| 03/05/1999 | Redmond, Oregon | Questionable choices and unfortunate circumstances | Barmaid at The Dirty Onion | Horrible driver |
She was a force of nature or at least that's how people described her. She just had one of those faces- there was a certain kind of determination in her eyes, no matter what she was doing. Always fighting for attention, constantly thinking of the next funny thing to say. Of course she would end up falling for the wrong guy. She knew how to attract them. The messy upbringing (a functioning alcoholic for a mother, a never-there kinda dad and a suicidal sister) has left its mark. The rise and demise of Florence Wallace was all about those vicious circles of modern suburbia.
They had all the money in the world and very low levels of affection in the Wallace household. Feelings were not to be talked about, real issues were never to be mentioned and as a result Flo's sissy ended up taking god knows how many pills in hopes of ending it all one summer night. No hospital needed, mama was a nurse and she knew just what to do. Again, that boy was to be blamed for all of it, not like Barbra Wallace had any real problems- it was all stupid teenage heartache. The Wallaces all agreed, he was the devil and should be shot on sight.
Flo was always allowed to do whatever the hell she wanted and it showed. She was partying way too much, going to clubs since the age of sixteen. Lost her virginity at fifteen. Constantly in a relationship since she was thirteen. Healthy boundaries? Never heard of those. She met him through one of their mutual friends. Everybody knew he was trouble and that was part of the appeal. Forbidden fruit, if you will, though not much could be considered forbidden from her perspective. An older guy with status and a motorcycle, c'mon, who wouldn't go for it?
Barbra already thought her sister was pure nuts, disapproved of everything she said and done for as long as they both could remember. The new boyfriend? 'Horrendous, he is the definition of trouble, Florence.' That one time she was right. Real goody two-shoes, that girl. They couldn't be more different, the Wallace sisters, and as such they only talked if they absolutely had to. Flo would never call her, or any family for that matter, for help. She was not the one to beg and cry and let other people handle her business for her. Or at least that's what she thought.
It took a lot for her to make that phone call to the police. She knew things between them weren't working out for a while and she was beginning to realise that she underestimated the nature of his work. One time he left his phone unlocked and she has seen a message. He was instructed to 'deal with' somebody, a guy, a father that's been missing for a few weeks now. She has seen the name, she heard it on the radio and she just had to say something. She worked hard to be kept anonymous, leaving a very short message for the police from the only payphone in Redland and she knew they got him, she has seen him in cuffs.
And then they let him go. Again. She was done and in that moment she knew- she had to get out of there and she had to do it fast or she was as good as dead. Welcome to Seattle, Florence Wallace.
It was lucky for Jack that Connor did, in fact, owe him. Big time. Just about two months ago he was locked up for driving under the influence of alcohol. No biggy. He was drinking the night before and got to the car the next morning and it was all fine until police stopped him. A rookie with a sheriff (of some a smaller town on the south of Seattle), and they took him in. Connor never really said anything about being an FBI agent assuming that it would have worked against him, rather than in his favour. So he stacked his badge in the car and hoped they won’t run his name through the database. And they didn’t, because Jack arrived just in time to talk it all out. It happened that their fathers were some good friends and Jack has always been in touch with sheriff’s son, so he basically talked a way out of this and bailed Brooks out without putting it on the record. Fortunately for. It could have gotten really nasty if not for him, so, yeah, he owed.
OdpowiedzUsuńWhen the phone rang he was expecting something along the lines of proposition to play some poker, or even just come along to the bar have a chat since there’s not much else do it, and Connor was ready to agree. He completed his report and wanted to give eyes some rest by starring at cards in a dim lighting. Well different things work for different people. The phone call was not that optimistic, though, far from it. He would have probably dismissed it, burglaries happen, it was not that big of a deal, and he’d just propose a change of locks, maybe just full doors, get some alarm in place, especially in the windows, but it seemed that was not an option. It mostly sounded like a fair reaction to something like this, especially if the place was really messed up. People feel violated, they’re afraid to live at the same place, but the way Jack articulated that it’s serious… and he also reminded Connor of that time behind bars of a small police station, so he couldn’t say no.
Great, Shay is gonna love this, Connor thought to himself sarcastically while pulling on a fresh grey t-shirt. As he was driving he thought it won’t be that bad, just a few weeks tops and he’ll have the burglary all figured out and hopefully sooner than later the girl will be out of his apartment. Yeah, simple as that. He decided to just stick to that thought as a way of comforting himself, and trying not to think of just what mess can one woman create in an apartment, and not just any, it will be his apartment.
He parked up just in front of the bar and managed to only walk a few steps before a girl just run into him, quite literally. The instinct was to not let her stumble to the ground, so he acted, not really recognising the face (yet). He raised his eyebrow and then furrowed his brows watching as she quickly tried to gain distance, aannd she went a few steps to far. There was some interest in his eyes while he watched her, was it what happened with her place that made her act like this, or…Well, damn.
-Little Flo. - He said with a smile spreading across his face, slightly patronising kind just after Jack introduced her. - Well I’m glad to see you, too. - He responded keeping up that positive tune of his tone, as if it was all fun and games. He sized Florance up and down then shifted his gaze to Jack. - So. Back to business, where’s that burglary victim? - It couldn’t get more distant than that, well maybe Connor would figure out a way.
-You’re looking at her. - Jack responded pointing with his sight right to the little woman with a bag in her hand.
-Right. - There was no enthusiasm there. Not that he ever had anything to Flo, she was just a kid when he was dating Barb, but they were sisters and he could already sense that resentment, which won’t make for good basis of cooperation around his apartment.
[Różnie bywa :D I początki mi w sumie też trochę dłuższe wychodzą, zazwyczaj.
UsuńTakk, też wydaje mi się, że będzie ciekawie. (: ]
It might have been for the better if she didn’t agree to that arrangement. Actually, it would have been better, after all he couldn’t forcefully help her, a favour was one thing and ‘the victim’s’ free will another. Problem solved. But Jack just had to insist. Connor gave him a ‘Oh, come on, dude’ look in response, but kept any protests to himself, beside letting a sigh out (not subtle, but not overly exaggerated either).
OdpowiedzUsuńHe bobbed his head as a ‘goodbye’ to his friend and looked back to Flo, as she called him by his name and smiled amused as soon as she mentioned ‘muscles for hire’. -I’m an FBI. - He answered leaving it at this and nothing more. She didn’t need no elaborations on the topic, because most could just be surmised and the rest she didn’t need to know. - Besides, you don’t need a muscles, I’m not gonna chase the burglar to beat him up, doll. He just needs to be put behind bars. - It was just a burglary, after all.
There was a moment of silence when he was looking at her, first attentively since she did that thing with her lips, but then his sight became distant, as if his thoughts were further away. - Alright. - He said finally, as if he was doing her a big favour, which was partially true, and practically he was bound by his promise to Jack. - Get into the car, we’ll check it out. - And with those words he turned back to get to his BMW. It was actually convenient, he wanted to see the place anyway for any clues and just to get a look around, see how much damage was done, but at the same time he wanted Florance to feel that she was not entitled to all of this helping around.
