it is.~