Dixon's Duty Read Online Free Page B

going?”
    “Pretty good.” Bryan nodded. “I hope you don’t mind my dropping in.”
    “Of course not. Have a seat.” He motioned to the chair by his desk, then they both sat. “Is there something I can do for you?”
    Bryan cleared his throat. “I, uh, wanted to let you know. I spoke with the rest of my employees. No one remembers seeing either of those two women at Last Call.”
    “There’s three now.” Dix leant back and flexed his fingers together. “A third body found in another alley, last night.”
    “Oh, my God.” Bryan appeared truly shocked. “That’s awful.”
    “Yeah, it is.” Dix stared at him and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
    Bryan glanced down then back up again. He seemed nervous. “That’s not the, uh, only reason I stopped by. It’s about what your friend said last night.” He glanced around surreptitiously.
    Dix waved his hand. While he didn’t usually conduct personal business in the squad room, everyone knew he was gay. It wasn’t a concern. “Don’t worry, it’s cool. But please don’t mind Abby. She thinks she’s being helpful when she’s actually not.”
    “It was helpful to me.” Bryan smiled. “Dating since I came out as gay has been a lot harder than it was in high school when I dated girls because that’s what guys were supposed to do. Unless you’re at a GLBT rally or someplace like that, it’s impossible to tell if people are gay or straight.”
    The words resounded in Dix’s head. “Since you came out… You’re telling me you’re gay?”
    Bryan’s smile was more sheepish this time. “Yeah. I guess that’s what I’m telling you. Why I’m telling you, well, I’m not exactly sure. My daughter kind of pushed me into it. Sami thought you were cute, and well, hell, I couldn’t deny that.”
    Dix couldn’t hold back his grin. “Sami, your daughter. I thought she was your girlfriend, the first time I saw her kiss your cheek.”
    “I remember.”
    “You could have set me straight.” Dix realised his choice of words and when Bryan laughed, he did, too. “Okay, you know what I meant. You could have corrected my mistaken impression.”
    “Why would I want to do that? You were the suave, debonair detective with all the answers. I liked that you finally got something wrong.”
    Dix nearly choked. “Is that how I come across? Somebody should nominate me for a fucking Golden Globe, then. I sure as hell don’t feel that way on the inside.”
    “Really.” It wasn’t spoken as a question, more of an observation. Bryan studied him for a moment. “I’d like to learn more about how you feel, Detective Dixon. I wondered if you’d like to stop by the place for dinner some night. Oh hell, I meant tonight. If you’re interested, that is. And you’re not busy.”
    Dix watched him just as thoughtfully. “I am.”
    “Busy?” Bryan’s face fell.
    “Interested. I’m always busy, but even cops make time to eat…and unwind a little bit.”
    “Great.” His expression changed from disappointment to relief. He feigned wiping his brow. “Damn, I’d forgotten how much work that was.”
    Dix chuckled. “I hadn’t. That’s why I didn’t make the first move. Well, that, and the fact I had no idea you were gay. Anyway, I’m glad you stopped by. Dinner sounds great. I should be done here by about six. That work for you?”
    “Six would be fine.” He rose. “Whenever you get there is good. I’ll look forward to seeing you.” He turned to leave.
    “Oh, Bryan? Think I could get your cell number?”
    The man faced him again.
    Dix smiled apologetically. “First rule about being friends with a cop. Sometimes work gets in the way. I try not to let it, but you know.” He nodded towards the evidence board.
    Bryan glanced at the board but looked away quickly. “Understood. Sure, here, I’ll write it down for you.” He jotted the number on a piece of paper and passed it over. “Call anytime.” He reconsidered. “Not to cancel, of course.”
    “Of