Heavy Lies the Crown 5/9
Dec. 22nd, 2011 08:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
whedonistTitle: Heavy Lies the Crown
Fandom: Nikki & Nora
Rating: All over R – some parts more racy than others & some parts way less.
Disclaimer: Nikki & Nora along with all the other character’s from the pilot do not belong to me. They belong to Nancylee Myatt and others that I don’t know, but if in the off chance they want to get together for a chat I’m here. Then we can discuss why the execs at the T.V. station didn’t pick up the series and perhaps whap them about the face with a dead carp. It’s a just punishment for the crime. =0)
A/N: Another day, another 20 cents. Nothing serious on this end. Read, enjoy and happy holidays!!
Ch. 5 – A Heart Gone Deaf
The gritty guitar and drums drown out the vacuum as I run it over the living room carpet. Bopping my head, I sing along, “Sing me no hymns, when I get home, leave them with god, leave me alone,” I shuffle step over the cord and swing the vacuum to the left edge of the living room, right where Mister likes to lay. I’m slightly off time as the singer picks up and I follow, “I will do as I feel needs to be done, to pay back what I owe, for all the blood and all the lost ones…”
I spin around and look up. I stifle the shriek. Charlie doesn’t look close to threatening, especially with that smirk he’s sporting. I shake my head and kill the vacuum first. I ignore him and dance my way over to the sound system I got for Nora last year and turn the volume down on one of my new favorite groups, Lucero.
“I didn’t know you sang,” Charlie says as the music quiets.
“I don’t. At least not in public.” I wink at him and round the couch to greet him properly. Pecking him on the cheek, I pull back and ask, “What brings our good doctor around on a Saturday afternoon?”
He motions me towards the kitchen and I follow noticing Mister huddling underneath the kitchen table. He absolutely hates the vacuum.
“I was hopin’ to catch Nora and ask if she’d like to go fishin’ tomorrow morning with Junior and me. Also, mama made some gumbo and told me in no uncertain terms that if I didn’t bring you some, I’d be in the dog house.” He points to a Tupperware bowl sitting on the kitchen counter.
I lick my lips. Charlotte’s gumbo is to die for. “Well, send her my thanks, but…” I trial off as Mister finally finds his way from underneath the dining table and leaps up on Charlie. “Mister!”
“How ya doin’ boy?” Charlie coos enthusiastically as he scratches behind the dog’s ears.
Oh for the love of…I shake my head and decide to just let the two be. I swear Charlie likes Mister more than Nora and I combined. His son, Junior, seems to have taken a liking to him just as much. I move to put the gumbo in the fridge and talk over the drooling man, “Tell your wife thank you for the food. I’m afraid though, that Nora will have to take a rain check on the fishing.”
Charlie looks up from this as I lean over the kitchen island and lace my fingers together in front of me. “Why?”
“She’s in Virginia. Jill’s dad’s fallen ill and Ann is out of the country working a case…”
“Ah, well, shucks, Junior was lookin’ forward to goin’ with Nora. I suppose, in the interest of Jill’s daddy, we can’t take too much offense.” I watch as he finally stops petting Mister and ambles over to the island to take a seat on one of the stools.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” I ask, attempting to turn back to the cupboard and fetch him something.
“No,” he says stopping me, “thanks, but I wasn’t intent on stayin’ long. Just long enough to drop off the food and ask Nora about tomorrow morning. How long she gonna be gone?”
Running a hand through my hair, I shrug, “I’m hoping she won’t be gone much longer, but with Ann gone, she’s not fixing to leave.”
He bobs his head. “And how has my second favorite detective been doing?” he asks, reaching across the cool granite to give my hand a squeeze. “Mister been behaving himself?”
“I’m fine. Work’s been keepin’ me busy enough.” I grin at him and say, “Then Mister finds it his responsibility to take up Nora’s side of the bed so…”
“You want to change the sheets every night?” He laughs knowing how much I hate having the dog hair get everywhere.
And Mister’s hair does have a tendency to show up pretty much everywhere.
“It’s not that bad. I have, maybe, run through all of our clean sheets,” I admit a little sheepish. I’ll just go buy more. I don’t have time to do the actual laundry and I still need to make it over to the dry cleaners sometime today to pick up my last order. Maybe I’ll gather the laundry and have them do that too.
Nora’s not here, so it’s not like she’ll know. As much as she’s stomped around about me sending our things to get laundered, this one time can’t hurt.
“Well, if you need anything, you just give Ole Charlie a call and I’ll come runnin’.” He stands and I follow him to the back door. “Since Nora’s not here, might I suggest you keep this locked up? I don’t need to worry more than I already do about you two.”
I roll my eyes.
“And speaking of,” he leans into me and fidgets, “A little birdie was tellin’ me they’re going to start some…cursory audits on a few departments.”
My eyebrows hike.
He licks his lips and continues, “Look, I’m not sure what exactly is going on. I just know that from what I heard, the brass’ll be starting a fishing expedition sooner rather than later. You ladies need to be careful.”
Great.
“Charlie, I…”
“Nikki, please. For as much as our lovely Parish wants us to toe the party line that we are a kinder, gentler division, the sad fact remains, we’re still stuck in the good ole boys club with a slightly more humane façade.” He grips my arm gently and gives it a good natured squeeze. “You two have been careful, you got enough friends on the force, but there’s only so much we can do if the rest of the boys close ranks.”
“We’ll be fine, Charlie…” I croak.
“And what if the cat gets out of the bag? I ain’t gonna be polite here Nik, you know there’s a small, but noisy portion of your brethren that seem to take offense that such a blue blood mucks about with the common folk.”