-Just close the door, don’t shut it like some tractor. - He said, while in the driver’s seat and with Flo just about to get in the car. The sooner he warns her, the better. He had noticed over the years that a lot of girls had that tendency to shut the doors as if they were in a fight, even if it was not the case. - What’s the address? - He glanced to her, while already turning the engine on. The interior was well kept, with leather seats that didn’t look overly used up and there was no trash lying around, even the car mats were mostly clean suggesting he must have vacuumed it all recently. There was also an air freshener attached to the ventilation grid giving the whole car more ‘manly’ atmosphere with its aroma, but it was not the type that made it hard to breathe. Connor was not that big of a fan of intense smells, especially in closed spaces.
I'm an FBI agent*
Usuń-I don’t doubt that. - They were living in the XXI century, almost everybody has seen a car at least once in their life. - But it doesn’t mean you know how to handle one. - It sounded like he believed she specifically didn’t know, but he actually meant it in general terms (although with her attitude he was almost sure she would be tempted to shut the door as hard as possible). When she gave him the address he just bobbed his head and took off, glancing into mirrors first.
OdpowiedzUsuńThe ride was quiet and it was exactly how he wanted for it to stay. No small talk, no reminiscing of the old days, just the hum of the road and roar of the engine. It was also just three minutes, but there was quite a bit of topics they could have covered in that time, but fortunately no one felt pressured enough to speak up.
Connor killed the engine as Florance started to talk, so he turned his sight to her with slight delay, and he just listened. His expression was quite casual, but it was not disinterested, quite the opposite, something in his eyes made an impression as if he was looking for some kind of sham behind her words. And then he responded with:- Okay, cool. - He left the car, too and locked it before getting round it to join her so they could walk to her place. It was a no brainer that he was coming with her. He was not heartless, he knew how it affected her from Jack, and the mentions of bodyguard implied (to him) that she actually needed someone’s presence to feel safer. And even though it was highly unlikely that the burglar would come back to the crime scene it was a possibility, so he was not going to let her be there all alone, though he didn’t take his gun, that just seemed unnecessary.
- But we’re still getting this thing reported to the police. - He got back to the topic. Someone broke the law after all, they couldn’t just leave it at that and do nothing. He was part of the law enforcement and she was a citizen with a duty.- They might catch him and stop from other break ins and it’s a back-up so it’s not like you broke anything. - It seemed like common sense to report it, not even for the reason he gave, so he couldn’t quite figure out why she was so eager to not do it. - Even if the damage is not that big. - He added. It might be just the locks that need replacement. - Because you didn’t call it in, right? - He couldn’t quite see when she’d get the time to do it. From what Jack told him Flo got from her place right to the bar and then she was sitting there before he arrived, so she couldn’t have called the cops, since she would be giving them a statement somewhere around now.
Connor acknowledged most of what Florance said - the whole ‘don’t get involved’ and the ‘I just need a place to stay at’. That was not only fair enough, but something he was gladly going to do - just not investigate the burglary, he had his own job to do and he guessed he was going to survive some short amount of time until she gets that pay check, it was really looking good (as good as it can look in the circumstances). What he took as an obvious was that of course it was going to get reported, in his head it didn’t even count as much of a ‘making big deal out of this’. The police was going to see the place, take the confession and that’s all, that was where most of the victim’s involvement was. But of course she had to be making it harder than it actually was.
OdpowiedzUsuńHe opened up his mouth to highlight what parts were clear, but then he saw the place in its full glory. He raised his eyebrows taking a quick glance first and then going slower from one side to the other. It was, of course, not the first time he saw a trashed apartment, but he had managed to build up some certain expectations in his head, the use of 'burglary' brought to his mind just mild mess, maybe some broken glass if the person wasn’t too careful or didn’t care for it and some stolen property, tv or jewellery. What was being painted in front of him looked more like someone went in specifically to trash the place and not to steal something, unless they went in for something specific and they didn’t find it. There was definitely a lot of anger put into it. From the whole… mess he was about to shift his gaze to Flo, not even checking in with her, but just now realizing he’s been standing just past the threshold and he didn’t want to just walk into her while stepping in further, but she was first.
No wonder she was in such a poor state when she went back to the bar. Brooks reached with his other arm to her, setting very gently his hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner. - It’s alright. - He said surprisingly softly. Being harsh or cold would be no good in this situation, besides she didn’t need no coldness or harshness right now, this place was reeking with it.
He skimmed past the message first, but her own sight led him to it yet again. - Shit, Flo. - He run his hand through his face. - What did you get yourself into? - He walked in further, closer to the message, but also just to take a better look. - I mean, this guy is seriously not right in the head. - He assumed it might have been just a crazy boyfriend. This is at least what he could get from it.
-Alright, um… - He sized the place up once again. - yeah, we’re not reporting that. - He believed in law enforcement but they could actually make it worse if not careful and Flo didn’t need that, nor did Connor. He stepped over to the window, or rather the wall just next to it and looked subtly outside thinking if that boyfriend of hers could have been observing her.
-But this is serious, you know that, right? - He sighted out. - Serious in a way that burglary was a really nice understatement on your side. - His tone was a little raised. He wasn’t really sure where or when that word was dropped, maybe it was Jack that used it, but still - she had not mentioned anything about the actual scale. - This is hella personal and… - the guy is probably not going to stop at that, that’s what should have come next, but she either knew this already, or she didn’t need to be made aware right now, at least not yet. - and I just… - He shook his head as if somewhere in-between of being mad and disappointed. - Just get your things and we’re out of here. - There was not that much to do right now, and he was going to inspect the place more carefully tomorrow, after work, so Miss Wallace won’t even know. - Please. - He added clearly trying to make it sound more polite that his previous words did. He should be acting nicer, she was a victim and the crime wasn’t just a petty theft, but she could have mentioned something before.
It doesn’t fucking matter?! She must be kidding me. Suddenly he thought that maybe the person that broke in was not the only one not right in their heads. Connor might have understood a scared attitude, her not wanting to get anyone involved so it doesn’t cause her more trouble, but he could not understand that kind of blunt ignorance. Shrugging it off as if nothing happened, when clearly a lot has happened, and it was pretty serious shit. It was probably even more frustrating, because just a minute ago she was overwhelmed by the sight, the switch in the attitude didn’t just suggest to him that she didn’t want him involved, but like she was trying to hide something. Cover for that person...? Ridiculous, but possible.
OdpowiedzUsuń-Watch it, smartass. You know what I meant. - He retorted in an actual ‘warning’ manner that was toned down to signal he was not taking it too personally, but also that he didn’t like that hissing of hers. - By your logic its no-ones. - He commented. It seemed so, though. She didn’t want him to look into it, and she also didn’t want police involved, and it sounded like she was not really going to deal with it either. So the apartment is going to just be left like that probably, and offender will be running around free.
- I actually have a lot to do with this, doll. Yes, I’m providing you with a place to stay at and you know what that means? That this becomes a very much ‘we’ case, - He motioned his hand between the two of them. - because I’m willingly taking on myself all the potential danger that might be walking after you. This psycho of yours might be watching you, and now I have appeared, which is bad in itself because I might be a potential competition in their head, and then I’m also taking you into my OWN house where they can drop by if they really care about getting to you. And this means that even if you happily run off into the sunset I still might be a target. - Through the last two sentences his tone of voice was gradually rising, but it never went into a shouting mode, not even close to it, but there was definitely frustration ringing in his voice. There was that potential danger, but if he would have really ranked it as high as he presented it to her, he would have a thought of handling this in a different way. However, if it was to be true, he was even more focused on getting it sorted, just the more reasons to take that person off of the street, despite of what Florance wanted to happen.
