Page 143 of Chasing Infinity

Once I’m settled at my workstation, I pull up my computer and emails, sifting through them to see if I have any new messages or assignments. After working through that, I reach for my file again, giving it onelastlook.

When I’m finally satisfied that I have enough to go on, I take my file to my supervisor’s office, practicing my presentation the whole way there. My knuckles rap gently against the wooden door, and I hear a muffled “Come in” from behind it. I push into his space and stand in the doorway.

Vincent looks up from whatever he’s working on and stares at me for a moment. “Noah, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I’ve got something to show you,” I tell him as I step further into the office. He’s got two chairs set up in front of his desk. I settle down into one of them, pushing the manilla folder I’ve brought with me toward him.

Vin eyes me curiously but takes the folder, flipping it open and thumbing through all the files I’ve compiled. I gauge the reactions on his face as he works his way through everything. I see the full range from intrigue to shock, anger, and confusion. When he reaches the end of the file, he closes the manilla folder. He folds his hands on top, eyeing me curiously as if expecting me to speak up for myself.

“Listen, I know this probably breaks a hundred different rules, but I would like to reopen the investigation on Declan McCoy,” I tell him. My boss looks at me from beneath his glasses and narrows his eyes.

“That was closed almost seven years ago. Not to mention the conflict of interest it would pose. It would put me in a sticky situation if some of the higher-ups found out I was having thesonof a POI lead the investigation. You’re lucky you even got this job being related to him.”

“All due respect, sir, I need to be the one to do this. I’ll write another proposal or meet with whomever I need to ensure this goes through.”

“Why is it so important to you, Noah?” Vincent asks me, rubbing his jaw as he watches me thoughtfully. “Why not just let me assign this to someone else on the team?”

My mouth is dry as I consider my answer. The air in the room is thick. “Closure.”

Vincent taps his fingers against the folder and exhales loudly. “I really shouldn’t even be humoring you on this. The FBI has policies for a reason.” I gear up to protest again when Vin continues. “But, I’ve been pleased with your work since you were assigned to my department. I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t guarantee that you’ll be allowed to proceed with this.”

I nod my head at him, giving a brief thank you as I’m dismissed. My nerves are fraying even further as I return to my desk. He didn’t say yes, but that also wasn’t a no. Falling into my seat, I turn on my computer and return to the current case I’ve been working on, trying and failing to soothe my wild heart rate.

The anxiety of the prospective case doesn’t ease until almost a week later when Vincent pulls me back into his office. He’s leaning against the edge of his desk, arms crossed over his chest. His face is stern as he watches me walk into his office, nodding his head behind me as a hint to close the door.

When I face him, he lets out a sigh through his nose. “Well, after much pleading and convincing on your behalf, the case is yours. I just want to warn you that you will be watched meticulously. One wrong move, Noah, and they’re going to pull you. They’re breaking protocol, but based on everything you’ve put together, they admit that it’s about time we shut down his business. Begrudgingly, they agree that you should be the one to do it.”

I run my tongue over my teeth, letting his words sink into me. With a nod, I say, “Thank you, sir. I promise I won’t let you down.”

With a spin on my heel, I exit his office and close the door behind me. Relief reverberates in my chest.

I did it.

But now the real work begins. I had sketched out a timeline of how I’d like to proceed with my investigation, and now that I have the green light, it’s time to get started.

As my father told me, no one could ever take down a McCoy. That may be true, but I don’t think he was banking on another McCoy being the one to try it. Though I no longer legally own that last name, I still possess the drive and determination I was raised with. McCoys don’t fail. And even though I may be a Lockwood now, I still have no intention of failing.

* * *

Addison - Age 27

The blare of my alarm jolts me out of a restless sleep. My hand reaches for it, feeling around on my nightstand, trying to find the device. With a click of a button, the sound disappears, and I roll flat onto my back against my pillows.

A roll of thunder echoes throughout my tiny apartment, and I frown. If it’s raining, I won’t be able to go for a run this morning. I scurry out from underneath my duvet and over to my windows, drawing my blinds up so I can see. It’s still dark outside, given that I rise before the sun almost every morning these days. I recognize the twist of the trees outside, indicating a storm rolling in. A few stay raindrops patter against the window, and I sigh.

It’s good, we’ve needed rain, but I always feel a little off-kilter when I don’t get to start my morning with a run. Instead, I pull on some workout clothes and put up a full-body pilates circuit on my TV, following along on my purple yoga mat. Once I’m covered in a slight sheen of sweat and feeling rejuvenated, I make myself some coffee and hop in the shower.

The rest of my morning routine goes smoothly, not affected by the stormy weather outside. Once I’m dressed in my favorite pair of dark wash jeans and a long sleeve flannel, I hurry downstairs to the diner to get things rolling for the day.

Over the last few years, I’ve put most of my energy into my business, spending long days and nights making sure it’s successful. I’ve been dating Eli casually ever since the night of our grand opening, and it’s been good. Eli is no Prince Charming by any means, but he’s a good man. He’s one of my best friends, and I enjoy spending time with him one-on-one. It’s also nice knowing I have someone there to take the edge off after a long day. Though truth be told, while Eli is good in the bedroom, I can’t help but compare it to the singular mind-blowing night I spent with Noah.

He ruined me for anyone else in more ways than one.

I find my thoughts straying to him more often than I’d like to admit. Though on the surface, I’ve moved on, a part of me still yearns for him.

Each anniversary of my parent’s death brings along the anniversary of Noah leaving. As the years pass, my hope that Noah will return becomes less and less. Instead of wasting energy on hoping that he’ll come back, I put most of my focus on the people who chose to stay in my life and master running my business.

Several guests are already hanging out in the lobby of the diner, waiting on their coffee or breakfast sandwiches. I give a quick hello to my staff already here, patting my leading manager, Jack, on the shoulder. He shoots me a wink, and I grin to myself. Grabbing a tray, I make my rounds across the dining room, picking up any leftover coffee mugs or plates.

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