Chapter 9
Dangerous Game
Of course he did it on purpose. He's a little greedy. He's a little selfish. He's just another ordinary average man. He doesn't want anything to change. He wants to keep his family intact. He doesn't want too much trouble. He doesn't want any drama. He wants Stephanie to come back, do her job, and take care of the kids. He has an important but sadly under-appreciated job. He has better use of his time. He is a busy man. He sits there watching JJ crying into the phone. He knows Stephanie will be torn. He feels guilty and a little ashamed. But he can't admit what he did. He can't admit that he has cheated on Stephanie. He doesn't want people to look at him and smirk. He doesn't want to hear them say behind his back:"Well, he's a Morelli. What do you expect?" He just wants to put last night behind him. He just wants a hot home-cooked dinner. He just wants to enjoy a relaxed evening. He just wants some peace and quiet. Is that too much to ask?
Alright, he made a stupid, careless mistake. But how much does he have to pay for that? It's but a one-night stand. He doesn't even know that woman's name. And he's pretty sure she has no idea who he is. He's married with two kids. He's a well-respected police detective. He's good at what he does. He seldom gets drunk. He almost never gambles. He has never raised his hand to his wife or kids. He has broken the family curse. He has his share of unfulfilled dreams and longings. He has ambitions and hopes and wishes and fears. He tries not to step out of line. He always follows the rules. So why can't Stephanie just give him a break and pretend everything is just fine and perfect? He deserves to be forgiven. He deserves a second chance. He was lost in a momentary weakness. That's all.
Joe Morelli looks up and meets Rose Maria's soft brown eyes. He knows his precious little princess is still upset when she doesn't return his smile. She's just like Stephanie, he secretly sighs. Stubborn, headstrong, and willful. He already feels sorry for the boys who are going to fall for her. Hopefully she will be smart enough not to follow anyone into some dark dirty garage or give herself to some bad boy on a hard cold floor. He wants his daughter to be happy. He wants her to meet the right kind of boys. He watches JJ put down the phone, his heart aching at the sight of the child's teary face.
"Daddy! I want Mommy!" The boy wails and once again bursts into tears, and it doesn't take long for his sister to join him.
The sky has already darkened. Joe Morelli sits on the couch with his head in his hands. Both his children are crying pitifully. There's no dinner on the table. He has no idea where his wife is. He made a mistake. A fucking small meaningless mistake. How much is he going to pay for it?