He moved towards the doors, not in rush, or trying to storm off. He was just ready to leave as soon as she gets her things. While waiting he crossed his arms on his chest, and instead of scanning the place he just focused his sight on one, random scratch thinking to himself on just how stupid idea it was, but also that he could not possibly just leave Flo after finding all of this out.
Maybe for a split second when throwing it all out there he thought he might get Florance to see the situation for what it is. Not necessarily to show her just how much risk he is taking on himself (but that too), but the risk involved overall, for her included. As if he wanted to snap her out of this attitude on purpose, because there was something behind it all and she was not telling him the whole truth. She was actually not obligated to, but he still wanted it, for now, to know where he's at with this whole roommate thing, but also for his investigation that he was obviously going to pursue.
OdpowiedzUsuńHe was not very much phased about her name-calling. - That piece of shit is giving you a place to stay at. If you don’t like it I’m not stopping you from finding someone else. - The whole ‘don’t screw it up look’ that Jack gave him was apparently not strong enough in his mind, because these kind of ‘proposals’ were exactly the route to screwing it up.
Very nice, very mature, he gripped the handle of the bag trying to center his frustration at just one object maybe, at one simple point. It shouldn't all be getting to him that much. Just some stupid girl, with stupid ex problems. It was getting more complicated when all those missing pieces would shine a little lighter grabbing his attention. It might have been a bit of his work-rounded mind that distorted his perception, but he was highly doubtful of this being just a little, unimportant outburst of rage.
- For another what? - He asked, his eyes narrowing a little bit. That was yet another sign that something more was going on under the surface. - And, mind you, I didn't say the person was a guy. - He specifically watched the type of words he used playing into her vague argument. - Nobody said you couldn’t have had a girlfriend. - He shrugged his shoulders. - And just stop playing that random card. Baby, come home, it’s far more likely that there is a relationship behind that message than this being a psychotic outbreak of an obsessive stalker. - It was possible, but in these circumstances it was, indeed, very unlikely.
-What…? - His whole expression changed in an instant. His features softened somewhat painting something new, a slight sign of worry, but hidden under his emotionless neutrality. - What the hell do you mean? - His voice was quite static despite of the words he used. It could have just been another random something she threw out there, but so far he has been taking notice of those random somethings as hints, and this was also pointing to something, he just didn’t have a context for it (yet again).
Connor already reached his arm out wanting to prevent Flo from walking into him, but it turned out unnecessary, so he lowered his hand and raised his eyebrow while listening to the, suddenly changed, tone of voice, and the unorganised words themselves. A gun, seriously, Flo? This is getting better and better.. - Of course, they are lying around at every corner in my office. - He responded with mild sarcasm moving away from her and into the kitchen. -I suppose your fingerprints are all over it, aren’t they? - She had to put it there in the first place. Even with that he got an idea that he could still maybe get some other fingerprints from that gun. It would have to be carefully handled, since he didn’t want anyone else getting involved in it, but he knew adding his own fingerprints to the collection would be no good for the overall, possible outcome. He went back into the bedroom part of the place and grabbed a random scarf that Florance didn’t happen to pack, leaving a bag on the floor in the hallway.
- This panel? - He pointed to one that seemed to be the only option on this side. He unattached it from a wall and there it was… He involuntarily let a sight out. Florance had to know just how bad it looked. He shook his head all to himself and grabbed the gun through a scarf then went back to Flo’s bag and threw it in there. - I will sort it out. - He highlighted, so she didn’t take this action for him just dumbing it back at her, it was just less suspicious to not be carrying it around in his hand. - And I’m not even going to comment on this. - He announced getting back to the kitchen to attach the panel in its original place. Having a gun in itself would not be that surprising, people had them, they had permits for them, too, but Wallace was hesitant to even touch it, so it would be fairly safe to assume she was not planning on using it.
UsuńFinally, he grabbed the bag and motioned with his hand to the door. It was time to leave this mess for today.
[aż takiego odstępu tam nie miało być u góry]
No response. It could be argued that it was a response in itself, but maybe jumping to conclusions was not the best idea right now. Ironically, if it was not Flo throwing an accusation of this kind he would have never even gave it a second thought that Barb might have had any kind of serious problems after they break up. He assumed she was not happy, he had to cope with it, too, but suicidal? Don’t go there. So he didn’t, for the next couple of minutes as he was sorting out the gun and they were walking out.
OdpowiedzUsuń-What detective thing? - There was certainly planning in his head, and he already made up hi smind, but Florance did not need to know about it, and so he could go on pretending as if he was not going to touch this whole mess again. - I’m not trying to. - He retorted. Brooks didn’t go into deep analysis of his own behaviour, it only seemed natural to investigate this case. There was too much of suspicious hints to just ignore them, and by now, he was that kind of person that would run towards an explosion rather than away from it. He liked mysteries and he liked solving them, this whole break in was only more appealing by being related to someone who is going to live with him, even if just for a short while. There was no caring in it, no desire to help her out of good heart, that was what he’d tell himself. After all, it couldn’t be, since Flo didn’t want him to investigate it.
There it was again. It had to be about Barbra, and it had to be grounded in some truth since it came from emotions. Was it really that bad? Shit. How could it be so bad? Connor never perceived the break up as exceptionally big deal, but his focus was already on more important things - on his future. It was so much easier to leave a relationship behind knowing the sacrifice was for something greater. And he knew they would break up eventually with him living away, and then at least having that face to face meeting was better than sending a text a month later with ‘It’s not going to work out’. He looked ahead not saying anything, but clenching his teeth for a moment as he filtered through his own thoughts. - Yeah, too long.
He dropped the bag in the trunk and walked around to his seat, just as Florance slammed the door. His fists clenched almost involuntarily and he was just at the verge of literally throwing her out of the car and leaving her just like that, but then he remembered everything else. Especially the main reason he was here - to offer her a place to stay at when she needs it. Part of it unfortunately involved coming over here and dealing with all she says and does. Dealing with didn’t mean allowing for everything, but throwing her out of the car would a bit of an exaggerated reaction. And maybe he didn’t want to leave another girl for her to do so much worse than if he was around. Even all those unpleasant exchanges she had to suffer through seemed better than leaving her in a messed up place with a psycho running loose.
He turned the engine on and even managed to move off, before she opened up her mouth. And there he was hoping they can have a quiet drive back. But at the same time it was better if he was not going to be left alone with his thoughts for now. The first part seemed like the usual, but then… He frowned, glancing over to her. - Jesus. Why are you even telling me this if you don’t want me looking into it? - How did she even get herself tangled up in something like this? Connor just couldn't quite understand it.
He glanced to the side while checking over the view in a side mirror. There were even a few questions he wanted to ask, but he didn’t want to seem like he cared. - You’ve been here for long? - He chatted up, not particularly interested in continuing any of the previous topics at the same time. A moment later he cleared his throat. - This might sound like an interrogation, but I’m not trying to do that. - He added. - Jack mentioned something about a new girl some time ago, but I don’t actually know when. - A new girl behind a bar was actually the least of his interests.
OdpowiedzUsuńIt was going to be a little longer route than before, especially that Connor was taking a longer route to loose any potential followers that might have took interest in that car where Florance got in.
