章 6: *** 06
Before Tom could sit at his desk or greet his partner, lieutenant's scream silenced all.
"Tom and Petty, in my office. Now."
Tom and Petty exchanged looks. You know something, Tom's eyes asked. No, you, Petty's asked back. Let's go, both's said together. And the detectives set off to the lieutenant's office.
Lieutenant Bracus was a man of many worlds. He wasn't the finest detective, and he never claimed to be one. He was content with mediocrity reaching the minimum requirements dictated by policy. He was friends with the greater majority, even if not very dear. He was modest with his ambition and controlled with politics. He wasn't the most suited to the seat of lieutenant, and he didn't boast when he got it. He might not impress everyone, but the one thing he certainly ensured was to never get onto the wrong side of anyone. He was now a man in the late forties, retiring from the highest position he would probably obtain.
Sitting in his chair behind the desk, the lieutenant looked fleshy but every bit a policeman. He greeted the two detectives with a nod as they walked in. He didn't speak immediately. It wasn't a psychological tactic, it was merely him being himself, very careful with his words. Petty couldn't be bothered. Tom wouldn't let himself be affected.
Looking at the older man, Tom had to admit. Excellence wasn't necessary to be impressive. And there couldn't be better evidence than lieutenant Bracus.
"The missing girl. Tell me about the case," the lieutenant flatly demanded.
The detectives exchanged a glance. Tom knew he was going to have to answer. It wasn't exactly reluctance with which he did.
"So there's nothing," the lieutenant said as Tom finished.
Tom agreed with a nod. The lieutenant was silent again a moment before continuing.
"Drop it," he said, leaving no room for doubt.
Tom didn't respond. Petty nodded, which was all the lieutenant needed.
"The other thing," the lieutenant said, looking only at Tom. "I'm retiring. I'll be announcing soon. As for why I'm telling you now, Petty will be replacing me. I hope there won't be any complications over the decision."
Tom was calm, which wasn't surprising. Petty and Bracus weren't looking for a wordy reply. As long as Tom showed nothing on his face, they would be happy.
"Okay, then," the lieutenant said. "That's good. So, Tom, I hope, actually, we all hope you continue to support Petty."
"Sure, sir," Tom answered tonelessly.
Tom was Petty's first partner since she made detective. He trained her, made her as good as she was, in a way taught her everything she knew. The two made a great team. The lieutenant hoped the relationship remained unaffected even after they weren't partners.
"She'll be with you in a minute Tom," the lieutenant said with a smile.
That was his cue. Tom nodded. Got on to his feet, and left.
He wasn't going to defy orders, but he would squeeze in a bit before following. He walked down to the floor of the forensics. Viki was at her desk, looking drowsy. She wasn't a morning person, and she never shied away from admitting it. She changed as she saw Tom, however. She was beaming and riding high on her wings of excitement.
"Detective Tommy, good morning," she greeted brightly. "Today is going to be just as wonderful as last night."
She froze immediately after. Then came the crushing embarrassment.
Tom wasn't much different. Shock rooted him to the hard ground for a while, before he shook himself free. He cleared his throat and began.
"I need a favour. The order is to close the case. I just need one thing before I do. Off the books. Could you reach out to officer Sarahi? I'd like to meet with her, over at the Persons' house."
It was the best he could do, ignore all that was said before and begin anew about the matter on hand. And it worked perfectly. Viki shook free of the embarrassment, deftly switching to work mode.
"Sure," she said confidently. "Not a problem. I'm sure she wouldn't mind too."
"And how can you be so sure?"
He knew it was the wrong question upon seeing her blush. He cursed at himself quietly, and changed the question.
"Would she be okay keeping quiet?"
"You'll just have to make it after the shift. After hours needn't be reported. Why? What're you thinking?"
"Nothing, really."
"Hmm, sure."
She wasn't convinced. And she wouldn't press. She understood that there were times when clarity was a luxury.
They fell quiet for a whole minute, and when the silence was starting to feel a little too comfortable, he broke it.
"Also, lieutenant just told me he's retiring. You know why I'm telling you this, don't you?"
She nodded like a chick pecking grains.
"I should be very quiet," she said, with a gleam.
"Yes."
Both were aware there was more. They were also aware of what their stations allowed. He could't tell. She couldn't know.
"Things are changing, aren't they."
He nodded in agreement. Things were indeed changing.
"Let's only think about what we can act on," he said.
"Got it," she said, with a guides salute. "I'll text you, in the afternoon. Don't get too busy."
He nodded again, expressing his gratitude, and left.
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