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“Clearly, the fox one wins. It’s safe, perfect, and cute.” I checked my watch. “And our break is over.”
I paid for the costume and threw the bag inside the cruiser. I secured my seatbelt and took a sip of my cooling latte when the dispatch call came through.
“Two armed suspects seen entering the Cameo building near Fifth and Park. All units respond.”
I spat out my coffee and fumbled with the cup holder, “Allie, that’s us.”
My streak of welfare checks and no arrests had earned me the longest time without a bust at the precinct. The snickers behind my back were getting annoying, but today, I would prove them all wrong.
My partner reached for the receiver. “Ten-four. Unit twelve-oh-one in the vicinity responding.”
We shot out of the cruiser like two rookies and ran a quarter block to the Cameo building, where we stopped at the corner and assessed the area. A businessman lit a cigarette outside the door. A couple passed a homeless man sleeping on a bench, then entered the building. We watched for clues, but there were none.
“No visible chaos,” I said.
“No sign of commotion.”
“Seems quiet for an armed entry.”
“Maybe they’re professionals.”
“I’d love to cuff a pro more than I’d like to scratch that two-year-and-nine-month itch.”
This was my day. I could feel it in my bones.
“You’ve had no sex in two years?”
“Two years and nine months. Foxy’s conception was my last. This bust is better than an orange in your Christmas stocking.”
She looked at me like I was crazy. “Fuck, Laura. That’s bad. I bet you forgot how to orgasm.”
“Nonsense. I flicked one off under the shower this morning.”
“Argh, Laura. I didn’t need to know that.”
“Shouldn’t have asked then. Let’s be cautious in there.”
I fixed my shoulders back, and we walked to the revolving door. Inside, business carried on as usual. A handful of office workers were waiting for the elevator, and a security guard was sitting at the information desk.
“You think it was a prank call?” I asked her.
“Or whoever ran in here is already upstairs. Let’s take the stairs.”
“No, wait. Look at the stiff guard.”
We approached the desk, and I lowered my voice. “Sir, did you call in an armed entry?”
“Yes—third floor. He’s on the third floor. Black hoodie and a patch of silver hair.”
My best friend’s forehead creased.
“How many exits?”
“He took the south stairwell. North is closed off for renovations.”
I scanned the area. Two suits were standing by the elevator, along with a stressed woman who seemed in dire need of a vacation. More entered the front, followed by the homeless man in a black hoodie.
“Clear the area and stand at the front. Don’t let anyone else inside until they’re all out. Back up will be here soon,” I said, and followed Allie’s lead up the stairs.