There she was repeating it again, but just as he was about to roll his eyes she revealed some truth he didn’t expect to hear there. She, of course, had a reason to be repeating to him what not to do and adding to it more depth should give him even more reasons. It should make him finally understand to not get involved, he supposed. The problem was his mind was already made up, but it was still an interesting insight that he might have gotten some hints about before. - It’s neither, really. - He commented, not addressing the core of the statement. He was tempted to give her a lecture-kind of response telling her how not surprising doesn't justify this mess and how it shouldn’t be this way and how it should be dealt with, but he didn’t see much point in it. Just as she said - she was the one to control her unfortunates, so no matter what he’d say she was going to deal with it her own way.
OdpowiedzUsuń- That’s not long. - He commented almost instantaneously, not thinking much about it, just stating the obvious. -Yeah, he’s an alright guy. - Jack was more than alright, he was the one who’d help out of the goodness of his heart not because he was curious or to gain something in return. He had his own motives and beliefs, of course, he was not an ultimate angel, but he was a good guy. - That was specifically aimed at you. Considering how many times you told me not to investigate it you’re still thinking I’m going to do it, and so I must be doing it right now, too. - She was right to think he didn’t listen to the warnings and reasonings, but the question was truly not to gain any information for the “case”. - By your logic.
His sight involuntarily followed the sound of the window being lowered. He opened up his mouth to (maybe a little spitefully) inform her that this car has an ac, but Flo was first. He just bobbed his head in confirmation. - Obviously. - The corners of his lips even raised a little. Connor assumed it was hardly possible that his presence would be toxic enough for her to need fresh air, so it seemed quite amusing she used that as an excuse and also to, along the way, make another snide comment. -Yeah, there’s a couple of bottles behind you on the floor. - It was specifically a six pack of 500ml water bottles with two of them already gone.
That was the moment it stopped being amusing. - Plenty. I take special pride in ruining lives. You could say it’s like my second job. - The note of sarcasm was quite subtle. It was either very obvious that he was not the type to intentionally ruin lives of good people, or it just played into Flo’s perception of him as a person. Either way he did not care much for her opinion and he was not willing to share much either.
- A word of warning, if you slam the door like that again you can forget about staying at my place. And while we’re on that you’re sleeping on the couch, and I don’t want your things laying around everywhere, so pick one place and leave them there, that goes for all accessories too, if I see them randomly on a kitchen counter, between the cushion or anywhere beside a spot in a bathroom I’ll be throwing it out. I don’t see the point of splitting the food between two of us, so yeah, we’re just sharing it. And tell me if you use anything up and don’t buy it back. - It seemed like he covered the basics. It’s been some time since he had a roommate and since there he gain some different habits, so there might be more of where that came from, but for now she had to know at least this.
In response he raised his hands up , as if saying ‘fine, I’m giving up on this one’. Then he, of course, grabbed the wheel again. He mostly just wanted to stop her from nagging him about it. Though it didn’t seem like they could actually reach agreement on any of the important matters, there was always some ground they were not agreeing on. Those couple of days are going to be extremely interesting. Usually, he’d live with people he at least tolerated, with Flo he was having hard time to even accept her presence, all of this of course being her fault.
OdpowiedzUsuńBrooks raised his eyebrow as she unbuckled and so quickly sorted the bottle from behind, the belt being off didn’t bother him that much. It would if she went flying out of the car breaking the windscreen, but considering they were driving in town she could maybe just get a concussion. All in all, she’d suffer more than he would.
He glanced to her, a little suspicious, because this didn’t seem like the reaction to what had happened with her place, it seemed more like she was just ill. Fantastic, that’s all I need right now, he thought to himself sarcastically and then Flo came around with an explanation.
- He gave you weed? For fuck’s sake. - His tone was rather tired than angry. It was none of his business, really, but just the idea didn’t seem too smart. Well maybe it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it was certainly having bad effects on Florance now. - Suure, blame it on him. - Connor shook his head. The joint was one thing, but otherwise Jack had no way of knowing just how bad of a combination the two of them will make. He didn’t even know they kind of knew each other in the first place.
-An object that is getting more and more used up when you use excessive force on it. - The car was more than just an object for him, it was a symbol, a reminder that he got here eventually, and it was his favourite BMW, his baby. Of course he was not going to admit it, to let Flo know the kind of value he put in this car.- I get it, you’re not used to respecting material objects, it comes and goes easily for you, but this is my car, not yours. - Fortunately they were most likely not going to be taking more rides together and he actually took great comfort in that thought. - I was not really keen on the idea of leading your ex crazy girlfriend to my place. - They were of course not driving in circles, but he did get the fact that Florance exaggerated the whole statement, so he didn’t comment on the logic.
Not too long after that they arrived in an underground parking lot. Connor closed the window, switched everything off and only then left the car. Following that, he grabbed the bag from the trunk and without even a word he headed for the elevator locking the car with a remote from a distance.
- We’re on sixth floor. - He noticed while pressing the button with a 6 on it. - Under 125, in case you’ll be leaving anywhere, and I will give you a spare key. Just remember to get down to the first floor and leave through there. - Leaving through the parking lot was possible, but less convenient when a car was not involved. He didn’t say it in a patronising manner, just informative, it was something she had to know, even if she was going to be living here only for a few days.
Clearly unimpressed he raised his eyebrow as she went from love to compensating. If it was something he was truly doing then it might have gotten to him, but it wasn’t and the way he treated the car was not something he was ashamed of, but rather something that was not Flo’s business. Although he just let her talk without commenting on it, or giving her satisfaction of reacting in an emotional way, he still took a careful note of what she was saying. Connor already assumed she wasn’t using her parents money anymore considering what neighborhood she lived in, but that use of ‘safely’ was interesting. What did she do? Run away? Why couldn’t her family know where she was? Or did they throw her out? There were few other options that went through his head, but he decided to just give it a time and maybe Florance will mention some more hints into what brought her here and cut her off from endless source of cash by herself.
OdpowiedzUsuń-Alcohol is not included in the food we share, but I’ve got aspirin. And didn’t you mention something about 20 years on this planet…? - It went something like this when she was reminding him of the fact she had seen cars before. - I’m not actively going to support underaged drinking. - A corner of his lips even raised just slightly in faint sign of satisfaction that he could point it out to her, simply using the information she gave him before. Sure, she could have rounded the number, but he had a feeling she didn’t.
The sense of style he had, although nice also could feel a little… fake? It was all neatly arranged, with matching furniture here and there, as if someone pulled it out from an interior design magazine. And there was just a faint sign that someone actually lived here - like the laptop he left on the coffee table and a half empty glass of water sitting on the kitchen counter. He first took his shoes off, then walked over to the couch to set the bag there, before he took out the gun still wrapped up in the scarf. He managed to take the package to his bedroom and stuff it in his night stand (smart choice) and come back to the living room just in time to hear the question.
- Chick? - He asked a little surprised, or maybe confused, he was certainly caught off guard. How did she work that out? He didn’t say anything that could possibly point it out to Florance that he was maybe, but not really, seeing someone. - What? - And then he just frowned not really understating a word from that headline, but how did the magazine even get here in the first place? It was definitely not here when he was leaving, so without a word he went back in a lightning speed back to the bedroom. As he put the lights on and half scanned the room he also pulled out his phone. Two unanswered calls from Shay. Fantastic. And there it was - a note was sitting on his night stand, which Shelby signed with leaving a mark of her lips. He put it in a night stand and walked back to Florance already grabbing some sheets along the way.
