Nothing Special V, page 17
part #5 of Nothing Special Series
After they finished half of a medium pizza, Tech sent Steele back to his own desk to work on familiarizing himself with the system instead of staring over his shoulder asking him what he was doing over and over. It was cute and annoying at the same time. A slight smile curved his mouth, which he’d had to wipe away when Syn came back in around three. “Hey, Tech. You said you wanted to talk to me today. I’m free now.”
“Yeah, sure.” Tech stole a glance at Steele and saw he was watching him with interest while he and Syn made their way back to the conference table.
“So, what’s on your mind, Tech?” Syn sat in one of the tall black chairs and turned to give Tech his full attention.
“Well, this is a situation that will have to be discussed and ultimately decided by the lieutenants and you, but I wanted to adhere to the pecking order and voice my concerns to you.” Tech’s voice was strong and steady. Steele’s voice lingering in the back of his mind, telling him to take what he wanted. He sat up straight and focused on keeping eye contact with his sergeant. “In addition to the responsibilities I have now, I would like an opportunity to use the skills that I’ve acquired over the years… in the field.”
Syn’s dark brown eyebrows raised almost to his hairline. He pushed his chair all the way up to the table and clasped both hands in front of him. “You’re a comms and technology specialist. Let me be sure what you’re asking. Are you requesting a different position, that of a field officer? Or are you proposing fieldwork in conjunction with the duties you currently perform?”
Tech wasn’t used to the formal Syn, but he knew the guy had that side to him and used it when needed. Tech nodded. “I don’t want to abandon my position. But honestly, I can do both, as far as the software developing and the research. I can teach someone with a low-level computer degree to do the communications aspect. We had another comms specialist for two years until he transferred. Radioing and dispatching aren’t difficult to train another officer to do. There’re several specialists in our precinct with engineering degrees and previous dispatch experience that have approached me about providing me with assistance, but I have someone who I think would be a much better asset. Someone who wouldn’t need an ounce of training and will absolutely blow your mind with his skills.”
Syn nodded like he was agreeing, but he wasn’t saying the actual words. “Let’s talk about the newly acquired skills you mentioned earlier… elaborate on that.”
Tech told Steele about studying and learning under Chen’s tutelage for the last two years, and Syn’s reaction was as expected. Surprised and impressed.
“I looked into that program. It’s extremely expensive. Even for my paygrade. You’re not moonlighting on the side, are you?” Syn teased him.
Tech smiled at his long-time friend and brother. “Whatever. I’ve done some work for Chen, upgrading his systems and so forth. So he gives me a substantial discount.”
“Nice. So you’ve been training with him for two years?”
“Yes, sir. Three days a week. It’s been crazy, but nice, ya know. He feels I’m ready, but most of all, I know I’m ready,” Tech said confidently.
“Alright, then. Let me talk with God and Day and see how they want to approach this. You know we believe in making sure you guys are happy here, and if you’re not feeling satisfied or are even slightly under-challenged or not performing to your full potential, then we need to reevaluate.”
Tech liked what Syn was saying, though he figured he would. His bosses were fair. Always had been. Michaels was the last one to come on to the team before Steele, and once he’d shown his skill and dedication to wanting to join the team, Day had done everything he could to get the beat officer moved through the ranks and promoted to his team. He was positive they’d do the same for him. But, no doubt, there’d be a test first.
“Anything else?” Syn asked him, a sly smile tugging on his lips. “Any confessions or personal matters you’d like to discuss?”
Tech fought to keep a poker face. “Hmm. Nothing comes to mind.”
Syn reclined, linking his hands across his stomach. “Really? Nothing at all? Because I’m all ears.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Sarge.” Tech winked.
“You little shit. Spit it out. How’s it going with our decorated Marine?” Syn chuckled, throwing a balled-up piece of paper at Tech’s chest.
He swatted it back, no longer able to hide his smile, especially when thinking about Steele. “It’s going to be slow going for a while, Syn, and I’m good with that. Like I said to you already.” Tech lowered his voice, comfortable with confiding in his friend. “I don’t want to start anything he can’t finish.”
