Page 13 of How May I Please You

“Great job this morning. I mean it, you guys have been kicking ass. Everybody, take two hours for lunch today, alright? We’ll get back on it at one o’clock.”

Trey’s announcement sends a jolt of energy through the entire crew, giddiness spreading like fire catching. Faces light up with excitement for the unexpected change as everyone thanks him and quickly disperses like he might change his mind. Car doors fly open and tires peel out of the gravel parking lot before I can even get to my truck.

As I reach for my door, I feel a tap on my shoulder and find Trey standing behind me, his dark skin covered in beads of sweat from the morning’s hard work.

“Hey, Evan,” he says. “I don't mean to hold you up, but I wanted to just check with you one more time about the situation yesterday. I wasn't sure if you’d had time to think about it after we talked on the phone this morning; but you're sure nothing happened that might give this girl cause to drop a lawsuit?”

My forehead immediately wrinkles with a frown the way it did this morning when I first got the call from Trey.

“Bro, I’m telling you, if something would've happened,” I answer, making sure I look Trey in the eye, “I would've told you about it. I wouldn't keep a secret that I know could put you in hot water. You're my guy, I wouldn't do you like that.”

You're literally the only person I’d think twice about before killing. As long as you don't push it, of course.

Trey nods, but I can still see the outline of anxiety on his face. “I know, I know. I just don't understand. I couldn't care less about her quitting. She was only here for a day, so it’s not like we need her, but I just don't get it. It’s my job site to supervise and I feel like I should've caught it.”

“Dude, this isn't on you. There was nothing to catch,” I reply, tapping him on the shoulder gently. “Whatever happened with Robin is her own thing. I asked Shawn about it, too, and he said the same thing we’re saying. Nobody saw anything happen with her. Sometimes shit just doesn't work out. It’s all good, man. We had a productive morning without her. We’re good to go.”

“I feel you, but what about the bruising on her face and neck? The roughest sleeper in the world isn’t waking up with all of that.”

I shrug, ready to move past the topic. “I don't know how she got that, but I know none of us did it, and that’s all that matters. Trust me, Trey, it’s cool to just let this go. Go enjoy the long lunch you just gave yourself, and let me get in my truck so I can, too.”

Both of us laugh as I open my door.

“You’re right,” Trey replies. “Don't let me hold up, bro. Go enjoy your extra time. What are you gonna do with it? Go home and take a nap?”

“That’s tempting,” I reply as I hop into the driver’s seat. “But I think I’m going to go surprise my girl and take her out to lunch.”

It’s rare that Journey and I get to see each other during our work days because we’re usually so busy. As a detective, Journey has to eat whenever she can find time between whatever investigation she’s working on, and my lunch is usually only an hour that can quickly be reduced by half if the project is behind schedule. So with an hour and a half left on today’s lunch break, I pull into the parking lot of the Seventh Precinct and park directly next to Journey’s car.

I’ve never done this before. In fact, Journey and I have always made sure that we don't do this. Up to this point, I’m not sure anyone in her department knows that she and I are together. After the Sierra Cross investigation, we decided it was smarter to avoid being seen together by other officers of the law. We weren't sure how many of her colleagues saw my face when Winter labeled me a suspect. So to be safe, I’ve avoided doing what I’m about to do. The way I see it, enough time has passed for us to be in the clear. Plus, all I want to do is stick my head in the door and surprise her, not announce that I’m Evan Godric, former suspect in a missing persons case.

When I get out and begin to make way inside, I get uneasy about being surrounded by cops. Technically, Journey is one, but her badge is as black as my heart, so I don't have to worry about her slapping cuffs on me for the things I’ve done. No, she’d much rather wear the cuffs herself and have me slap her.

As I turn the corner to go into the building, I’m relieved of having to go inside and stand amongst a bunch of people who would love to arrest me if they found what I left in the backyard of my house in Strawberry Mansion. Journey nearly slams into me as she rounds the side of the building with her partner following closely behind her.

“Fuck,” she exclaims before realizing it’s me. “Evan? Hey. Uhh, what are you doing here?”

She pulls me into a hug, but it’s a nervous one. Even with her body pressed against mine, I can feel her head on a swivel, wondering who is around to see me.

“Hi,” I greet her, squeezing her tight. “I got an extended lunch today and thought I’d come take you out. Are you free to leave or do you have somewhere you need to be?”

“No, I’m free to leave,” she says, then she swings around and looks at her partner who’s grinning like he has been let in on a secret. “But I did just promise Summers … Marty, that I would treat him to lunch.”

Journey’s partner shakes his head enthusiastically.

“Oh, don't worry about me. I can find my own lunch.”

Seeing as how I’ve never officially met Journey’s new partner, I take this as an opportunity to introduce myself to the man who spends half his day with my woman. It’s a risk introducing myself to a detective, but from what Journey tells me, this guy is new and harmless. I extend my hand for him to shake and he immediately latches on.

“It’s nice to meet you, man,” I say. “I’m Evan.”

“Detective Marty Summers. Journey has mentioned you before, but she hasn’t said much. It’s very nice to meet you, Evan.”

“No surprise there. My Little One likes to keep me all to herself,” I say playfully, smiling as we end the handshake. “I hope whatever she has said has been all good things.”

“Of course. Anyway, don't let me intrude on your plans. You two go ahead and have fun together.”

“No, it’s really okay. You're more than welcome to join us,” I interject. “In fact, I’ll join you wherever you were planning to go, if you don't mind.”

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