Out to Protect (11 page)

Once he was out of the car, he closed the door quietly. His instincts told him he wasn’t alone. Somewhere in the darkness of the brush, Ralph waited for him.

“Over here,” Ralph called from his left.

Grant turned his head to see if he could find Ralph’s hiding spot. He came up empty. It didn’t surprise him. The bushes were full, perfect for blending in at night or even in the daytime.

“I can’t see you.” Grant hoped to lure him out into the open.

“Hurry up, Grant. I want to be sure you weren’t followed.”

“I wasn’t. I made sure of it.”

“Start walking, and I’ll step out when you get closer.”

Oh that gave him the warm fuzzies.
Hey, walk right into my evil web, and once you’re close enough, I’ll snare you.

“Look, Ralph, I’m not comfortable about any of this. What did you want to talk to me about?” Grant moved closer to the park but kept his guard up. His eyes began to adjust to the darkness, and his focus got better with each step. He still couldn’t find Ralph.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Grant. I may not like your sexual preferences, but I certainly wouldn’t hurt you over them.”

Grant gave pause.

“If you don’t want to hurt me, why do you want to talk to me in private?”

“I can’t yell it across the park. For Christ’s sake, Grant. I don’t know who to trust anymore.”

Fuck if he didn’t feel the same way. He didn’t know which way to turn. He knew he could trust Parker. He once believed he could trust Ralph too.

“Are you the serial killer we’re tracking?” He knew it was crazy to ask Ralph if he was the killer, but he thought he might be able to gauge whether he told the truth by the tone of his voice.

“What? You can’t be serious. You think
I’m
the killer?”

If Ralph was the killer, he did a great job disguising it. Grant believed from the tone of his voice that he was honestly surprised by the accusation.

“We have evidence, Ralph. There’s a business card and a list of items you’d need to commit a murder.” He knew he shouldn’t be showing his hand, but something deep inside told him Ralph wasn’t their man.

“Grant, how long have we known each other? Do you think I’m capable of murder?”

Grant moved closer to the sound of Ralph’s voice.

“To the left a few more steps,” Ralph whispered.

Grant took two more steps when a shot rang out in the night. The burning pain pierced the back of his thigh. He went to bend to see where he’d been hit when another shot rang out. The second bullet hit Grant in the left shoulder. He fell over purposely. He had to take cover. How could he not see the ambush for what it was? Ralph had him exactly where he wanted him, and now he was going to kill him. Life as he knew it was over.

Two strong hands grabbed him and dragged him into the bushes. Grant looked up to see Ralph. This was it. He would drag him to the rocks and toss him into the ocean. He couldn’t allow that to happen. He had to stop Ralph. He wouldn’t become one of his victims. He refused to die at the hands of a serial killer.

Grant tried to wrestle out of Ralph’s grip, but the shooting pain in his shoulder prevented him from struggling too much.

“Let go of me, Ralph,” he said through clenched teeth.

“No, I’m not going watch you die, and I’m certainly not gonna get myself killed because you think I’m some kind of killer.”

Confusion racked Grant’s brain. Ralph hadn’t shot him? Then who? Who shot him and…

More shots rang out in the night. Ralph fell to the ground beside Grant.

“What the fuck is going on? I thought you said you weren’t followed.”

“I didn’t think I was. I looked for a tail but didn’t see one.”

“Did you tell anyone where you were going?” Ralph asked.

“No. You insisted I come alone. What about you? Did you tell anyone?”

“Fuck no. I don’t trust anyone.”

“Not even me?” Grant had to know if there was any trust left for the duo.

“If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have asked you to meet me.”

“Do you know who the killer is, Ralph?”

“I suspect it’s my new partner. My phone has suddenly disappeared a few times, and Stanley seems to find it. Once I found your number, and I know for certain I hadn’t called you.”

“Shit, that explains some things.”

“Then I got a call from a girl over on Ninth Street. I guess she found my business card. She tells me she’s seen the car. You’ll never guess whose car matches the description.”

“Stanley?” Grant was shocked, yet things were becoming clearer. Everything made sense. Stanley had left clues to point the guilt at Ralph, and it worked. They believed Ralph had committed the murders.

“Yes, Stanley,” a man said from about ten feet from them.

Stanley? How did he find them?