-Well imagine that, who could possibly be stupid enough? - He commented half sarcastically adding a little exactly the same mannered smile to it. - Pillow, pillowcase, sheets, and a blanket. - He set them down on the coffee table. - There are fresh towels in the cabinet above the toilet. And now get up. - He motioned his hand. - I need to pull the couch out. - Or rather set it out to make for a bed. So when Florance graciously got up he did the exact thing he wanted to do. He was guessing that she would have been fine on the extended version, she was afterall small enough to fit on it, but since he specifically bought that kind of couch so it could make for a furniture to crash at overnight he was intending to use it that way.
-And now I’m gonna take a shower. - He announced leaving her to set everything else for sleep and just as he was about to grab the handle from the bathroom he remembered something. He searched through the kitchen’s cabinets pulling out a pack of aspirin from one of them. Along the way he poured some water into a clean glass and set everything on the coffee table, taking the laptop away in exchange. Then he finally went to bathroom.
Usuń- Clearly. I’m going to put my candidacy forward as soon as I survive the first day with you. - He joked back, but with a spiteful undertone to it, and not much truth. What he was doing seemed simply natural to him - it was like the bare minimum he was willing to do, not aware that Florance had a bar set slightly lower when it came to things like that.
OdpowiedzUsuńAs he locked the door behind him he just leaned with his back against the door taking a deep breath in. Fucking hell. One goddamn call. The break-in itself seemed like the best part of it all, the implications were more grim and maybe sole presence of Florance was bearable, but she just brought with her such a wave of trouble and consequences he will have to deal with... And Barbra. Fuck. He run his hands through his face. How was I supposed to fucking know? He threw his t-shirt over into a laundry basket and walked over to the sink to just rinse his face with water. He’d tell himself to just ‘leave it’ until he was finally under the shower thinking of more current issue, like for example how he was going to break the news to Shelby. Maybe he could just not tell her? It’s just going to be about a week or so, he could excuse it with a non existing major redecorations. Or just be straight forward, that’s what he was best at, but it was not necessarily what worked best.
After drying himself, brushing his teeth and pulling on pyjamas shorts he left the bathroom unfortunately not forgetting Flo was there, but rather thinking how he can go about the case. Most important - slowly and carefully. - It’s alright. - He said just as automatically. There was not much to apologise for, well at least not for being startled, there would definitely be some other things she could actually say she was sorry about.
His first response was to just raise an eyebrow, looking at her as if trying to read into her hidden intentions, until he finally gave a sigh and walked over to the couch. - Who would have thought. - He responded sitting down, he tone of voice being actually a little more casual than stern. - Look, Flo… - He sighted. - I’m not trying to beat you down, but you gotta admit you’re making it really hard to be remotely nice. And… - He wandered off with his sight. - I get it. It was a tough day and my presence is not making it easier, either. - So, why did he say that? What was actually on his mind went along the ways of ‘Look, Flo. I’ve got work tomorrow, can we make this quick?’, but this would have been a dick thing to say and frankly, that was not what he wanted. Maybe he actually wanted her to know that despite all the mechanical orders he did actually get the weight of the circumstances.
- Man, how did Jack even last two weeks with you if that’s true? - Connor shook his head, but with a faint hint of a smile on his face. It wasn’t the case of Jack, Brooks thoughts it was actually all possible, and that Flo wasn’t annoying to that extent when she was at work. He wanted to specifically make a comment that it was a bit tiring to be around her when she is the way she is. - Are you even trying? - He looked to her lowering his brows but actually smiling even more now. It did all sound like she was trying to be spiteful, especially the ‘perfect, little life’ that she liked to use. It was like she was jealous of it, like she just couldn’t accept that his life was, in fact, sorted out. At least that’s how Connor would interpret it, but each time he was learning to take it lightly, instead of just ignoring it.
OdpowiedzUsuń- Have you seen it? This all - He symbolically looked over the living room. - is way too nice to end up in pieces. - That playful tone of hers allowed him to just join in. He’d do that before, but this time it was more like ‘we’re on the same team’ instead of trying make another blow in a fight. The whole running away was not exactly the kind of route he’d take, there were other ways to protect one self, but lectures about it wouldn’t change much. For now he was taking comfort in the fact that she was out of the most more dangerous zone and that his place is no obvious pick for the person that is looking for her.
-Yeah, I’ll leave them on the cabinet in the hallway. Just don’t bring your ex around, okay? - Again, this was not a location that could have been foreseen as Flo’s next move, but it was obvious she still had to keep her eyes open to just don’t bring trouble on herself just when she (kind of) got out of it.
-If you’re lucky. - He confirmed, getting up from the couch. As he walked over to his bedroom he grabbed a glass of water along the way and just before sleep he send a quick message to Shay saying he had some things to handle and that he’ll say more about it tomorrow. And with that he went to sleep.
***
Connor was one of those people with very organised morning routine. A visit in a bathroom, a few pushups and sit-ups, breakfast with coffee, dressing for work and brushing teeth just before leaving. All calculated, and all starting at six o’clock sharp. He had the time to leave the key just where he said it would be, to leave his bed all nicely done, clean up the kitchen as if nothing was ever done there and leave a note with his number on it and a short message ‘around 8 to 5 don’t call unless it’s emergency’. He even had a decent handwriting, neat kind of looking one, but it was not exactly as smooth as they came. And he was off to work.
He lived close enough that he could take a nice morning walk to the office, grab another coffee along the way and arrive about half an hour before 8. It was just the perfect amount of time to settle in his desk, review case file and start working. Somewhere along the way he also did a few tiny, innocent check ups having in mind that visit in Flo’s place that he was going to make after work. Of course with all that was on his mind he completely forgot about Shelby, about the fact he was supposed to explain the case to her or at least tell her not to come over in the next few days, but he didn’t and she still had the keys to his apartment and it was just a disaster waiting to happen.
[Tak właśnie chciałam użyć Shelby, żeby się panie spotkały w takich niewinnych okolicznościach z niedopowiedzeniami w powietrzu. Myślałam sobie, że ona mogłaby wpaść jakoś tak przed piątą, bo wie, że wtedy mniej więcej Connor powinien kończyć prace, więc chciała mu zrobić niespodziankę i coś przygotować do jedzenia. Nie wiem czy tak by ci pasowało, ale może czegoś by zabrakło w domu i akurat Flo przeszłaby się na szybkie zakupy? A przy okazji i tak swoją drogą, kiedy Connor wybrałby się do mieszkania Flo to ktoś by go tam mógł przywitać. Nie jestem pewna kto to właściwie mógłby być, ale może nawet jakiś koleżka Adama, żeby powiedzieć Connorowi dosadnie, aby się trzymał od tego z daleka? Najlepiej dwóch i z zaskoczenia, żeby agenciak nie mógł za bardzo obrócić sprawy na własną korzyść. I obie rzeczy by się działy mniej więcej w tym samym czasie. Nie wiem tylko, czy chcemy odgrywać obie? Bo te spotkanie pań to koniecznie, ale z zastraszeniem, możemy zostawić na tym, że on tam pójdzie, dostanie niewielkie baty w takim stanie wróci do domu, kiedy Shay już nie będzie. Ale to tak niekoniecznie musi być, możemy odegrać jak najbardziej oba, jakbyś wolała? Coś takiego by pasowało w ogóle?]
