20 October 2012
Nine AM. Nine AM, and already the sweat was running down Anderson's back. He loved his old Volvo, but by god he needed to get his A/C fixed. It was hotter then a turkish bath sat in it, come midday it was going to be unbearable. He had just stopped off at Starbucks, mainly to get Morris her coffee, but also there was A/C in there, and it had made a pleasant break in the journey. He reached down and grabbed his own coffee. Even though he was hot, the coffee still tasted good. He put it down to the lack of sleep. He had never been one for much sleep. Three or four hours a day was the norm. Anymore then that made him feel sick. Still it gave him plenty of time to work on cases or watch TV, or in the case of last night, drink. Perhaps drinking half a bottle of Whiskey last night was not the best idea in the world. Although it felt like it at the time. Anderson scratched his chin. It had three days growth on it, and was rough. Taking another sip of his coffee he pulled off the main street and pulled into the corner shops car park. Maybe he wouldn't drink so much if he was still with his wife. Or maybe if he had his kids a little more then one night a month. He figured he drank to fill the void. The only thing that stopped him drinking was when he was working on a case. It distracted him. Kept him busy. He didn't drink because he needed too. He drank because he was bored. Or at least thats what he thought. Most people thought it was to forget. But he didn't listen to them. What did they know. He turned the Volvo off and stepped out. It was actually cooler outside the car then in. A gentle breeze blew across his face. He closed his eyes and lifted his face up. Letting it flow over his face. Taking another sip of coffee, he grabbed Morris's cup and headed inside.
"Where the fuck have you been?" was the greeting from Morris. "And Jesus, you look rough." She took the coffee from his hand, and span on her heels, back towards the shop clerk.
"Morning too you too." Anderson replied.
He followed her to the counter. On the top was a DVD labelled CCTV footage. The police van was no where to be seen outside, so Anderson figured the suspect must have been taken back to the station by now. Morris was talking, politely for a change, to the clerk. She was no more then twenty. Short, mousey dark hair down to her chin. Heavy makeup. She looked a little pale, but to be honest, most people are pale after having a gun shoved in there face. Morris was just finishing talking when he walked over. She thanked the girl for talking to her, and for the CCTV footage. Morris picked up the CCTV disc and turned to Anderson.
"Come on. Time to get to work I guess." she told him.
It always amazed him how calm she was after arresting someone. Yes her language was bad. But it always was. That was just who she was. But she seemed to just soak up the adrenaline as if nothing had happened. If it had been him chasing someone down, he would still be out of breath. They walked outside together. Outside Morris reached in her pocket and picked out a pack of cigarettes. Lighting one, she passed the pack to Anderson and took a sip of her coffee. A smile creeping over her face as she took a huge gulp of coffee. Anderson took a smoke, and lit it too, finishing off his coffee in the process. He passed the pack back to Morris and threw his cup in the bin.
"Dam thats better." Morris said turning to him. "Not a bad days work so far and its only twenty past nine!"
"Indeed." Anderson said exhaling as he did so. They both sat on the bonnet of Anderson's car. Neither really looking at each other. Too busy smoking, and drinking. Anderson figured that although she didn't show it, Morris was still pumped from the chase. He could tell. She had a tell. Her thumbs danced. It was like she was unable to keep them still. Like all the adrenaline had taken up in her thumbs, liked it, and not moved on.
Morris drained her cup quickly and stubbed out her cigarette. Turning to Anderson she broke the silence.
"So, much going on back the station?" she asked.
"Not really." came the reply. "I had only just got in when I got your call. Vice was busy, as always after the weekend. Other then that, nothing going on."
"In which case we won't be missed." She smiled. Anderson looked at her, puzzled slightly. "Well, Im hungry, and really need another coffee."
Anderson laughed. But was glad she mentioned breakfast. He was starving. Plus he really needed some food to settle his stomach this morning. The whiskey from the night before was not sitting well. If he didn't get something to eat soon, he feared that he would be seeing it again soon.
"Yeah OK." Anderson replied. "But I fancy pancakes. Sausage and bacon pancakes to be honest."
"Fine with me, but Im driving." Morris said. "You drive like an old lady and you know it."
Anderson laughed. It was true. He threw the keys to Morris and they both got in the car. The heat that hit them as they opened the doors was almost unbearable.
"God dam it!" Morris said. "Get your fucking A/C fixed. Its hotter then hell in here." She hit the button on the dash, and all four windows rolled down.
"Whatever." Anderson answered. "Maybe when I can afford it, I will get it done. Till then it will have to wait."
Morris turned the engine and slowly reversed out of the car park space. She put it in gear and then floored it. The rear wheels span and smoked as she laughed.
"But I guess Im going to need new tyres first!" Anderson laughed as they pulled away.
Anderson was thankful the ride to the pancake house was short. His poor little Volvo wouldn't be able to take much of Morris's driving. Pancakes and coffee ordered, Morris and Anderson made small talk. Discussing recent cases, people they work with etc etc. But never mentioning each others private lives. Partner or not, they knew that private life stuff was off limits. Neither really had much of life outside work anyway. It would have made for a short and boring conversation. Pancakes eaten. Three cups of coffee drank each. They were stuffed and cuffed. Neither really wanted to move. But both knew that they should get back to work. As Morris called for the check, both of their phones fluttered to life with a text message tone.
From: Lieutenant Cook,
Team Briefing, 30 minutes. Attendance mandatory.
Anderson looked at the text, slipped his phone in his pocket and got up, Morris did the same. Leaving enough cash on the table to cover their bill, and leave a decent tip. They got outside and Anderson pulled his keys from his pocket, clicking the unlock button. The indicators on the Volvo flashed twice. Morris snatched the keys from his hand.
"I'm still driving!" She smiled.
"In which case I call shotgun." Anderson replied with a smile. Both getting into the car, and heading back to work.
Untitled (Chapter Three) • Opuss № I