Now that he had found them, did he plan to kill them?

“I have a gun in my leg holster, Ralph. Grab it and use it.”

“I have my own, Grant.”

Of course he did. What had Grant been thinking? He was a cop. They always carried their guns.

“Right. Can you see him?”

“No. You?”

“Nothing.” Grant winced in pain. His shoulder throbbed, and the pain grew excruciating with every moment.

Ralph removed Grant’s gun and placed it in his hand.

“Here, if Stanley gets close, shoot,” Ralph instructed.

Grant nodded, though he doubted Ralph could see in the darkness.

“You won’t make it out of here alive,” Stanley said.

“What the fuck is going on, Ralph? I don’t understand why he’s killing prostitutes.”

“Mommy issues,” Ralph spat. “Apparently he has gay issues too.”

“Apparently he isn’t the only one,” Grant snapped.

“Nope, he’s not. But we’re not here to talk about me or you. We need to get out of this situation alive.”

A bullet whizzed by their heads.

“Shit!” Grant cried. He moved the best he could and started to open fire in the direction the bullet came from.

Once he stopped, a cackling sound filled the night.

“You’re way off base.”

“Fuck you, Stanley.”

Grant looked to Ralph, who was now on his feet.

“You want a piece of me, come get me like the man you claim to be. Killing women isn’t acting like a man. And the way you decided to kill them is cowardly.”

“What the fuck are you doing, Ralph? You have a death wish?” He certainly didn’t. He wanted out of the sticky situation and now. What he’d give to be asleep in his bed. His leg felt like it was on fire. Blood drained out of the bullet hole. The taste of nickel filled his mouth. Sweat dripped down his forehead into his eye. He lifted his right arm to wipe it away when another shot rang out.

“Fuck!” Ralph dropped to the ground.

“You shot?” Grant asked.

“Yeah. The motherfucker shot me. All these years with a clean record, and that stupid son of a bitch got me. I’ll kill the motherfucker.”

Grant wanted to laugh at the irony of the situation, but couldn’t. They were in grave danger. If they didn’t figure out where Stanley was and take him down, they would likely die.

“Where are you hit?”

“My side. Getting shot hurts like a son of a bitch, Grant.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Ready to give up, boys, or do you want to share some anal loving first?”

“Go fuck yourself, Stanley,” Ralph shouted.

Grant couldn’t believe this was happening. How the hell had he gotten mixed up with this shit? If he hadn’t come out of the closet, none of this would be happening to them. Thanks to Ralph he still had his life, but for how long?

“Ralph, you have to stop antagonizing him.”

“Fuck him. He ain’t taking me alive.”

“I believe that’s the point. He wants us dead.”

“You’re right, Grant. I plan to take you out first, you homo. It will be one less fag with you gone.”

“If your beef is with me, Stanley, then let Ralph go.”

Three quick shots rang out; none of them were anywhere near him or Ralph.

“You okay?” Grant asked.

“Aside from the pain in my side, perfect.”

Sirens blared in the distance.

“Do you think they’re coming for us?” God, how Grant prayed they were. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could hang on with all the blood draining from his body.

“I hope so. Someone had to have heard the gunshots.”

“Stanley?” Grant called.

“He’s down.”

“Parker?” Shit, the kid had found him. Thank fucking God for Parker.

“The one and only.” Parker appeared in front of Grant and Ralph. “Are you two okay?” He bent and looked over Grant.

“I’m not sure how bad it is, but they hurt like nobody’s business.” Ralph was too quiet. “Ralph?”

“Yeah, I’m here. I don’t feel so hot. I want to close my eyes and rest.”

“Check on him, Parker. If it weren’t for him, I’d be dead right now. And you too.”

Parker moved from Grant to Ralph. Grant watched as he used his flashlight to assess the damage.

“It doesn’t look all that bad, but I’m not sure if the bullet hit any major organs. The ambulance will be here momentarily. He’ll be in good hands.”

As if on cue the sirens blasted their eardrums.

“I have to run out and tell them where you are. I’ll be right back.”

Grant reached for Parker’s hand. “Thank you.”

“It was you who led me here; if you hadn’t said you were going someplace to regroup, I wouldn’t have found you.”

God love him. He got it. He understood the clue. Grant didn’t care what anyone thought of Parker; he was one sharp cop.

