Nancy sucked a breath between her teeth. “Gutted for you, pal.”
“Shut up,” he muttered, looking down at the table.
“Try not to get yourself assaulted this time. I know those evidence bags can be fucking brutal.” She smirked.
“You were assaulted, too. If memory serves, you nearly had your teeth knocked out.”
She smiled and stuck out her tongue. “All present and correct, thank you very much. Enjoy sitting in the van.”
“Enjoy being arse deep in prisoners.”
“Eh, I’d take prisoners over contraband any day.”
“Any questions?” Lucas said, cutting across their conversation. Oliver had a question, but he was loath to ask it when things were so tense between him and the alpha. But, needs must, so he reluctantly raised a hand. Lucas lookedmomentarily taken aback, but quickly composed himself. “Yes… DC Reed?”
Clearing his throat, Oliver said, “If I’m the exhibits officer, who’s managing the children? If, of course, we come across any children? Surely they’ll need taking into police protection?”
Everyone looked back at Lucas. He nodded. “The remaining child protection officers have kindly agreed to assist.”
Oliver narrowed his eyes. He was not happy about Matteus being put on the front line. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, DS White? Given the current…state…of the CP Unit?”
Lucas’ eyes softened. “The CP Unit will stay behind until they receive further instructions.” No one from child protection will be actively attending the scene.”
Oliver let out a long breath and nodded. “Thank you,” he said, giving Lucas a small smile—which to his surprise, was returned.
Nancy tapped his elbow. “Are you sure you guys have broken up?”
“If there are no further questions,” Lucas continued. “Kit-up and meet in the car park in fifteen minutes. Everyone is to double-glove as the property may very well become a scene.”
With that, everyone rose to their feet, and Oliver followed suit with a long sigh. He desperately wanted to clear the air with Lucas, and to apologise for his stupidity, but as he cautiously approached, Lucas was drawn into conversation with another Special Branch officer. He thought about butting in and pulling him to one side, but what right did he have after his behaviour? Instead, he turned and walked towards the door.
Opening it, he came face to face with a very grumpy looking Matteus. “Finally,” he said, pushing himself up from against the wall. Matteus had been uncharacteristically quiet since the incident at the foster home. Oliver had expected to receive a verbal lashing for his shitty behaviour, but the only thing he’dreceived from his brother was the cold shoulder. However, he knew Matteus had been checking in on him because—for two evenings in a row—he returned home to find another tray of cottage pie on his doorstep.
“Matty?” Oliver said, staring down at the omega. “Why are you here? We haven’t even left yet.”
“I can see that,” Matteus said, grabbing his elbow.
Oliver scoffed. “I don’t have time to chat. I need to get my kit.”
“Then I’ll walk with you,” he replied, following Oliver down the corridor.
“You shouldn’t have come in. You need to rest.”
“Oliver, I’m pregnant, not terminally ill.”
“You won’t be saying that when you’re nodding off at your desk later. What if you’re kept on late?”
Matteus tutted as they descended the stairs to the locker room. “Wow. You soundremarkablyconcerned for someone who doesn’t need me.”
Oliver stopped abruptly, causing Matteus to smack into his back. “What?” He said, catching his brother’s shoulder. Matteus huffed and continued down the stairs.
“Lucas told me what you said. We talk, you know.”
Scowling, Oliver held open the door to the basement locker room. “I’m not sure how I feel about the two of you talking about me behind my back.”
“Probably the same way I feel when you and Julian talk about me.”
“We do not!”
