Page 49 of On Broken Wings

“He’s calling us all back tonight,” I growled. “Set it up. He has millions in coke in that warehouse.”

“I’m working on it.” Toni pulled her phone from her pocket and started texting someone.

“Work faster.” I began pacing. “I need this to be done, finished, over. He knows someone turned in Michael. He’s gonna figure out it was me. He’s not stupid, detective.” I spat the words out in anger.

“You watch your tone, officer.” She stepped in front of me and glared up at my face.

“I’m sorry.” I sighed as I grabbed at my hair. This god damn hair was driving me nuts. I was just as frustrated with it as I was at Vince. The hair would be the first to go as soon as this case was closed.

ooooooooo

Jenni

When I blinked against the morning light, I rolled over to wrap my arm around Evan. I wanted to snuggle into him and sleep the day away. It was Saturday and I didn’t have anything on the agenda. When I didn’t feel him, I sat up and glanced around the room. Had I dreamed last night? My clothes were strewn about the floor proving that I hadn’t, but Evan was nowhere in sight. At first, I thought maybe he had just run to the bathroom, but his things were gone.

I slowly climbed out of bed and pulled on a pair of pj pants and a tank. I opened my door and crept down the hall. Maybe he was making breakfast and I was ruining the surprise. When I rounded the corner to the living room, I was met with empty space. The pizza box from the night before was still on the counter and the DVD box was still sitting on the coffee table.

I shuffled into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee, when Mason came in scrubbing his hands down his face. “Morning.” He gruffly acknowledged me before heading to the fridge.

“Good morning.” I frowned as I stared at the coffee pot willing it to fill faster.

“Did you have a good night last night?” He lifted the orange juice container to his lips and took a giant gulp.

“I think so.” I shook my head in confusion. Why would Evan leave without even saying goodbye? Maybe he was just like Nate. He got what he wanted and all the rest was bullshit.

“Your boyfriend left really early. Said he had to work,” Mason grumbled. “I don’t know what you could possibly do at a bookstore at three in the morning though.”

“Three?” I pinched my lips together. It made no sense. Maybe he really didn’t want to stay the night and he was just waiting for me to fall asleep. “Thanks,” I muttered as the coffee finished and I fixed myself a cup. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.” I shuffled back down the hall and closed the door.

“Don’t do this again, Jenni!” Mason shouted. “He’s not worth it and you didn’t do anything wrong.”

I didn’t answer. Instead, I climbed back into bed, sipped my coffee and spent the better part of the day trying to decide if I should call Evan or not.

ooooooooo

Evan

“You ready for this?” Toni glanced at me as she loaded her service weapon.

“More than ready.” I watched from the CPD van sitting down the street from the warehouse. The sun had just set and darkness was covering the block. Toni had gotten the team together and tonight Vince would be arrested with enough coke to put him away for life.

“Do not get out of this van for any reason. Do you understand me? You’ll blow your cover and we need it to stay intact in case something goes wrong.” She narrowed her eyes at me.

“Got it.” I nodded as SWAT members began filing out of another black van. I watched in satisfaction as Chicago’s finest raided the warehouse that had been home base for me for the better part of six months. I’d worked my ass off on this case and it was paying off. Within minutes, detectives came out with Vince and Dean in cuffs and loaded them into the back of a cruiser.

Part of me sighed in relief when the cruiser pulled away. I was free. I could be Officer Shaw again and not this made up person who was trying his damnest not to hurt anyone.

I pulled at my hair and laughed. I’d have to talk to Jenni before I cut it. Jenni. I needed to tell her the truth. She’d be worried when she woke up and I was gone. I can’t believe she didn’t call me today. It was then that I remembered running into Mason. What was he thinking and did he believe my lame excuse? I needed to clear this up and fast before things got worse, but first I needed sleep. I was up most of the night and now that things had gone down, I was starting to crash.

“You need to come back to the station with us for debriefing and then you’re free to head home.” Toni climbed back in the van and sat down beside me. “Nice work, Shaw.”

“Can’t we debrief tomorrow? I’m running on empty.” I groaned.

“Sorry. We need this by the book so it sticks. You’re coming in tonight.” She patted my thigh and then motioned the driver to go.

ooooooooo

It took longer than it should have at the station and when I started to make my way home the sun was beginning to rise. I’d been up for more than twenty-four hours and I felt like I’d been hit by a bus. I’d attempted to take a cat nap in the squad room, but that didn’t work out and now I’m trying to convince myself not to call Jenni. She must be going out of her mind right now, but I’m so tired I might tell her the truth. I need to be with her when that happens. After what she’s been through, I’m scared to death to tell her that I’ve been lying to her since I met her. I’m not who she thinks I am. I do, however, feel the way she thinks I do. I wasn’t playing the other night when I told her I loved her. I meant every word of it; I only wish that I could have been completely honest then.

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