“Do you still feel he’s out of your league?”
Tech bit his bottom lip. “I never really thought that. We do have extremely different backgrounds, but we both can bring different things – unique things – to the table. And that’s a good foundation. At this point, I just need to know he’s here for a while and Atlanta isn’t a pit stop on the winding highway of his well-traveled life. I have to weigh the pros and cons and deduce the potential risk.”
Syn grimaced at him. “Where do you get this stuff? Life, relationships can’t always be looked at so analytically, Shawn. Sometimes you have to go with your gut… with your heart.” Syn narrowed his eyes. “Did you read his entire military file?”
“Most of it,” Tech said, looking away.
“Okay then, holding that part of his life against him is not right. What he had to do as a soldier to defend his country, what he had to do to stay alive, or even what he had to do when he came back home to cope with society, shouldn’t be weighed against him. He’s entitled to find happiness. I think, more so than anyone.” Syn stood up, looking down at Tech with compassion and understanding. Typical Syn. “I don’t know him well enough to say give him a shot. But I do know he’s not the type to tuck tail and run, or quit. And that seems to be your primary concern. So… make your own conclusions.”
Tech could only nod.
Syn walked around the table and squeezed both Tech’s shoulders. “I’ll talk with God and Day soon… if they haven’t killed each other today.”
“Thanks, Sarge,” Tech said softly, his mind reeling with the advice he’d just received.
Steele
The next four weeks flew by. He and Tech did exactly what they’d agreed to. They held back and got to know each other. It was different because Tech was the only one who knew classified information about his life, so he was able to open up to him. Tech respected that he didn’t care to talk about his life overseas and instead, they focused on what the future held for both of them. They talked on the phone, texted suggestive messages, and had lunch most days at their desks. The team noticed, but no one showed any disdain for Steele’s obvious intentions.
But damn if he wasn’t having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. Tech was delicious. His look, his body, his style, his smell, and especially his genius. It all drove him crazy. That’s why he was in the precinct’s gym trying to tear a hole in the heavy bag with his fists. He’d been working out down there regularly. Eating Green’s food was going to have a negative impact on his stomach if he didn’t stay on top of his regimen. The station’s entire bottom level was designated for working out. It was, by far, the nicest precinct gym he’d ever seen. Pretty modern cardio equipment, weights, mats, and a full-sized boxing ring.
Horny didn’t begin to describe what he was feeling. Even though Tech hadn’t offered him his bed again, his body language screamed at him to take him hard against the first sturdy surface they could get to. Steele grunted and threw a four-piece combination at the bag, then stepped back to regroup. He bobbed and ducked then threw another set, snapping his fists back after each connect. The fact that Ruxs and Green engaged in some type of sexual activity daily didn’t help him either, and he was tired of blasting music in his ears every night. He would’ve come out better staying at the trailer park. I need my own place, pronto. Maybe Tech will help me look for a place in a decent neighborhood. Steele hissed with each punch he threw.
“The bag doesn’t hit back, Marine.”
Steele stopped and stood up taller, turning to give his boss a no shit look. “You’re always so insightful, God.”
God’s hair was pulled back in a ponytail and covered in a black and white bandanna. Wearing only a pair of long nylon shorts, Steele got his first good look at the huge roaring lion tattooed across the entire right side of God’s muscular back. Jesus. The guy was definitely in shape, and it was no surprise that men and women stared as he moved across the floor to the ring in the center of the gym. There were a couple of guys in there were unwrapping their kickboxing gloves and the gym managers were cleaning it for the next match.
“Come on, Marine,” God yelled, loud enough to turn heads. “Looks like you’re already warmed up, let’s go a few rounds.”
Steele turned and propped both hands on his hips. Honestly, he wasn’t in the mood for that strenuous of a workout, he was just trying to release a little excess energy. “I’m good.” Steele waved God off, who was now shadowboxing and moving around the ring gracefully. He was light on his feet and could snap his fists out faster than Steele would’ve thought.
