CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Waiting was the hardest part. Even after getting the text that they'd left the site of the sting, and hearing the police find no suspects on the scene when they arrived, Jeremy still couldn't relax. He needed to see D and Jessica in person. He needed them here at the house where he was sure they were safe.
"They're very careful what they say on the police radio." Rani poured a cup of coffee as they waited in the kitchen.
"They are. Which is good, I think. Jessica mentioned she had a source in the police department and said they were happy we'd come to town. Doesn't mean we're safe, or that all the police feel that way, but at least we know some are on our side. I think people really have to just decide when is it too much. Does what we do take things too far or not. It's a personal judgment call. Probably a lot of it is based on how much abuse has touched your life personally. I really don't know." Jeremy stared out the window, waiting for headlights to turn in the driveway.
"Are you and Jeremy staying here tonight?" Rani asked.
"Not sure yet. You hoping we leave so you don't have to listen to us?" Jeremy grinned.
Rani laughed. "I've added a few new words to my vocabulary, listening to you two at night. Seriously, it doesn't bother me either way. I can barely hear you, and I usually just put my headphones on and fall asleep. If I complain about you guys, you might complain about me someday. Figure it's best to just keep my mouth shut and let you guys have your fun."
"You thinking about starting to date?" Jeremy asked.
Rani shook his head. "No. I've got too much going on right now to worry about dating. Besides, it's not as if I could bring anyone back here. Once I get my own place, then maybe I'll think about it. For now, I'm happy just trying to get my life in order. I talked to my brother in Oman today and he says things have calmed down since I left. My family isn't being ridiculed or attacked anymore because of me. That's good."
"Will you go back to visit sometime?"
"I don't know if it would be safe. People there don't forget. It might be better to fly my family here when I want to see them." Rani turned to the window as headlights hit the window. "They're home."
"Thank God." Jeremy sighed. "I hate waiting for them."
"Me too, but I'm glad I'm just here to welcome them home. My job is one that I hope I don't have to do often."
Jeremy nodded. "I agree."
The door opened and D and Jessica walked in, both smiling.
"Well?" Rani asked.
Jessica grinned. "It was fucking amazing. Knowing he can't hurt anyone again makes it all worthwhile. I thought it would be harder, but all I had to do was think of those girls and I had no problem doing it. What are the police saying?" She pulled her hoodie over her head.
Jeremy watched as D started pulling unused items from his pockets. "They aren't saying much. They rushed the perpetrator to the hospital and are investigating. They didn't announce his injuries over the radio. I can dig into the police reports tomorrow, but as far as radio communication goes, we don't have a lot of information."
D walked over and kissed Jeremy softly before opening the fridge and pulling out a beer. He offered it to Jessica, who refused, before taking it to the table and sitting down beside Jeremy. "The less they say, the better for us. I'm sure the pedo will mention there was a female there tonight, and that might throw the police off a bit. There's never been a female on a sting before, even in California, so this will be new for them. I'm guessing they'll assume it's a couple working together now. Probably me and some new girlfriend I picked up."
"You better not be picking up girls." Jeremy laughed.
"The last girl I picked up was Becky Jenson in third grade after a bully knocked her off the swing. No girls catching my eye. You're stuck with me." D reached over and took his hand.
Jeremy laughed. "And I bet she still remembers you today. I'm glad no girls are catching your eye, but you're right, they will think Jessica is your new partner and probably girlfriend. I'm not sure if that will work well for us or not."
"I don't think it will matter. Once we get a full team, there will be several of us going out. It won't be a matter of just one couple doing the work anymore." D took a long drink of his beer. "You okay if we stay here tonight?"
Jeremy glanced at Rani and laughed. "I'm fine with us staying here, but we might end up owing Rani new headphones eventually." He glanced at Jessica. "You going to stay?"
She shook her head. "Nah, I'm going home for a hot shower and a long run on my treadmill. I'll be back tomorrow to catch up on things." She leaned over and gave D a half hug. "Thanks for going with me. I would have been too nervous to do that alone the first time."
D hugged her back. "We'll do the next few together. I won't leave you alone until you're completely comfortable. Tonight was easy. Wait until there's a dog in the house or more than one adult. You did great. My biggest worry is you wouldn't stomach the cutting, but you didn't even flinch."
"The smell nearly got me." She grimaced.
"Yeah, it takes getting used to. You can always rub Vicks in your nose before you go in. That can help," D told her.
"I might try that." She gave Jeremy a quick hug before turning to Rani and doing the same. "You three have a good night. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She winked as she walked out the door.
"Well, since you're home safe and sound, it's time for me to head to bed and leave you two to whatever it is you get up to. See you in the morning." Rani stood and left before either of them could respond.
