Edward Unconditionally Common Powers 3 Read Online Free PDF Page B

his grandmother sooner.
    But did they all have to be cops? And straight? What was a boy to do?
    The cop shook his hand. “Officer Brian Russell. Well, come along, and I'll drop you off.” He headed for the door.
    “See you later, alligator,” Edward quipped at Kristen.
    “After a while, crocodile,” she shot back. They laughed and Edward trailed behind Brian out the door, enjoying the way the cop's ass looked in those black uniform pants. The officer led the way to a marked patrol car, opened the passenger door, and then headed around to the driver's side. Edward got in, buckled up, and sat back.
    “Had some car trouble?”
    “Your chief shot my tire.” He probably shouldn't have said that.
    The officer turned and stared at him. “How did that happen?”
    “It was after my dog bit him,” Edward mumbled as he adjusted his bandanna.
    “Your dog bit him?” He put the car in gear and pulled out of the lot.
    “After he stopped me for speeding.” Edward rolled his eyes.
    “So. You're a dangerous criminal, huh?” Brian chuckled.
    “That's me.” Edward sighed and stared out the window.
    “What's up?” The cop sounded concerned. It was probably something he'd learned in cop school, or wherever they teach that sort of stuff, but his soft voice drew Edward in.
    He turned in his seat to look the guy in the eyes, and it all came out in a rush, “I've had a horrible day. My dog bit Jack, and now he's being held until I can prove he doesn't have rabies, and Jack's going to keep him for me because my grandmother is allergic, and Winston is claustrophobic and can't stay in a cage or a cell or be tied outside to the fence like some wild animal— ” Edward took a breath, but the cop interrupted by holding up his hand.
    “Whoa! Slow down.”
    Edward exhaled. This was just another fine mess he'd gotten himself into. No. He'd gotten Winston into this mess. Hell and damnation, maybe his father had been right about the trust fund after all. Right about what a self-absorbed—
    “Look. I'm sure whatever happened, Chief Whittaker will handle it with fairness and respect. Your dog, that's Winston?”
    “Yes.”
    “The chief stopped you for speeding, and the dog bit him?”
    “Right. I don't know why Winston did it. He's never bitten anyone before. Ever.”
    “Okay. And the dog can't go into the kennel, so the chief is going to hold on to him for you, right?” The officer spoke as he drove down a main street lined with businesses and stores.
    “That's right. Do you think he'll treat Winston okay?”
    “Of course. Chief Whittaker is one of the most decent men I know. If he says your dog is safe, then he's safe.”
    Edward let out his breath in a long exhale. “Thanks. I thought so; I just wanted to hear someone else say it.” He smiled at the cop.
    “You're not from around here, are you?”
    “No. How could you tell?”
    “Well, other than knowing most of the people who live here, the shirt was a dead giveaway.” Brian, the hot cop, chuckled again. Besides his good looks, Brian had a way of putting Edward at ease. Edward couldn't help but like him.
    Edward winced. “I know. Too much fringe.”
    He nodded. “And your accent. Georgia?”
    “Atlanta.” Edward nodded.
    “What brings you to Spring Lake?”
    “I'm visiting my grandmother, Olivia Rawlings.”
    “I didn't know she had any family.”
    “So I hear.” Edward frowned. “I'm a big secret.”
    “Is it because you're gay?”
    Edward turned to the officer. “No. She had a falling out years ago with my father. How did you know I was gay?”
    “You're joking, right?”
    Edward waved his hand down his chest. “The shirt?”
    “That, and since I'm gay, it's easy for me to spot another gay man. And you don't exactly hide it, you know.”
    “You're gay? Get back, Loretta.” Edward slapped his thigh.
    “Gay and taken.” The officer held up his left hand to show a solid platinum band.
    “Of course. Just my luck.” Edward sighed and sat back. “What