The news is reporting on the Moonlight Killer. Greg brings me coffee, and he sits down on the couch.
“Police still haven’t captured the Moonlight Killer as of yet, so we are beginning to wonder if the officers on the case up to the task, after all, it’s been a month.”
“Wow, what pricks, huh, Devi?” He sits my coffee on the table and sits on the couch with me.
“Putting up with the media is the downside of being on a big case,” I say, dumping a sugar packet I stole from work into my coffee.
“Yes, Mr. Coulson. I wonder if the cops on the case are incompetent as well; maybe we need to bring in the FBI.”
“I really think that would be smart because my sources say they have Detective Devora Lobos, a DEA burn-out, and screw-up cop in Miami, and her partner is nothing more than a rookie detective whose wits are now on end due to his family’s murder. And by the people who they’ve selected to work this case, says one thing. Tampa PD doesn’t care about the safety of its citizens.”
“Exactly and in the same breath the Tampa Police Chief Carol Samson has the nerve to say they have their best officer on the case, but I think I speak for the people of Tampa when I say we are losing faith in the police. It’s time to bring in the FBI.
“Exactly. If Mayor Simmons wants to get re-elected, he better step up to the plate.”
“Fucking media. They seem to forget the cases I’ve solved in the past three years I’ve been here. But hey, to remember all the good things I’ve done for this city would be bad for ratings.”
He turns to me and points at the TV. “Hey, fuck those ass hats, Devi. They’re just opinionated jackasses who think they’re hot shit because they’re on TV.”
“Agreed. But you’d be amazed at how those ass hats can drown a cop in red tape, or even sabotage their career.”
“Yeah, but the chief’s got your back, though, right?”
“Eh, she tolerates me. That’s all I can say about my standing with the Chief,” I say, taking a sip of my coffee.
He snorts. “Sounds like some of my professors.”
My cell rings, stabbing my brain with a spike again. “Go Ahead, Sullivan.
“Devi, he’s killed again.” I knew the bastard couldn’t resist.
“See what I tell you? The APB wouldn’t affect his methods at all.”
“Well, brace yourself; it’s pretty gnarly here.”
I doubt it’s worse than things I’ve seen in the past. “Where’d he leave a body this time?”
“The Tower condos, on the 25th floor, apartment 2501.” I hang up the phone and look over at Greg.
He rubs my leg. “That sounded all about business.”
“You are correct, amigo. That was my boss. There’s been another murder this time at The Tower Condos.”
“I guess that’s my cue to leave, huh?”
“Yup.” I kiss him slipping my tongue between his lips, wrapping my arms around him, I quickly let go and awkwardly place my hands on my hips looking at the floor. “The fuck am I doing!” I mutter.
Damn, Devi, what the hell was that?
He turns his head to the side and stares at me with confusion. “Well, um, that was a bit more romantic than I am used to from you.”
“Ugh, you just had to make it weird.”
He laughs as he heads to the door. “I made it weird? What the hell was that kiss?”
“I don’t fucking know, I guess I kinda like you, Greg.”
His eyes glisten. “Devi I…”
I lunge forward, kissing him and then push him away.
“I have feelings for you too, but we can’t be a couple. I don’t want to hurt you.”
A blissful smile slides across his lips. “Devi, you won’t hurt me. Just give me a chance?”
I cross my arms and lean away. “Goddamn, kid. You don’t know what you’re asking.”
“Yes, I do. Look if you want to stay as friends with benefits fine, but I would like us to be more, and I get the sense that you do too but, past experiences have made you afraid to admit it.”
I wipe the tears from my eyes and give him a sidelong glance. “Greg, I do want us to be more, but I want to wait till this case is solved before I commit to something like this, okay?”
“Okay, well, will you hurry up and solve this case.” he laughs. “But seriously, I’ll wait for you, Devi.”
I step forward and kiss him on the lips and caress his cheeks while gazing into his eyes. “I would love to stay, but I gotta get going if I am going to hurry up and solve this case.”
“He kisses me back. “I love you, Devora.”
I haven’t heard that word in so long it feels unnatural.
I lower my head and glance up at him with an awkward grin. “I have to get going, mi amor.”
I slip my pants back on along with a black button-down shirt, and my black combat boots. Holstering my gun, I grab my field jacket and leave the apartment.
Rushing down the steps, I bump into my neighbor on the way down. Her eyes burn with worry. “Good lord, Devi, Are you alright? Who beat you nearly to death like that? It’s not that man you’re dating, is it? Because if it is, I swear I’ll blow his damn head off.”
If someone I was dating did this to me, he would no longer be considered a man. I would castrate him.
“No, not anyone I’m dating. Just a situation with a suspect gone badly is all. Anyway, you have a great day,” I say, walking past her.
“Be careful, Devi.” I get into my car, slipping on my sunglasses and leave my apartments. The sun can
