Episode 4

Chapter 04

Narrator

Sergeant Eduardo Santos

When Eduardo got home, he ran to the bedroom, stripped in a hurry, tossed his clothes into the laundry hamper, and took another long shower.

He loved living alone. He couldn't picture himself living with anyone. He liked everything organized. Even though he had been dating Lisa for two years, he had never found the courage to invite his fiancee to move in with him.

He got out of the shower, put on loose shorts and a T-shirt, and went straight to the kitchen to make something quick. He was starving.

He made the pasta dish he was known for among the officers at the precinct. He took a photo of the plate set on the table and posted it in the WhatsApp group. Messages started dropping in right away.

"When the boss is in the kitchen, it's pasta for sure," Victor Gomes said.

"Need help devouring that plate, boss?" Mauro offered.

"I can't even fry an egg, and my boss knows how to make pasta," Marta declared, making everyone smile.

"One of these days, you'll all come back here for dinner with me," Eduardo said, earning applause from everyone.

Whenever they could, they met up for dinner or went to some little bar to have a beer. They always avoided being seen leaving the precinct together. Police officers were very exposed to direct attacks.

"Maybe when the reinforcement arrives," Douglas reminded them.

"Are you crazy? You think the new guy's going to show up and immediately get invited on our outings?" Mauro said protectively.

"Douglas is right. If the guy's coming to work with us, of course we'll have to go out with him," Marta agreed.

"From what I've heard about this guy, maybe he won't stay long," Eduardo commented without giving many explanations.

"I heard he's excellent at what he does, that the guy isn't afraid of anything. He's used to missions outside the country and always comes back with a medal on his chest," Victor said.

"I heard he's gay," Douglas dropped the bomb, leaving everyone sending shocked emojis.

"What story is that, Douglas?" Eduardo asked, completely surprised.

"I heard Sgt. Benjamin Santiago is openly gay," Douglas confirmed.

"What, boss? Are you homophobic? Are you going to judge the guy for his sexuality?" Marta's question surprised everyone.

"Of course not, Marta. But it's complicated to work with someone like that... not that his sexuality would get in the way of the job in any way. But... forget it."

Eduardo tried to explain himself, but it was difficult.

"Sergeant, I think you should think carefully about how you're going to act around him. The guy went through some problems last year. This is his first mission after he recovered," Marta said.

Eduardo was impressed by how much information Marta had about the new sergeant.

"The way you're talking, Marta, you make me sound like a monster, a bad boss," Santos questioned.

"Of course you're not a monster, boss. You just have some... pretty difficult outbursts," Douglas said with a smile.

"We're going to welcome the new guy with open arms. We have to be partners. We're in a war, and he came to help us win that war."

Eduardo's declaration surprised everyone.

"That's how you talk, boss," Victor teased.

"Guys, this chat is great, but I have other things to do."

Eduardo was the first to leave the group, then sat there thinking. Not once had his superior told him Sergeant Santiago was gay. He had never worked with an openly gay police officer. He knew that in the military world, there was still a lot of prejudice disguised as something else, and military men preferred to hide so they wouldn't suffer for it. He didn't want his precinct involved in any kind of homophobic scandal, especially with only men on the team.

The previous night immediately came to mind. Now more than ever, he wanted that night erased from his life completely. He wasn't gay, and he had never desired a man. He finished dinner, cleaned everything, and went back to the bedroom. He threw himself onto the huge bed and stayed on his phone until sleep came.

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