“Thanks.” Grant let his head fall back onto the dirt and broken branches. The police, ambulance, and rescue squads were here. They’d get the help they needed.

* * * *

“Great job, Parker,” the chief said. “You saved the lives of two of my finest.”

“Glad I could help, sir.” Parker’s arm felt like a rag doll, the way the chief shook his hand.

“You’ll be recognized for your bravery.”

“No need, sir; it’s all in the line of duty.” Parker didn’t want any attention drawn to him from the department. He was only grateful that Ralph and Grant were likely going to be just fine.

“Are you going to the hospital?” the chief asked.

“I’d like to if we’re done here.”

“Hit the road. I’m sure the guys would like to thank you again for saving them.”

“Can I ask you a question, Chief?”

“Sure, Parker, anything.”

“Did you have any inkling that Stanley was guilty?”

“Not until earlier tonight when I was talking with Ralph. He filled me in on his suspicions.”

Parker nodded, thankful.

“Thanks, sir. I’m gonna head over to see the guys.” He turned to leave and decided against it. “One last thing, Chief; I’m gay.”

“Jesus Christ, Sloane. Did you really have to tell me this tonight? Get lost.”

Parker excused himself from the crime scene, surprised by his confession. He’d admitted that he was a gay police officer. What a day. He’d killed a man today. Not just any man, a fellow officer. If he hadn’t taken Stanley down, Stanley would have killed both Grant and Ralph. Parker felt justified in his decision to shoot Stanley; he just didn’t like the idea of having killed a cop. He didn’t have time to dwell on Stanley’s death. He wanted to get to the hospital and make sure for himself that Grant would be okay. They had a lot to talk about, and Parker wanted to make sure he’d be around for a long time to come.

* * * *

“I have to say I’m glad you finally experienced what it felt like to be shot.”

“Thanks, Grant. I know I’ve been a prick, but really?”

Grant laughed. Yes, he knew his comment was a bit harsh, but, shit, after all these years Ralph finally learned what it felt like to be shot. Besides, he would be just fine. His wounds weren’t life threatening.

“Luckily for you the bullet passed through without hitting any vital organs.”

“Fuck, yeah. It certainly was a close call.”

Grant leaned his head back on the shabby pillow. They were both lying in hospital beds. The stark white sheets were stiff and itchy, the room a bit too chilly for Grant’s liking. He dragged the sheet up as far as it would reach with his right arm. His left was too sore to attempt any use.

“I guess we’re both lucky.” Grant turned his head so he could look at Ralph. “I still can’t believe Stanley was a killer.”

“Or that he’s dead.”

“Mmmm.” Grant wondered where Parker was. He wanted to thank his partner for saving their lives. If he hadn’t shown up, who knew what the outcome would’ve been?

“Look, Grant. I know I’ve been a total prick, and I’m sorry. I can’t say I understand what you’re going through, and I still have an aversion to homos, but I’ll do my best to overlook that part of you. We have been friends for a long time.”

“Thanks.” Grant didn’t know what else to say. At least Ralph was making an effort. It was more than he could ask for.

“I just can’t have you shoving it down my throat or any public displays of affection…if you know what I mean.”

Grant watched as his friend visibly winced.

“I’m not about making others uncomfortable, Ralph. I think by now you’d realize that.”

“There you guys are,” Parker said, walking into the room.

“Hey, it’s about time you showed up. I’ve wanted to properly thank the man who saved our lives. I’d offer you a beer, but as you can see, we don’t have any.” Grant moved his arm around.

“Yes, thanks, Parker. You definitely saved the day,” Ralph added.

“All in a day’s work.”

“You are a hero. You not only caught a killer. You saved two lives.”

“You sure did, Parker. I’m glad Grant had you as a partner. I’m not sure anyone else in the department would’ve had the balls to take down another cop.”

Grant noticed the rookie was blushing. He was having difficulty making eye contact with either of them. He did walk over to Grant’s bed and take the chair next to him. Because Grant’s bed was closest to the door leading to the hallway, half his body was hidden from Ralph. Still, when Parker squeezed his hand, Grant was completely shocked.

What a dilemma Grant found himself in. He knew he was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t, but in the end the decision he made would work out for the best. He felt it in his gut.