“Come on, don’t be nervous. I’ll take it easy on you,” God taunted him. Steele was never good with being baited. He walked across the floor, pulling off his drenched tank top and tossing it beside the ring.
“That’s the spirit.” God chuckled, still bouncing.
Steele climbed inside the ring, already noticing that a few of the other officers had paused their workouts and made their way closer. He doubted they were there to watch him. He had a sinking feeling that most people enjoyed watching God destroy whoever dared step inside the ring with him. His body was like a statue, hard and chiseled to perfection. Steele had been around men like that for over twenty years. It didn’t intimidate him, and he was confident that he could give God a damn good sparring match. Steele put on his protective headgear and let one of the trainers wrap his fists up before slipping on the kickboxing gloves. He took the offered mouthpiece and met God in the center of the ring. God had at least four inches on him, and his arms were long; he’d have to adjust for that. His tactic would be to stay low and go for God’s ribs and stomach. Make him swing and hope he tired quickly.
“Alright, guys. Let’s keep it clean. No hits below the waist, high kicks, or wrestling,” one of the gym managers said, and stepped outside the ring. There was no bell, only the shrill sound of the whistle around his neck. Steele tucked his chin a bit and took a couple steps back, wanting to get a sense of God’s style. He wasn’t surprised when God moved around him, doing the same. Both of them feeling each other out.
Steele watched fierce green eyes follow him. God’s form was good, similar to his own. God threw out a couple test punches before striking out with a powerful combination that resulted in a hit grazing Steele’s left jaw. Full-on impact would’ve hurt like hell. He’d have to be fast to dodge the blows. If God got more than a few good hits to his face, he’d be dazed. Steele was never one to go down easy; he ducked God’s right and dipped, catching him twice in the ribs on the left. God stepped back and frowned, immediately dropping his elbows to protect them. Steele moved in the other direction in an attempt to confuse God and come in at another angle. With God’s height, he’d assume Steele wouldn’t go for his face, but he was going to fool him there as well.
Steele took a step in and danced back before he made his next move. Swooping in quick, he threw a right to God’s side and caught him with an uppercut, but not before God clipped his chin when he tried to get back out of his reach. His lieutenant was smart, he’d give him that. He’d already figured out Steele’s strategy of sneaking inside then quickly getting out. A few yells came from the sides, including a few encouraging him. Steele kept his eyes locked on his target. He was charged and ready, now. Let’s dance, God.
Tech
Tech swiveled back and forth in his chair, waiting for his program to finish running a diagnostic check on his inventory system. For some reason, he kept getting duplicate orders. While he waited, he listened to Michaels on Ruxs’ speakerphone, talking about the trout he’d caught while fishing with his partner, Judge, in Virginia. He’d had a two-month leave planned to travel with Judge, to connect with some of his deceased father’s relatives. He put in the request seven months ago and left right after the shootout with Artist. He was scheduled to come back next month. But on this team, you took a vacation with the understanding that it could end any time God, Day, or Syn said. Being on call was a requirement. Even if you were out of the country, you’d better figure out a way to answer the call.
Ruxs was telling Michaels about Steele and what it was like working with him. Steele was already getting a reputation on the streets, too. But being partnered with the two crazies… how could he avoid it?
“Man, I look forward to meeting him. Alright guys, I was just checking in. Tell Ro I said stop faking like he’s still hurt and get his ass back to work.” Michaels laughed and hung up.
Tech smiled. He missed Michaels’ rough charm. He was one helluva sniper. When he took aim – just like the rest of them – he didn’t miss. He could fire from six hundred yards with absolute accuracy. Needless to say, he’d won the lieutenants over in no time, as had Steele. Steele was making friends quickly, and not only in their department. Hell, he was living with Ruxs and Green. That counted for something. They trusted him already. He hoped that meant Steele was sticking around.
