Midnight Lover

A Strange Dream Indeed

Nora's POV

I woke up and noticed I was in the unmarked car assigned to Brock and I.. s**t! Brock.. Where is..?

I got an instant pain in my head at the thought that something was wrong. It dissipated at the sound of Brock sawing logs from the seat next to me. I'm not sure how we both managed to fall asleep, but obviously I need to stock up on some stronger coffee. Or maybe I just need to take that vacation my therapist keeps recommending. I sigh internally before whacking Brock on the shoulder.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty," I groaned while starting the car. "We never made it back to the station and Chief is gonna have a field day." Just thinking about the verbal assault that was coming was enough to make me shudder. There isn't much that makes me nervous these days, but he definitely does. Chief Morris has been with the department since his beat cop days and earned his position through blood, sweat and tears. He has a reputation for being a total hardass, but we all respect him for it and wouldn't have it any other way.

As we pulled into the station and made our way inside, I mentally prepared myself for the incoming cuss-fest. In my six years here, I don't think I've ever heard him use the same insult twice. Very entertaining when I'm not on the receiving end, I think with a laugh. We walked down the hall to his office and entered after a quick knock. He was instantly on his feet yelling, "Where in the monkey f**k have you two been?! I've been here since last f*****g night waiting for an update from you on the Romano case and what do I get? Not a f**k you or an eat s**t in sight."

I started to apologize when Brock cut me off. "It's my fault, Chief. We went to check out the community building and as soon as we cleared it... well, let's just say the delicious gas station tacos I got decided to betray me," he said with a face that could rival professional poker players. The Chief looked between us with a mix of anger and disbelief. He left an uncomfortable pause before saying, "So you mean to tell me... neither of you could give me an update because Sinclair here was glued to the shitter...? You have got to be fist f*****g me. My dog comes up with better excuses than that, and he drinks from the toilet!"

As I winced and thought of a way to de-escalate this, Brock and his nonchalant personality decided to double down. "Honestly Chief, it was all I could do to actually stay on the damn thing. Wouldn't be surprised if the city sends a bill for a replacement," he said casually.

I shot him a warning glance before explaining the events of the night. To say he was upset at the lack of results would be an understatment. Chief let out a heavy sigh. "Look, Nora. I know you have a personal connection to this case, and you are one of my best detectives, which is the only reason I've entertained you for this long. At this point, it's a matter of resources. I can't have you out there chasing ghosts, I need you on active cases."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Chief, this is an active case! We are getting close, I can feel it!"

The anger in his face was replaced with pity. "Not anymore, McCall. Orders came down straight from Commissioner Stanton. You two are being assigned to a new case. Undercover and you leave in a week."

Brock and I exchanged a look and simply nodded to the Chief. If the big boss wants us to go undercover, it must be a big deal. He handed us the thin case file and told us to take the next week off to prepare. We could be gone for up to six months, meaning I have five days to crack the Romano case before it becomes nothing more than a dust collector in the records room. Looks like that vacation will have to wait a while longer.

It was noon by the time we got ready to leave the station. Brock and I said our goodbyes and planned to meet tomorrow to discuss the new case. On the way out of the secure parking lot, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I kept my eyes open looking for anybody that might be following me, but I made it to my apartment without incident and decided I just needed sleep. I started drifting and had an image of the most beautiful blue eyes. Glowing blue eyes. The image was violently ripped away and in it's place was a sharp pain. "f**k," I muttered while getting up to grab some Excedrin. The headache was gone before I could even make it to my medicine cabinet, but I took them anyway for good measure. I finally managed to get comfortable and fell asleep thinking of ways to get the solid evidence I needed.