UsuńQuite unusually Brooks was quite eager to leave the office today. He didn’t exactly find anything in the data, but that gave him yet another reason to come back to the crime scene. He could take a really good look at what has been done and maybe show the note to a graphologist, a friend of his who could maybe tell him something about the guy. There was a lot to uncover and it just had to be a really slow process considering how he didn’t really want anyone involved enough to figure out what he was doing. He came prepared with some latex gloves, a few plastic bags and even forensic forceps all neatly stuffed in the inner pockets of his suit jacket and his pants, so it wouldn’t draw unnecessary attention. It was all well planned, but the problem was he never saw any company joining him.
OdpowiedzUsuń***
The woman was wearing high waisted skinny jeans highlighting her long legs and narrow waist-line and a white blouse that sit just perfectly on her, but anything would sit perfectly on a model-life figure like hers. Her eyes went up to Florance from the fridge she was just looking through and already had taken out a few ingredients. She let it shut by itself. - Excuse me? - She set her hands on her hips. Her tone was almost as accusatory as Flo’s. - Are you six or something? - She made almost a patronining expression. - You should be the one explaining yourself since I’m Connor’s girlfriend and I have every right to be here. - Only now it might have occurred to Shelby what the unfamiliar bag was doing in the living room, she assumed it must have been something from work, but now it was becoming annoyingly clearer with the girl walking in. - And gezz, put that wine down, it’d be a waste if you spilled it. Although… - She tilted her head a little bit. - I’d actually be aiming for something just a tad bit better, so this one might not be such a loss.- She even made a symbolic amount of space with her fingers to show just how little Florance was off from buying a good wine. Of course she was trying to find low points about another woman in Brook’s apartment, she wanted to find just more reasons to assure herself that he didn’t switch her for someone else, for someone worse.
- So? Who are you? - She now crossed her arms on her chest digging her sight into Flo’s face, but it was not the same kind of look Connor would have as if he already knew something, it was one of those that clearly wanted to know something, but couldn’t get it out of the person just by looking at them.
[Ah, miałam dodać link do tej bluzki w tekście.]
Usuń- Of course he’s not aware of the fact I’m here, that was the point. - She said as if it was the most obvious thing. Afterall she didn’t have the keys for nothing. It was quite a convenient arrangement for Connor, he’d come home to some ready food and a promise of a good time. It wouldn’t always be the case, but Shelby happened to have some time before her evening dance lessons so she dropped by. And today it seemed she had to stumble upon an unpleasant surprise.
OdpowiedzUsuń“A blast from the past” what was that supposed to mean? Some ex of his? Why would Connor be keeping his ex in his own apartment? She couldn’t be his sister as Connor didn’t have one, besides family would probably introduce themselves as such, or maybe she did jump out on her in a not-very encouraging way to be admitting the truth…? - With Connor? Oh. - She pursed her lips. And Connor said nothing of some girl living with him? Seems like a detail he could have mentioned instead of avoiding her calls, and replying with some short messages. She narrowed her eyes at the next ‘proposition’ from the girl that barged into her life tearing apart the perfect thing she had going with Connor. Well maybe not so perfect afterall, if that bastard is cheating on me! - I don’t mind waiting. - She said despite almost desperate urge to flood Connor with calls and questions of what was going on in here. It was partially also because she didn’t want to show as if she was truly that worried that her ‘boyfriend’ might actually be cheating on her. She circled the counter and sat down on one of the stools, crossing her legs as she did. She pulled out her phone out of a small bag she set down on a side and took her phone out, but didn’t unlock it. - Don’t mind me. - She turned to Flo grabbing a glass of apple juice she poured herself before, taking a small sip from it. - Since it seems we both have the keys, we both have… - She hesitated, not really wanting to admit to it. - the right to be here. - What an awful thing. That hobbit of a girl was not supposed to be here, staying here. Shay fiddled with the phone, finally breaking and texting Connor about three messages in a row and then she set the phone down with it’s screen facing the wooden counter. - You were going to do something… - She noticed. - You left the red pepper out. I was going to do some Lo Mein, but feel free to continue with your thing. - She casually motioned with her hand to the kitchen. Shelby wanted to let the girl know that she in fact had some decent plan in her head of what to prepare and imply that she was perfectly capable of preparing a meal for ‘her man’. She wouldn’t quite like admitting that Connor was her man, or that she was his girl in front of the two of them (calling him a boyfriend was a different thing), but when another woman came into play that was set aside. She was always a bit of a competitive type.
She got up from the stool and put back a box of already cut into pieces chicken (which she brought) in the fridge along with other ingredients she already took out and she went back for her phone stepping more to the side. She glanced over to Flo giving her a slight, almost too nice of a smile when dialling Connor’s number.
Unfortunately, Brooks was in no position to be picking up his phone, and having it still in silent mode he wasn’t even aware of the fact anyone was calling or texting him. He would usually turn it to normal when being out of work, but getting caught up in the investigation he just didn’t.
At the comment of the ‘trophy wife’ Shelby subtly narrowed her eyes. It seemed she didn’t actually want to make it look like it rubbed her the wrong way, but she partially failed. She thought of herself as more than just a trophy wife, she didn’t feel like being anybody’s trophy, but having the skills to make a man stay around for her was a separate case. And just maybe she just liked making some guy happy, being there after he comes back from work, seeing the smile and hearing the very cliche, but somewhat honest ‘you’re the best’, it was a confidence boost afterall. - I’ll pass. - She smiled politely, but with a not-so-nice undertone to it. With the appearance of a new girl Shay was not that keen anymore to be cooking for Connor, and for herself for that matter. For herself. She was getting hungry, so she grabbed an apple from a bowl and gave it a quick wash.
OdpowiedzUsuń- Why don’t you continue taking care of your salad, hm? - She looked up at Flo and though she again was coating her words in a niceness there was a hint that she was not fond of those comments of Flo, and to be a little more mean about it there was again that patronising sound and expression on her face, as if she saw Florance as a kid trying to get involved in ‘adult stuff’. The problem was that idea about office was not so bad, in theory, but in practice she realized she never called Connor’s office, she had the number, but it was his work, it would have to be an emergency and…. maybe the hobbit at his place was not exactly one. But it was!.
Connor didn’t say much about his hometown. He mentioned his parents were there and how he came over here to study, but he was not very keen on details of his childhood or even saying just what the town was like, and Shelby didn’t ask either. She bit into the apple wanting to mask the gritting of her teeth. So it was this kind of past, the kind of past that went back to their hometown. - I drove over here, so I’ll pass on the wine. - And she took another bite glancing at her phone then drumming her fingers over the counter. She checked the time, another bite, and the thoughts going around her head made it just worse. She sent another text to Connor, but didn’t really wait for the response before getting up and grabbing her purse. - Seems like he’s unreachable so it might be a while before he comes back. He does that sometimes you know, when he gets caught up in his work. - She said it as if was some adorable, or pride worthy trait of Connor’s when in fact Shay was not so fond of it. It was easier to handle him coming back later when he’d give some word of warning, and he’d usually do, but since yesterday, since the hobbit showed up (as it seemed) he was being constantly unavailable. At least she was sure he was not cheating on her right now with the girl. Not this one at least.
- It was lovely meeting you. - She smiled while hanging her bag over her shoulder and then she headed for the hallway where she put on her shoes and then left.
