Page 1 of Screw Christmas
Chapter 1
Maya
“What are your big plans for Christmas?” I asked my partner as the squad car rolled to a stop in front of my apartment building in Manhattan.
“Jill and I are going upstate to spend the week with the in-laws.”
I gave my partner, Travis, a nudge with my elbow. “So, the in-laws are more important than your partner, huh? I see how it is. Leaving me with a rookie for a week is just evil.” Smiling, I gave him a wink. I didn’t begrudge him getting the week off, we worked an insane number of hours, and he needed this down time with his family. It seemed the criminals in New York had their hearts set on making sure we earned every cent of our paychecks the past month. The holidays were a challenging time to be a cop. It didn’t mean I couldn’t bust his balls about it a little bit though.
“You’re welcome to stop in on your days off. Take the bus up and I can grab you at the station. It’s a nice home, secluded. Not a single criminal for miles.” He teased putting the car into park. “You know you’re like family to Jill and me.”
My heart warmed a little, Travis and his wife were as close to family as I had in this city, but I shook my head. “Nah. Thank you though. I might just take some overtime and work all the way through New Year’s. Give someone who would like to spend time with their family and friends the opportunity.”
“We worry about you, Maya. You work way more than you should to maintain your sanity. You’ll either burn out or become bitter and hateful towards the world and the people in it. I’ve seen it plenty of times over the years.”
“I know. But I’m perfectly fine and if you didn’t notice by now, I’m already bitter. I’ll take some time to go home to see Mom in Seattle in a few months maybe. For the time being, work is what I have to keep me sane.”
His eyes narrowed at me. “Why don’t I believe you? When did you last go back home to see your mother?”
I grimaced, as guilty as sin of what he was accusing me of. “Okay, you’ve got me, I haven’t had a vacation or been home in over three years. Criminals don’t care if I’ve had time off or not.”
“Yes, well, there are more people on the force. Doesn’t always have to be you answering the calls. I promise, there are lots of skilled cops working with us. That rookie they are pairing you up with has protentional from what I hear.”
Unclicking my safety belt, I gave him another smile. “I know there are. As for the rookie, I’ll be the judge of that. How about I make it my New Year’s resolution to start dating? Can’t promise anything will come of it, but I’ll make an effort, would that make you happy?”
“Definitely would. It’s about time you’re forced to endure your own set of hellions running around, breaking all your shit and spending all your money.”
I grinned. “You make it sound so enticing. Can’t believe I’ve been missing out on that all these years.” Hand on the doorhandle, I gave it a tug. “Thank you again. I’ll see you in a week or so.”
He nodded. “Take care of yourself.”
“You too.” Getting out, I slammed the door shut and watched the squad car pull out into traffic just as a light dusting of snow kicked up and began to cover me. A cool breeze hit me sending a chill down my spine causing a shiver to vibrate my body despite the layers of clothing protecting me. Turning from the street, I made my way into my apartment building.
“Happy holidays, Officer Holland,” Kevin the building security said as I approached, giving me a wide smile and pushing the Santa hat on his bald head back a bit. Kevin was a retired New York City cop who lived in the building and came out of retirement a few months ago to take on the hybrid role of doorman and security. He felt working kept him young.
“Happy holidays.” The heaviness in my heart made it hard to pull off a smile, but I managed. There was more to why I didn’t go home to see my mother, or why I didn’t invite her up. I just didn’t want to admit it to my partner. It was too embarrassing.
“Busy tonight?”
“Not so much, guess after a month of hell, they decided to cut us a break since it’s Christmas Eve. I think they’re all saving the crazy for New Year’s Eve. Gotta amp themselves up, ya know.”
He nodded. “No doubt. Can’t say I miss that part of the job. Working during the holidays more often than not, that is. And coming home angry and frustrated. It can be very disheartening. During the holidays, I think it’s less the criminals as it is seeing the homeless wandering the streets without a place to go or someone to go to.”
“Tell me about it. It’s not an easy holiday for a lot of people.” With a sigh, I added, “Merry Christmas. Tell Phillis that I gave my regards.”
“I will.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling. I took two steps away when he stopped me. “If you want come by tomorrow for a turkey dinner, you’re more than welcome.”
Stopping in my tracks, I gave him an appreciative smile. “Thank you. I’ll think about it. I’m gotta work a good chunk of the day tomorrow so I imagine I’ll just go to bed, but I’ll definitely keep that in mind if I have any energy left.”
He nodded and I proceeded to the elevator and pressed the call button. The elevator dinged and I stepped in hitting the number ten. The elevator slowly made its way up the floors creaking a little as it moved. As we began to ascend, I unzipped the police issue winter jacket, revealing a bulletproof vest underneath.
The elevator stopped and doors slowly slid open. Stepping into the corridor and making my way down the brightly lit hallway, I sighed. The property managers did an excellent job of decorating the building with twinkling white and red lights and wreaths on every door. Candy cane decorations and garland also lined the walls. If Christmas wasn’t so damned depressing for me, I’d have thought it was charming. But all it did was remind me of how at thirty-eight I was without a child and oh-so single. It was depressing. It wasn’t surprising that Christmas was the time of break-ups and suicide. For a lot of people, the loneliness was just too much to handle.
I pulled my keys that were attached to my utility belt from the clip and inserted the apartment key into the door. The lock gave way with a click, and I entered, kicking the door closed with the heel of my boot as I shrugged out of my jacket and bulletproof vest.
Hanging up the vest and jacket on a hook next to the door, I proceeded to remove the utility belt and massive amount of gear I had to wear each day. Just functioning each day with all this shit weighing me down was a work-out in itself, let alone trying to chase down a criminal with it all on.
Finally free of the burden with all my equipment hung neatly on the hooks by the door, I headed into the kitchen. Making a quick tuna sandwich, I heard a soft meow coming from my tabby cat Buster who was purring and brushing against my leg.
