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That’s not meant to be derogatory. Quite the opposite, in fact. Those who have worn it look back on that time with honor, and the same is given to any who currently wear it. That being said, the person inside it isn’t always deserving of it.
Which is why I groan when Officer Guinness walks in, shirt untucked and badge crooked. I brace myself for the tongue lashing he’s about to get for his appearance and am not disappointed when the captain unleashes it before Guinness has even fully closed the door behind him.
I’d feel bad for him if this was something new. He’s been told numerous times about it, as well as other suggestions and guideline reminders. Truthfully, I’m not sure how he’s still employed here, though I have theories in regards to it being more who he knows than what.
“Captain,” Guinness nods at Shivers, then glances at me and says, “Devlin.” I lift my chin at him in greeting, curious as to why the two of us are here. I don’t remember doing anything that garners a scolding or rip in my file, so I’m assuming, hoping, it’s neither.
If I hadn’t been watching him so closely, I would’ve missed the frustration on Shivers’ expression aimed at Guinness when he’d turned toward me. But I didn’t, which has me relaxing a little at the evidence that I’m not the one in trouble.
“Officer Genius—”
“That’s Guinness, sir,” said officer corrects him, oblivious to the sarcasm in the captain saying his name incorrectly.
“My apologies,” Shivers responds, “you’re right. I see no genius here.” I take no offense as his gaze is solely on the target of his veiled insult. Plus, it’s freaking hilarious and I’m too busy trying not to laugh out loud. “A woman came in to provide a witness statement that she saw a murder.”
Guinness snorts. “Fat lot of good it did us.”
Eyewitness statements can be unreliable. “She didn’t get as good a look at him as she believed?” I ask, presuming that’s the issue with her details of it.
“The camera footage the owner of the shop the alley is behind shows that she stared right at him.”
“So, what’s the issue?”
“Claims she can’t remember any of it.” He doesn’t bother to hide his disbelief of that.
“Then how’d she know to come in and report it?”
“Miss Carver recalls everything, just not the features of the man that did it.”
“Did the perp threaten her?” Wouldn’t be the first time someone “forgot” information. That kind of memory loss can save their life.
“He chased her. Driver who hit her stated he saw a man lurking around, leaving when he exited the vehicle to check on her.”
“Wait. She saw a murderandwas struck by a car?” He confirms my summation. “No wonder she doesn’t know. Should she even be out of the hospital?” I don’t know this woman, yet for some reason, I feel protective of her. Concerned about her well-being.
Guinness waves that off. “She sustained a concussion. Doctor cleared her to be discharged.”
“Give her time to recover,” I urge him. “I’m sure she can help then.”
“She can help now,” he corrects me, “she just doesn’t want to.” He harrumphs as he shifts his position in the seat. “Attention seeker. That’s all she is.”
Shivers is simply listening to us, brow raised at our back and forth, as he takes in both sides. My gut is telling me he’d already chosen his prior to calling us in here and it lies with the victim. Even if that includes a woman who can’t provide the specifics necessary to put away the killer.
“And your little stunt let her know exactly what you think of her.” Guinness has the decency to seem embarrassed by that reprimand while I wonder exactly what he did. “You’re dismissed,” Shivers informs him. Thinking he got a reprieve, I see Guinness’ shoulders relax as he gets to his feet and moves toward the door. He’s almost home free when Shivers’ voice stops him. “You ever treat another person as you did her and it won’t matter who you share blood with. You’ll be gone so fast even they won’t be able to save you.”I knew it!There’s been rumors about his relation to someone higher up, but no confirmation. Until now.
He tips his head in acknowledgment, leaving me to wonder if he’ll actually heed the advice, and I shift to Shivers once more. Had he wanted me to leave, he would’ve told me so, which is why I stay exactly where I am.
When nothing else is forthcoming, and the suspense is getting to me, I quietly ask, “Captain?”
“I need a vacation,” he sighs. I laugh because that’s funny coming from him. The man is married to the desk, making his wife question which of them is the other woman. It’s a running joke between them and never fails to make him smile. Their marriage, that kind of understanding on her part of how much he values his position, is probably the reason I’m perpetually single.
I haven’t found anyone that can handle my random hours, the demands on my time, mind, and heart. I quit looking long ago, tired of putting forth the effort only to have to explain myself when the job literally called.
And the women I meet through it are, of course, off limits. Not that I’d ever pursue anything should there be an interest on either side. It’s cop one oh one – never get involved with a victim or witness. Advantages can be perceived. Judgment can be questioned. Demotions can be handed out.
So can a box to gather your belongings as you empty your desk.
Thankfully, I’ve never been tempted to cross that line and I don’t foresee that changing.