***
About half an hour later Brooks finally showed up at his own place. No unannounced guests, no exes, or current girlfriend or bulgrals, just Connor that looked like trash. His white elegant shirt (he was completely missing the jacket) was all rumpled and stained with blood (from his own nose), and his face was in rather poor state with the dried blood underneath his nose, cut brow and lower lip. And it was all a bit dusted and a shade darker, but not bad enough to seem like he was rolling around in dirt. He dropped the keys on the hallway cabinet and pulled off the shoes almost throwing them on the floor and then without thinking he just headed for the kitchen with the thought of grabbing himself a bottle of whiskey to numb the… everything that was going on underneath his skin.
everything that was boiling underneath his skin.*
UsuńFlo. Right. She lived here. Great. Fantastic. All I need is her whining right now. - Nothing. - He snapped at her getting over to the bottom cabinet and pulling out Knob Creek whiskey, grabbing a glass along the way. - Not a fucking thing. - He muttered filling up the glass with the golden liquid almost fully.
OdpowiedzUsuńInstead of responding he just looked at her almost blankly, blocking away anything that she could read from his face while taking a sip of the whiskey. A few sips, between clenching his teeth. This was the exact thing he wanted to avoid. As Flo’s hand got closer he moved his head slightly away, so she couldn’t actually touch him in the end result. He moved away even further from her this time taking a larger gulp with just a slight grimace going through his face as the burning spread over his throat. Florance was actually not able to see it, as Connor making a move turned his body more with his back to her.
He knew exactly just what he did wrong, but despite all the mess he actually learnt something new - that Flo’s ex was more than just a random jealous jerk, he was some bigger kind of trouble that could afford to send two thugs to wait for a guy that they didn’t want around. And they didn’t want him around for a reason. They also were deeply wrong if they thought that beating him up will do the trick. It wind him up even more.
- Are you done? - He set the glass down when she told him to sit down, which of course he didn’t do. - In the bathroom. I can clean myself up. - He actually felt like he could use the seat, but not when he already refused to. - Of course, you’re… what…? - He frowned turning his sight on her. - What witch? - He narrowed his eye. - What happened? - There was a graduate shift from questioning on his face, through a moment of realisation to anger. - For FUCK’S SAKE. - He growled. He patted over his chest since he’d usually keep his phone in the jacket, but the jacket was not here, and he didn’t have the phone in his pants. - I bet you were super nice to her weren’t you? You’re just the fucking best at it. - Which meant that Connor could just see with the eyes of his imagination that Florance was making the same kind of comments at Shay as she would on him. -What did you tell her, huh?! Did you tell her the truth? - He clearly didn’t quite believe she would. He was standing a little too close to her, looking straight into her eyes with furiousness burning in his own. - Did you explain the situation or just let her think that there’s something between the two of us? - His expression was getting more and more expectant.
-What’s your fucking problem?! Are you actually trying to mess up my life? Like it’s not enough that you’re already in it! - He wasn’t exactly thinking of what he was saying he was just spitting out whatever came to his mind in all the heat. If he would dig deeper it wasn’t even the fact he was attached to Shelby that much, sure he liked her, and he liked what they had going on, but what really got to him was Flo getting involved, actively twisting things in his, yes, perfect life. The control was slipping through his fingers, the whole organised construction was having its pieces pulled out by Florance and he hated it, not quite seeing the extent of his own involvement.
- And who’s saying that? - It didn’t look to him like she was even trying to be decent. She had her reasons, and he even knew a part of them, but why was that an excuse to be a bitch? It was all exaggerated in his head now, she seemed so much worse now, like in fact she was the source of the recent bad things that happened to him. He knew better to blame her for all of it, but since yesterday a lot of things has gone wrong just because she showed up. And she was still keeping things to herself, trying to pull him away from something that so clearly needs to be sorted out. And this went wrong, too, he let himself gets suprised. Hell, he didn’t even manage to reach for a gun or respond with a punch.
OdpowiedzUsuńFlo was right about one thing - he was supposed to be the one to explain this to Shelby. Not her, not anyone else, just him, but of course if little Miss Wallace wouldn't have showed up in his life at all it would have been all good with no need to explain anything. -What was she supposed to think? It looks pretty SHIT. - Context was everything.
- I’m not fucking trying to be! - He growled at the mention of the shining armour, she pretty much ruined the phrase in a matter of not even two days. She stained it with negative implications and he will never look at it the same way, he just won’t. The truth was he didn’t know how the interaction really went, he just worked out from the fact that Shay would mess him up that it didn’t go well and that of course the truth was not revealed. He could only suspect what happened and to be completely honest he knew that Shelby could be a pain if she just tired, so she might have tried encountering possible competition. So he just didn’t comment on it, there wasn’t anything he could throw back at her, expect that little: - It sure was. It’s always lovely to meet you. - He used the same tone - the unhonest one for the ‘lovely’ part.
Yes, I want you to go. I want you gone, out of my life and to never come back, but he knew why this was not an option. Not because he owed Jack, but because he agreed to it and he knew why she was staying here, and it was just not an option in his head to just bluntly throw her out, because they got into a nasty fight. He knew it somewhere deep down and it was enough to stop him from throwing it at her.
- I want you to stop being so fucking annoying. - He snapped at her and moved away, because he was way too close to doing something that he’d regret, even though he wouldn’t even try to hurt her, but he sure could make a mess of their surroundings. Was why it even getting to him that much? He stopped and turned back to her at her last words. Bull’s eye. It was just the thing he didn’t want to admit to anyone, not even himself, the deception he’s been building for so long that it felt like an actual achievement even though in the end it was worth nothing and he was just as much of a nobody as he was before. - You’ve got nothing to it. - He said through gritted teeth and he walked those couple of steps back to her, getting too close again but even if he looked her dead in the eyes all he did was grab a glass from more or less behind her and a bottle of whiskey and then walked off to the bathroom.
He left the door wide open not even bothering to close it. He set the necessary numbing equipment on the side pouring himself some more whiskey and taking a deep gulp before throwing the shirt off of himself and onto the floor. First he washed his face, thoroughly, to get all the blood off. He examined his nose, but he was in luck (oh the irony), because it was not broken. It was probably because once he was on the floor the guys focused on kicking the hell out of him. After staring at the damage for long enough Brooks finally took out the first aid kit out of the cabinet behind the mirror.
-How am I making it so hard?! - He was. He was being distant and cold. But he used that behaviour as a response mechanism to her attitude, so the blame would be on her side.- Because imagine that, I’m actually getting along perfectly fine with people at the office, or Jack. - Well there were a few people that he didn’t like at his office, and it was most probably mutual, but that was not the point. The point was he refused to be the excuse Florance uses for her behaviour. He suspected all the negative first impression was made when he was not even around and Barbra got suicidal, but he also pushed away that responsibility from himself, because he knew that he handled the break up the best he could, or at least he tried. It was still a break up, of course people were going to be left hurt, but he thought Barba could handle it, people break up everyday and they survive somehow. That’s what he’d tell himself.
OdpowiedzUsuńHe paused at the ‘it’s not over’ part,-Right, of course. - still using a raised tone. - I’ll drop the whole cleaning wounds deal and we’ll debate about Shelby’s intellect. - The sarcasm in his voice was heavy and far on the negative spectrum. And straight after saying that he entered the bathroom. Maybe he should be more concerned with how Shay is perceived, he knew afterall that she was not just a pretty face. It was, of course, one of the reasons he even took notice of her, but it was not everything. So why not fight for the honor of “his lady”? Because he couldn’t be bother to enter that kind of argument with Flo, he could already hear himself sounding petty and Florance pointing it out. Besides it seemed to him that she already made up her mind and nothing of what he’d say would change it.
