Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
“We forget sometimes that famous people and politicians are human. That a title or name recognition doesn’t make them infallible. Lately, it’s not even guaranteed they’ll be decent. The same can be said about men in blue, as you’ve all been recently made aware. It’s ingrained in the public to respect the badge and the person who wields it, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, someone who doesn’t have the public’s best interest at heart slips through the cracks. This time, there was no denying the flagrant abuse of justice. But there are times when things aren’t so black and white.”
Solomon took a bracing breath. “The first Chief Finn died almost a year ago, and it was around that time I discovered that he’d made an error in judgment. A fellow man in uniform had abused a child, and instead of placing him under arrest, he had him transferred out of the city to another precinct.”
He heard the gasps, but he kept his eyes focused on his Aunt’s winter hat so he wouldn’t see the judgment. “Looking back, I want to believe he did it to protect the boy, his son, from scandal and further abuse. But since he never discussed it, I can only judge him by his actions. That complicity, that silence, is not the right action. It’s not the justice a child in pain deserves. Not the justice I was raised to believe in. It’s why my family and I are determined to make Bellamy House a safe haven.”
He spared a glance for the flashing cameras. “And that’s what I’ll be focused on, even if you change your mind about my appointment. But if you still want me, know that I won’t rest unless every member of this community feels safe again. Especially our kids.”
The roar of approval was so unexpected, so deafening, that Solomon took a step back, nearly running into his brother.
Rory hugged him. “I love you, Younger. And Stephen just said he’s really glad you hate politics.”
Solomon chuckled in relief and turned back toward the crowd in time for the reporters to start shouting out questions.
“Did Miller resign?”
“The mayor will be making a statement in a few hours.”
“Is your brother’s abuser still a member of the police force?”
Solomon tensed. “He was until five years ago when, according to reports, he died in a car accident three states over.”
“Is there any truth to the rumor of you being involved with a man who also resigned from the force over a year ago?”
Rory, who was still on his feet a few steps behind him, started to chuckle at the reporter. “Did our brother Wyatt tell you that? You know fireman love to gossip.”
A wave of laughter followed.
Thank God for Rory.
“My private life isn’t up for discussion.”
Uncle Shawn caught his eyes and shook his head so vigorously his hat came off. He was staring at him hard enough to leave a brand on his forehead.
If you love someone you tell them, even if you’re not sure they’ll say it back. You shout it from the rooftops.
Before another reporter could ask him a question he held up his hand. “But if it was up for discussion, I’d say I’ve discovered in my year away that I suck at dating.”
The reporter smiled.
“I’d also say that even though things might not have worked out, he deserves to know that I love him. He’s the only one I’ve ever been in love with, and despite the circumstances, I don’t see that changing in this lifetime.”
He saw a group of college girls fan their faces as his audience tried to decide whether to clap or feel sorry for him.
Uncle Shawn and Aunt Ellen were beaming and giving him matching thumbs up.
His cheeks heated, despite the chill in the air. “Next question.”
Chapter Eleven
“Where is my sister?” Hugo demanded as he slammed open the door to Chief Finn’s office. “I swear, if this is a—”
“Hugo, I’m here.”
His heart still pounding with adrenaline and fear, he whirled to find Bronte huddled in a chair against the wall, her eyes swollen from crying. “What happened? Why didn’t you come home last night? Where have you been all day?”
He saw her send a quick, frightened glance in Solomon’s direction and held onto his rage by a ragged thread. “What’s that look for, Bronte? Tell me before I have to cut his balls off.”
Her vulnerable expression swiftly replaced with disbelief, Bronte rolled her eyes and reached out to grab his hand protectively. “How about you not threaten the chief of police in an actual police station, how’s that work for you? As if I don’t have enough problems.”
“Then tell me what you’re doing here. And why have you been crying?”
“Younger already promised not to tell, but I need your word, Hugo. What I’m about to say to you doesn’t leave this room. At least, not if it’s heading in the direction of anyone at work or a blood relative.”