Tech turned and looked at Syn, wondering when he was going to get back to him on his request to get out in the field. It’d been quiet the past couple weeks, but the Enforcers had made two arrests and had assisted SWAT with two raids. Tech was never even asked to go and observe. He wouldn’t think Syn would ignore him; surely, he had to have talked to God and Day by now.
Things were back to how they’d always been in the office. Day was back to his fun self, and nobody had missed the shiny two-tone band on his finger. They’d wondered if the two had run off and eloped, but Day was proud to announce the official wedding date to everyone. There was a collective sigh of relief when he’d finally put that doubt to rest. Tech wasn’t the only one who’d thought Day was going to either leave or shoot God in his balls for stringing him along. His lieutenants were finally getting married. They were all invited but had been instructed not to tell anyone and not to bring anyone. The ceremony would be at Ruxs and Green’s home, an intimate setting and a couple hours afterward a few invited guests would come for the reception. That way, God and Day could simply leave when they were ready and the rest of them could party and celebrate. Invitations to the reception had already gone out and a few coworkers had been by the department to either RSVP in person or rib the guys.
Tech was getting ready to go over to Syn and Day when one of the homicide detectives burst through their doors wearing a pair of sweats and an APD tank top, his face sweaty and flushed but his eyes as wide as saucers. “Your new guy, the Marine, is sparring with God downstairs!” he yelled, and took off back through the bullpen, a few of the beat officers racing along behind him.
Ruxs and Green were already in motion, taking off like two bats out of hell. Tech was right behind them and he could hear the heavy steps of Syn and Day on his heels.
“Hey, what’s going on?” The captain frowned from the entrance to his office, looking confused at all his officers scattering like rats.
“The Marine’s in the ring with God,” someone yelled.
“Oh hell,” the captain said and joined in the crowd.
Tech’s heart was beating frantically, taking the stairs two at a time, all of them sounding like a cattle stampede. It was no secret around the precinct who their new addition was, a lot of them having seen the footage of him at the fast food robbery, so the thought of him going head to head with the baddest cop in Atlanta, that was something to run and see.
When Tech came through the swinging doors, the first thing he saw was the goddamn crowd. Everyone was down there, even a couple of the officers from booking. What the hell? Then he noticed all the cell phones that were pointed in the direction of the ring, recording. The noise was crazy like they were watching two heavyweight champions. His breath stopped when he saw God shove Steele into the ropes and hammer away at his ribs. Steele tucked his elbows in tight, a look of determination and pain etched on his sweaty face.
“Get outta there, Marine!” a deep voice shouted. “Get off the ropes.”
Tech watched Steele wrap God up in a bear hug to halt his punches. God stumbled back, pushing Steele off him, but to his surprise, Steele came at God with a combination that would’ve made Ali proud.
“Yeah!” The crowd cheered when God stumbled back into the buckle, his big biceps flexing as he tried to defend against Steele’s hits.
Tech swallowed hard. He was amazed and extremely turned on by how fast Steele moved. God swung a quick left hook, the crowd erupting again when Steele ducked and returned the same level of punishment on God’s ribs. Steele jumped back, meeting God in the center of the ring. Tech didn’t know what round this was, but both of them looked like they’d had the workout of their lives. He’d seen God not even break a sweat in the ring, but large droplets poured off his chest and shoulders while he brought his hands up, squaring off with Steele again.
“Come on, Cash! Show him who’s boss.”
Tech craned his neck and could see Day was standing beside the ring, yelling louder than anyone else. Of course, he thought, not sure whether knowing his fiancé was watching gave God a boost of confidence or a need to show off, but God gave Steele a come-hither sign, telling him he was ready for more.
Steele brought his arms back up and Tech’s mouth watered, taking in Steele’s strong upper body, his broad shoulders and ripped back. His pecs were thick and dripping sweat profusely, making the large tattoo there glisten in the dim lighting. The huge bald eagle clutching the world in his sharp talons with USMC beneath it, done masterfully. But the best part was Steele’s knuckleduster piercing the image, the words Death Before Dishonor wrapped around the blade. Tech’s skin heated and he eased back into the corner to silently keep watching and also hide his reaction.
