Chapter Twenty Three

Stephen

That night, we decided to go out for dinner, something we hadn’t managed to do on our anniversary for reasons that were all too clear. I’d reserved a table at Caelis, a Michelin-star restaurant that had rave reviews, just for my wife. We savored a fantastic meal and then took a leisurely walk through the city, simply enjoying each other’s company.

The following day, we wrapped up our sightseeing tour, visiting all the places we’d wanted to see. Then we headed over to Phil’s place again to catch up with him, Eddie, and Sergio. We wanted to see if they’d managed to dig up any more information.

After saying hello to Marci, we made our way down to the shed. We found the guys in the surveillance room, this time with Paolo also present.

Paolo greeted us, “So this is the famous Trinity I’ve heard so much about. Nice to meet you, love.”

Trinity responded, “Nice to meet you too.”

Eduardo chimed in, “Alright, my boy, you’re definitely going to want to sit down for what I’ve found out.”

I grabbed a chair and motioned for my wife to join me. As she sat down, I wrapped my arm around her, and she held my hand tightly.

Eduardo began, “So, it seems this Mike is shady as hell, and the DEA made a major oversight when they hired him for this task.”

I asked, “Okay, show me what you’ve got.”

Eduardo continued, “In January of 2017, Mike—aka Daniel Rodriguez—was a Bronx detective in New York. He and another detective were caught drinking and under the influence of Class A amphetamines on the job. They were demoted back to the rank of Police Officer.”

Eduardo went on, “The NYPD ordered their demotions for boozing in a bar in Westchester Square while on duty. They were also ordered to undergo mandatory drug rehabilitation or risk losing their badges, which would have been a huge embarrassment for the NYPD.”

Eduardo added, “They were ordered to surrender their guns and shields and reassigned to VIPER details, where they spent months watching feeds from Housing Authority surveillance cameras.”

Eduardo continued, “It also sparked a further investigation of their precinct for corruption when the evidence the sting squad had of them—which included video and drug paraphernalia of the two detectives ordering and drinking beer as they waited for their drop—went missing.”

Eduardo explained, “Only undercover cops are allowed to have two drinks while on duty so they can blend in during an investigation. The patrol guide also specified that cops, whether on or off the clock, can't drink to the point where they're unfit for duty.”

Eduardo concluded, “At the time, your boy had been a detective for less than two years. Following that, it looks like he put in a call to an uncle who works with—wait for it—the CPD—and had a son who is partners with none other than Detective Peters.”

Trinity guessed, “Let me guess, his name is Detective Grounds?”

Eduardo confirmed, “You got it in one, sweetheart.”

I cursed, “Son of a bitch.”

Eduardo added, “Of course, having those connections, there was no background check run, and he walked straight into the task force and eventually up to the DEA.”

Philippe reassured me, “This is good, son, settle down. Benji can use all of this to build a case back against them if they keep coming after you and your family. It also gives cause to highlight corruption to get them to back the hell off.”

I was pacing now, furious that Chad had brought any of this into my house to begin with. I felt my wife touch my arm, and I stopped to look at her. Her gentle eyes always managed to soothe my soul.

Trinity said, “Baby, calm down. This is good. This is what we need to keep them at bay permanently.”

I cupped her cheek in my hand softly and said, “Don’t you see, sweetheart, it should never have happened to begin with.”

Trinity replied, “But it did, we can’t change that. But we can deal with it now, okay?”

I agreed, “Okay, momma.”

I leaned down and kissed her, instantly feeling the stress leave me. I felt Phil pat me on the back.

Philippe suggested, “Come on, kids, let’s go get a feed. I’m sure Marcella has whipped up a feast. And some drinks and smokes into us, hey?”

Trinity declined, “None for me, thank you, well except for food of course, haha.”

Philippe apologized, “Shit! Sorry, darling, that was inconsiderate of me. I forgot for a moment.”

Trinity reassured him, “Really, it’s fine, Phil. You’ve all been a huge help, thank you.”

I added, “Yeah, we’ll definitely go for food, but out of respect for my wife, no drinks for us tonight, mate.”

Trinity insisted, “Babe, you should. It’s okay, I can drive back to the hotel. And who knows how long it’ll be before you see them all again. Enjoy yourself, please.”

I looked at her, asking if she was sure, and she nodded at me.

I agreed, “Come on then, let’s go get a scotch.”

I wrapped my arm around my wife as we walked back up to the house, and I gently kissed her on the temple.

I asked, “You sure you’re okay with this, baby?”

Trinity reassured me, “Sweetheart, I meant what I said in there, this is good. Benji can use this as a trump card for all of us if need be.”

I flirted, “I’m going to love you so hard tonight when we get back to the hotel, you know that right?”

Trinity laughed, “Hahaha, is that so, mister?”

I let my hand wander down to grab her beautiful ass as I leaned down to whisper in her ear, “That’s a promise, wifey. I’m definitely going to make the most of it before we head home tomorrow. I can’t wait to see our babies, but I can’t wait to see all of you tonight more.”

I bit her ear, and I felt her shiver against my touch as I squeezed her ass a bit firmer.

Trinity teased, “Mmm, baby, behave for a few hours, and momma promises to keep you satisfied later.”

I promised, “I’ll hold you to that.”

Trinity flirted back, “Baby, you can hold me however you like when we get back.”

She winked at me as she started to walk off, and I rushed after her, giving her another love tap on the backside and burying my face in her neck.