The alcohol must have looked worse than it actually was. Connor was going just slightly overboard, but he was in control, he knew just what he wanted to achieve with it and it was most likely going to end at that one glass he had poured himself. When coming over here he was keeping in mind that the nose might need to be put in the original place and for that he would need some major numbing because the strong dose of adrenaline has left his body half an hour ago, and the fight was not enough to keep him distracted.
He made a displeased expression when she snatched the bottle and just stared at her, before finally opening his mouth: -Nothing happened. - He repeated yet again in not so snappy tone, but it was close. - I was on the job and got caught by surprise. - This was just on the borderline of a lie and truth. It was lie, but when thinking of the whole private investigation of his as a job it would qualify as truth. Brooks has been repeating it to himself ever since they left him in that apartment. Thinking just how much he was not going to have all that ‘I told you’s that Flo was surely going to throw at him (which she did). He was ready to throw it out there just any time, but there wasn’t really an opportunity until know. He poured some hydrogen peroxide over his brow and wiped it away. It sting a little, but in comparison to other painful spots on him this was a minor one. He brushed the cotton pad over the bottom lip too and just covered all the places were there seemed to be some sign of cut skin.
-Why do you care so much for me to not get involved, anyway? - He glanced to her. - Because clearly it’s not just the case of ‘it’s none of your business’. - He took a tube with a gel that was supposed to help with healing of bruises and partially numb the pain. - Your ex is that aggressive? - He more or less looked at himself, or rather over his body then rubbed the gel in his hands before spreading it over his torso starting at the stomach. - Scratch that. He is. - Her flat was a proof of it. - And please don’t tell me you’re just worried about me, I can handle one guy, okay? - He specifically said it was just one guy knowing full well there was more people involved, he wanted to provoke Flo to a slip up, to say just how stupid he was to think that it was just one guy he had to be looking out for if he gets involved. Unfortunately the thugs didn’t tell him as much as he’d want to, a rather short ‘Keep away from this or we won’t be that nice next time.’ was not necessarily a lot to go at, but just by showing up they were making a statement. The ‘If you touch Flo you’re basically dead’ was a nice touch, as if they already didn’t threaten his life now it was also the sole fact of getting close to Florance that was going to put him in grave faster. Connor Brooks was officially set on this case, they encountered the wrong guy.
Usuń- You don’t have, Flo. - Afterall if this was the truth it wouldn’t actually matter if she took it for it, or thought he was lying. That would not be the point at all. Trying to convince her that this is exactly what happened would make it even more suspicious.
OdpowiedzUsuńSo there were heavier stakes to it. One ex could beat him up and threaten him and that would be it, but if it was supposed to ruin his life then it was getting closer to what he suspected. It was not so much that the mention of his life got to him (he was far more focused on the information she dropped), but when she accused him on not being able to handle ‘shit’. Like he couldn’t do anything at all. Of course she knew fucking better. She had no idea of the reach that FBI had and what they could do, no idea about the kind of cases they solved and what people they put away. He was just at the verge of shouting it all out at her, telling her that she knew nothing, that he could handle shit, but not thinking he was just a one man’s army. He was not stupid afterall, but he had to check it all before deciding to involve anyone else, he had to have some solid evidence, some trail to who that ex of hers was. He clenched his jaw, getting tense enough that it was surely visible to her, but he didn’t say anything about that. - I told you I’m not getting involved. - He muttered angrily. He was keeping up the lie, of course he was. Flo was not going to get the satisfaction of being right, he listened to it enough, besides, she actually didn’t know how it worked. How could she? She was a civilian, they had many wrong kind of impressions about law enforcement.
At her “you really think you know?” he made that kind of expression that confirmed it. He still wanted to provoke her and this seemed like the best way. The truth was he didn’t actually know what it was exactly, but Florance did, she had the information he needed. Connor was trying to figure out what that ‘I’ve tried it’ could have meant… What did she exactly do? Go to the police? It would seem like something an ordinary person would do, police was the kind of law enforcement that felt somewhat closer to people. And it depended on what she actually found out, what actually happened that pushed her to action. He put away the gel and put the whole aid kit away before turning to her. - What happened, Flo? Why do you not trust the law enforcement so much? - So far he’s been mostly looking at the mirror or where he was spreading the gel, just occasionally glancing to Florance, but now he had his eyes straight on her face. - They failed you, right? - This seemed like the most likely outcome, it was vague enough, and it was usually why people wouldn’t trust some organs of justice. - I don’t know who did… - He picked up the glass. - but it doens’t mean everybody is just as shit as them. And I’m not saying I’ve picked anything up. - He highlighted pointing to her while holding the whiskey. - But maybe you’ve got the wrong idea of how things work, because it pisses me so goddamn much - The tone matched what he was saying and he gripped the glass a little harder- when people make whole big assumptions on little things they experience. And i’m not saying your issue is little, ‘casue it obviously is not, but soo freaking much could be done if people didn’t just keep things to themselves all the time, because they’ve made wrong assumptions. - Brooks was expecting that it will probably not reach Flo in the right way, it was of course worth a try to try to get her to turn the guy in, but he was very doubtful it would turn out this way. But this could work as further provoking, getting her to be angry at him even more, because he just doesn't get it. All in all, if it will do none of that, he still said something he was very eager to voice.
A slight wince flashed through his face as she set the bottle down with that much force, it was more of a natural reflex than a conscious decision, because before he could actually focus on the fact he did not like at all that she was treating his property like that she started talking again.
OdpowiedzUsuń-Then enlighten me. - He matched her volume and the manner of her tone of voice. It was actually, probably not a good idea to tell him all, because his conscious could not possibly let him leave it even more. He had to deal with it. Those kind of things just couldn't be left to their own devices. Maybe he could not take much of anything down by himself, but this was exactly the reason he worked for the FBI, because they had the kind of ideals that matched his, because if they worked as a whole and so could achieve more. - I get the sense that it doesn’t matter what you really know, just what others think you know. - At least that’s how he saw it in the whole scenario ‘when shit goes down’, but of course he didn’t fully understand because she was being annoyingly cryptic about it. For a reason, he knew that but it was still getting on his nerves.
-I didn’t say that. - He cut in. It was just turning it around to how it suits her, or that’s how he saw it. People weren’t stupid, they were just people and they made mistakes, wrong assumptions, and they were emotional, and scared a lot of the times, they had plenty of reasons to do the things they did. It still made his, and others like him, job a lot harder. - I should be thankful, right. - He spat with a dose of sarcasm.
He let her tell him all that, clearly not happy at all, but this whole argument got him in a worse mood than getting beaten up. He kept thinking that just as much as he loved the car and this apartment, and he liked how he got here, he also knew that when it came to the job it was the priority, it would come before all the nice things he had, because it was the work for FBI that would give him the true kind of self-fulfillment. He opened up his mouth to say something, but hearing that she’s happy just made him sigh deeply and shake his head. - I’m glad. - He said with a steady tone and reached for his bottle and he just left the bathroom. He poured himself some more whiskey, but after that he put the bottle away, instead focusing on what was in the fridge. Chicken, he didn’t remember buying it, right, Shay was here. Goddammit, it could have been something nice, he thought to himself while taking out a box and a few other things trying to think what he could prepare on the go. He found himself questioning if he can really be bothered, and if the hunger didn’t just go away with all that has happened, but then he decided that he needed something to just keep his mind occupied. Something that was not involved with Florance.
Something that didn't involve Florance.*
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