Hidden Force by Shayla Kersten

of all three deceased. And…” His voice trailed off and a slight blush reddened the man’s cheeks. “And I’m gay.” Ryan said the words for him. “There’s that.” He nodded and lowered his eyes. “I think it would be easier for a gay officer to deal with the atmosphere of the Paradiso.” “Don’t be embarrassed. I’m not. And you’re right.” The Paradiso’s reputation for a sex club was well deserved. Unfortunately every time vice raided them, they seemed to have been warned. Ryan smiled when the man raised his head to look at him again. “I want to get the SOB off the streets as much as you do.” “So you’ll take the assignment.” “Yes.” Ryan wasn’t sure how to tell Tony. Or what he should tell Captain Martin about his relationship with the lead detective on the case. * * * * * Tony tried to control his racing heart with slow breaths and calm thoughts but nothing helped. Only one answer explained Ryan’s presence in homicide. After the nightmares of the past month, he wasn’t sure he could handle the obvious conclusion. As he stared at the captain’s closed door, it opened. “Costa, Payton.” Martin canted his head back toward his office. 15 Shayla Kersten Tony steeled his legs as he stood. He caught Jeff’s look of concern before he forced his face into a passive expression. “Don’t say a word,” he mumbled. Jeff nodded but his apprehension showed in his frown. When Tony entered the office, Ryan looked up but didn’t speak. “Tony Costa, Jeff Payton, this is Ryan Nilsson from vice.” The captain motio