An outstretched arm came on screen with a long black sleeve and black gloves. The fingers were wrapped around the trigger of a sleek, shiny handle. A gun. The guy jerked his head to the left, and his eyes went wide. “Oh, fuck. Wait. Please. It’s not—” The gunshot was a sudden crack, like lightning. He fell forward, knocking into the camera. It tilted to the side, revealing more of the room and the edge of the fake space ship background.

“Pause,” Brett said and moved closer. “This is not space. That’s an apartment.”

Genius took out his phone. “Can you play that again? Slower. Frame by frame. I thought I saw a window. A real window.” Genius snapped a photo of the images. “I’ll see if I can get any matches. I’d say get lucky, but I’m better than luck. I’ll program my map app to tell us where this is. At least, we’ll know which building.”

“Good.” Brett turned to the anxious guy. “You’re in charge of this space station logo project?”

“Yes. I am. Was. I’m Mr. Jim Morray. We were all just sitting here for the update and … and he. This guy seemed legit. We did a background check. We even called NASA to confirm.” He leaned against the table.

“What was his name?” Brett pointed to the paused screen.

“Oh. Um. Bane. Larne Bane. He said he was a technical on the space station. NASA was looking for donations in certain areas in exchange for our logo on their equipment and suits and…” he trailed off.

“When did you meet Mr. Bane?” Brett glanced at Genius, who was typing away on his phone.

“That was, um, six months ago. We donated five thousand to get our company logo on their new docking airlock and another five for the logo on the space suits.”

“You made the checks out to NASA?” Brett pulled out his own phone. He opened a note app and began recording. When Morray didn’t answer, he looked up. “Mr. Morray?”

“Well, no.” He took a deep breath. “The check was made out to NASA’s affiliated company, Welcome Enterprises. I know that sounds odd, but we checked that out. Website, pictures, phone calls. It was, well, I thought it was all legit.” Morray covered his face with his hands. “Shit. They’re going to suspend me for this.”

Poor guy. “It sounds like you did everything right, Mr. Morray. I’m going to need your contact information and any files you have about Mr. Bane as well as this Welcome Enterprise. I’ll also need that video.”

He nodded. “Right. I gathered all that while I was waiting for you guys to show up.” He pulled out his phone, swiping up.

Brett’s phone pinged. “Thank you, Mr. Morray. We’ll be in touch soon.” He headed out of the conference room and slowed for Genius to catch up. “Did you start your search?”

“Yes. It might take a while. That’s a narrow view and it’s blurry.”

The elevator doors opened, and when Brett glanced inside, he found it empty. Perfect. He was feeling extremely frisky this morning. “Oh, I think we can find something to do while we wait.” He kept his expression neutral as Genius looked up.

Surprise, then a slow grin. “Is that so?”

Genius had been wondering how good that mouth was. Or maybe Brett wanted sex or he wanted a mouth on him. Either way, they were getting naked. That’s what mattered. Mid-morning sex for the win! He swaggered to Brett’s police car, which was parked on the curb. The city was bustling now. Traffic filled the street, horns honking and angry drivers shouting. He hopped into the car, using the swivel function to turn around and sit in the back bench seat. “Tint windows,” he ordered as Brett came around the car. All the windows darkened as he got in. They may be having a hushed relationship, but Genius wondered what would happen if they did come out. Maybe one day he’d walk right up to Brett in the middle of the precinct and just kiss him. Actually, the sour detective might punch him. Genius snorted as Brett sat beside him.

“Car, head to … just drive around.” The car pulled from the curb, and Brett turned to face him. A moment later, he leaned over, kissing Genius.

“Someone’s horny today,” he said, muffled.

“Just woke up with you on my mind.” Brett kissed his jaw and then his neck.

“That was really sweet.” Genius smiled, reaching out and running his fingers over Brett’s thigh.

“I can be sweet.” Brett kissed his forehead. “I can be passionate.” He smiled and placed his lips against Genius’s. Their mouths opened. His tongue came swooping inside like a hungry predator. Swirling, prodding, touching. Brett pulled away. “Naughty.” He slid his hand up Genius’s thigh and gave his crotch a squeeze. “There are sides to me you haven’t even seen yet.” He winked and then began to unbutton Genius’s pants.

He had to remember to wear easier clothing to get off. Maybe sweatpants. Maybe shorts. Brett could stick his hand right up and… Genius groaned when his cock was freed.