The Control Freak: A Kip and Ezra Novel

9.

Carter and I's time in New York was starting to prove relaxing for me even though we were in pursuit of a dangerous criminal. I had felt more at peace than ever; maybe even more peaceful than when I first joined the force. It was early morning and Carter and I were entering a diner for breakfast before we would journey to the NYPD to meet Detective Fox and continue work on tracking Estes. We sat down and ordered heavy coffees and breakfast when my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and then at Ezra, getting up from the table and walking a distance away so he didn't hear my conversation. Not that it would help- Carter Ezra had ears like a bat.

"Willow," I said into the phone as cordially as I could. "How are you?"

"Gordon, I'm gonna cut right to the chase. I think... we both didn't mean for this to happen and it's time we forgive and forget and I... well, I want to come back, babe."

I was stunned silent but more so, angry. I had been forming my own opinions as to how Willow got pregnant and I had a few to share with her just now.

    "Unless you tell me the truth, you'll come back to having to find your own lodging," I said, quietly, turning around to look at Carter.

His eyes locked with mine but then he turned his gaze toward the window as if I hadn't caught him staring.

    "I- what?"

I sighed deeply as I closed my eyes before I responded to my wife.

    "Tell me the truth, Willow."

    "I don't know what you want, Gordon."

    "I know I'm not the father," I blurted. "Who was it this time, huh? Eddie, Ramirez? Gabe? Pete? Which one of my partners did you have to screw to get to me, Willow? Hm? Until I know the truth... you can damn well count on a not-so-happy homecoming and also- you're the one who said we need to take a break so maybe we should listen to you ."

I shut my phone and walked back to the table and sat down, taking a drink of my coffee and looking out the window as I felt Carter's eyes on me.

    "Pretty bold accusation. Even for you," He remarked, casually.

I rolled my eyes as I glared at him, setting my cup down.

    "I know I'm not the father. Willow and I... haven't... been..."

I stuttered as I tried to find the words.

    "Well, we haven't been... what married people should be. For a while," I finally said.

    "Us either," Carter added, referring to Christine.

I gave him a look.

    "What's up with you?"

    "Why don't you just focus on your own problems, okay?" Carter snapped, suddenly.

    "I... will focus on what I want to, Carter. I-"

I stopped as my phone rang again. It was Fox.

    "Detective Fox. Kip here. What's up?"

    "Two more murders. Meet me in Bryant Park ASAP. And bring Ezra."

Carter and I pulled up to the scene and we both looked at each other and winced as we caught sight of the scene. There were two men; one laying on the ground, his ankle twisted in what was obviously an uncomfortable position. The other man was reaching out for the other man, a dagger in his hand which a CSI officer took and handed to Detective Fox in a bag. Carter and I walked up to Fox as he turned toward us.

    "Gentlemen."

    "Fox. What's the catch?" I asked, as I scanned my eyes over the scene again.