She glanced across the street and watched another television crew set up for a live remote. That made a total of five white media vans staking out the street in front of the precinct building. She hated the media and snarled at the crews across the street. Damn vultures, she'd had to deal with more than her fair share of the bastards when shit went down in Texas.
When Dominque delivered her soup, she glanced at her phone. She had another half hour before she needed to walk in those doors. She was meeting her new Lieutenant and, after that, her temporary partner. God help her, she was nervous.
"Well?"
She jumped at the eager question. Casey pointed to the chowder. "Best you've ever eaten?"
She laughed and sampled a spoonful. The light clam broth was thickened delicately with heavy cream. There was an abundance of minced clams. The seafood was tender, not cooked into rubber bands. A slight onion and garlic background and a hint of butter kissed the offering. It was, in a word, wonderful.
She closed her eyes and moaned. "Perfection."
Casey's smile when she opened her eyes was open, honest and real. "Well then, lunch is on me. Welcome to the Southern District, Kallie Redman."
"Oh, I can't..."
"You don't work there yet, so yeah, you can, and I am picking up the tab. After this you pay just like everyone else. I'll see you around." As Casey headed back into the kitchen, her eyes followed him. She smiled as he waved from behind the pass-through. She really liked this city. Her eyes traveled once again to the precinct across the street. Please God, let me fit in.
5
Jordan extended his hand in goodbye. Brock grabbed his partner and pulled him in for a quick clench. “Don’t let those damn Fibbies get you killed, my man.”
“I’ll try my best. I left my notebook in the car. I’m calling as soon as I can because I want to know what the fuck is happening with this case. I’d give my left nut to be in on the interview with Chloe and the wife, especially with you getting all up in the women’s faces.” Jordan laughed and ducked a playful jab Brock sent in his direction.
“Hey, I can be empathetic.” It was just easier if Jordan played the role.
“I know, man. You’ve got this. It’s just…”
“Fucked,” he echoed what he knew his partner was thinking. He could be gone a long time. Months, maybe even longer.
They stood sheltered behind the precinct in a small walkway that led to the parking lot, neither one inclined to turn and go their separate ways. “You’ll probably get shoved onto another team. They won’t keep putting you with a slew of temps. Don’t let them assign you someone permanently.” Jordan shoved his hands in his pockets and looked up at the heavy clouds that hung over them. “It would fucking suck to have to break in a new partner when I get back.”
He tipped his eyes up, too. It was going to snow, just a matter of when. He spoke to the clouds, “Never. I don’t think anyone else could put up with me.”
“Damn straight.” He chuckled when his partner immediately agreed.
“Seriously, you take care of yourself. Check in when you can.” Because they both knew it would be impossible for him to reach Jordan.
“I guess I’d better go.” Jordan glanced toward the parking lot and his car. “You sure you’re okay taking care of Fester?”
He shrugged. “Sure. That cat is chill. I’ll move him over to mine tonight.”
“You have to actually feed him, so you have to leave the damn precinct at least once a day.”
“Got it. Feed the cat. He survived me watching him when you went to see your folks.”
“That was a week, Brock. This could be… a lot longer.”
“Fester and I will be fine.” He’d enlist his little sisters to help cat sit if he needed to, but he’d make sure the thing made it through.
“Check on my apartment and car?” Jordan said.
“You know it.”
“Okay, so…”
“Yeah.” He extended his hand one last time. Jordan took it, and God help him if he didn’t feel like they were saying goodbye, not ‘so long’. He watched Jordan until he turned the corner before he entered the building. He nodded to people as he passed through the lobby and made his way to the sixth floor. The case and Jordan’s departure weighed equally on his mind. He wasn’t happy with either situation, but for now his focus had to