About Keeping Secrets
by LD Madison
39 pages / 10000 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-156-2
Ebook zipped file contains -
html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub
When Det. Nicholas Bailey is injured on the job, he refuses to be
examined by a doctor. Lt. Alexander Steele, Nick’s boss and lover, grows
impatient and threatens to strip Nick if he doesn’t cooperate. But Nick has
a very good reason for keeping his shirt on -- a notorious tattoo that would
reveal his criminal past.
The last time someone discovered his secret, Nick had to abandon his life
and begin anew. This time around, Nick can’t bear the thought of leaving
everything behind -- especially Alex. Is there anything Nick can do to avoid
from having his secret exposed, or will he be forced to start again?
Sample
Nick sat as still as he could while Ben walked around him, gently poking and
prodding, then moving his arm slowly to test for range of motion and degree
of discomfort.
When Ben came to stand behind him, Nick tensed. Since the tattoo was the
only unusual thing on his back, his friend would figure out that it was
source of his anxiety.
As Ben continued his exam, he tried to bring it up. "Interesting artwork,
Nick. I never took you for the tattoo type."
"Don't, Ben," Nick whispered, a shudder running through him. "I don't want
to talk about it."
"All right, my boy. Keep your secrets," Ben said finally, his familiar drawl
soothing Nick more than the actual words.
In short order, the doctor finished his examination and carefully bandaged
the shoulder and arm. Grabbing a pad from his desk drawer, he wrote out a
couple of prescriptions and took out a arm sling from a supply cabinet in
the corner.
As Nick dressed in the spare scrub shirt Ben handed him, the doctor picked
up his desk phone and dialed a number.
"Who are you calling, Ben?"
"Alex. He will want a report of your injuries."
"Shit. I'm out of here." Sliding off the table with difficulty, Nick
collected his things.
"Aren't you going to wait for Alex?" Ben grinned knowingly, laughter lurking
in his tone.
"Ahh... no." After slipping the sling over his head and inserting his arm
carefully, Nick clipped his holster to his waistband and hooked the badge on
his belt.
Frowning, Nick tried to glare at his friend, but it didn't have much of an
impact. Ben knew he was anxious to avoid Alex, while his boss would be
equally determined to not let him out of his sight.
Before he could ask Ben to hold off, Alex stormed into the morgue, door
banging against the wall. Great. With the way his luck was running, Nick
wouldn't be surprised if he was struck by lightning on a sunny day.
"So, what's the verdict, Ben?" Alex asked, his tone cold enough to give
someone a chill.
"Nick has a sprained shoulder and numerous cuts and bruises. I'm giving him
prescriptions for the pain, the shoulder strain and any possible infection
that might come up. He should be fine by Monday if he takes care of
himself." Raising an eyebrow, Ben glared at Nick, but directed his comments
to Alex. "The usual -- no heavy lifting and no pressure on the arm and
shoulder. He will need to keep his arm in the sling I gave him for as long
as he can stand it."
"So, he's cleared to go home?" Alex asked Ben, but his gaze rested squarely
on Nick.
"Yes, and with a few days' rest, he should be fine to come back to work,
provided he takes care of himself." Walking over to Nick with the
prescriptions in hand, Ben smiled with understanding. "Come see me on
Monday, and I'll release you for work. And call me if you need anything."
"Thanks, Ben." Nick pocketed the prescriptions and walked toward the open
door, giving Alex a wide berth.
"Where do you think you're going?" Alex said as he caught up with Nick in
the deserted hallway.
"Home. Doctor's orders." Nick could feel what little energy and strength he
had fading fast, leaving him sluggish and aching.
"Yes, you are, and I'm taking you to my place. You're not driving anywhere
in that condition."
Annoyed and short on patience, Nick turned toward Alex. "I don't think it's
a good idea, Alex. I'll catch a cab or ask one of the guys to drive me
home."
He desperately needed to rest before he did something foolish, like break
down in front of Alex and ask for a hug -- or worse, a cuddle. In Nick's
experience, hardcore cops like Alex only did fucking, not cuddling.
"Let's go. We'll stop by the pharmacy and pick up your medicines first."
Alex put a hand on his good shoulder and maneuvered him into the waiting
elevator.
Facing the sliding doors, Nick forced himself to speak. "I don't want to go
home with you, Alex. I'm not some wounded stray in need of rescue."
"Between the injury and the medications, you're going to need help getting
things done." Alex's voice was adamant. "Besides, I already know about the
tattoo."