“They’re the jealous few that can’t seem to get it through their heads I’m good…”
“I won’t argue none that they’re jealous, but you two’ve also broken rules. They won’t look kindly on that. I also ain’t gonna say that you’re not in the best department or that you and your partner seem to get some of the most visible cases…”
“Charlie, it’s been that way since I came to the department more than six years ago. Those rumors have followed me, annoyingly so, since I started in uniform. Those won’t go away,” I insist and it’s true.
“That may be, Nikki and it’s not like I don’t think you’re damn good…I just can hear it, they’ll spout off on how you think you’re better and that nothin’ll happen to you ‘cause of your last name. When in reality, they’ll probably just set out to make an example of you…” he licks his lips and his feet shuffle. I watch his jaw clench a few times before it finally relaxes and his eyes soften to their sweet twinkling hue, “I don’t wanna see either ya’ll get hurt. Mama’d have my hide if I didn’t do my due diligence and protect two of the only work friends I’ve brought around that she actually likes.”
“She likes Benny and Dom and his wife,” I remind him and he has the good sense to agree.
“Yeah, but she’s sweet on you two for some reason.” He grins then and slings his arm over my shoulders. I lead us out to the courtyard as he reminds me, “Remember the first night I had you two over, Char just thought you two were the cutest thing.”
“Nora’s nervous fumbling helped that along, no?” I grin back and rest my head on his chest as he pulls me into a hug.
“Okay, I’ve said enough. I just want you two to be on the lookout.” He releases the half hug and I watch him scurry away.
He disappears around a corner and I rub my hand across my forehead.
Fucking perfect.
“So,” Patrick leans into me as I slip my arm through his and whispers, “are we in or out and proud this fine evening?”
I look up into playful green eyes and have to remind myself that they belong to Patrick not Nora. Regardless of how similar they look.
I also have to remind myself that, with Charlie’s warning this afternoon, I need to tread lighter than normal. It’s not as if Nora and I haven’t discussed coming out at work. There are a small handful of people that know…
I’ve just been reluctant to rock that boat.
It could be good. We could not be looking over our shoulders at every turn. After six years, I can’t say it’s not’s gotten a tad bit tiresome.
It just that…
The cons, by and large, outweigh the pros. There would be an investigation into every case we’ve worked and closed together. The department as a whole would be put under a microscope. Dan’s ability to do his job would be questioned. Some type of corrective action and reprimand would be in order for him, myself and Nora. Then we have to consider the scandal it could cause merely because of who I am.
We didn’t even bother considering the interpersonal relationships that would be damaged at work. While there have been a few out officers, it’s still a very…touchy subject.
If Nora wants to be anything more than a detective than her upward mobility inside the department would be hindered.
There’s no way to plan for any of that.
Nothing short of one of us stepping down and leaving the force, but even then…it won’t guarantee safety for either of us.
I give off a small huff, but say through a smile, “We are out and proud. No mention of Nora though, please?”
“Of course,” he agrees and pats my hand holding on to his arm. “This just means I can gush about my daughter more.”
I laugh and shake my head as we enter the foyer and are greeted by Jen. “Nikki,” she breathes a sigh of relief. “Give me one second.” She motions for a man standing off to our right to take the clipboard from her and attaches herself to my free side, steering us out of the foot traffic of arriving guests.
She turns to face Patrick and I smiling. “Patrick, I didn’t know you cleaned up so well,” she appraises him in his dress blues. I had questioned him when he picked me up.
His response to my question is the exact same to Jen, “Once a Marine, always a Marine, Jennifer. I’m a decorated retired veteran.”
She beams at this and says, “Well, then far be it from me to question a good looking man in uniform.” She turns her attention to me and the black and white off the shoulder number I picked up with her yesterday. “I still love this on you.”
“You don’t look too shabby yourself, Jen.” I run my hand down her arm and offer her squeeze. She’s in red. Almost always.
It works for her.
“Your aunt and two cousins are here. I’m not sure what kind of trouble they’ll be up to, but just be warned. You two are at the head table. The other Beaumonts are going to be to your left,” she tells us and looks over our shoulder and the front door.
We look back and see the man working the door getting into a heated, but hushed conversation. Oh, boy.
“And with that, I’m sorry to toss you in here Nikki, but I think we prepped enough last night. I need to go handle this.”
“Go,” Patrick says, “I’ll take care of our delicate debutante.”
I give him a swat on the chest, right next to his medals, for that comment.
“Come on, Ms. Beaumont. Let’s go get you a drink and a stiff club soda for me.”
“No booze?” I wonder as I lead him through to the back where everything is being held.
“Not in uniform. I’m also your escort for tonight. Besides not being able to drink in uniform, I’m here for you. You don’t need a flaming queen getting plastered as your date. Also, my sister would kill me,” he adds.
I can’t argue. “Well, then, let’s go get the liquor flowing this way. I’m going to need something soon.”
We find the bar and wait patiently in the short line.
“Nicolette?” I hear my cousin’s voice, Aimee, behind me.
And here we go. I spin around and head Aimee off as I give Patrick a little shove forward.
We give the standard air kisses to the cheek. She hates smearing her lipstick and I hate wiping it off. “Mother said you were going to be here. She’s also been looking for you.”
I plaster a manufactured smile across my lips and slip into my role. “I would not have missed this for the world. It is after all for the department. Jen and Tia have worked hard to make this happen.”
“Of course. Well, I will let my mother know I’ve seen you and…” she trails off as Patrick slides up next to me handing off the bourbon I requested. “And who is your date?” she asks, failing miserably at masking her leer.
Patrick smiles warmly and offers his hand, “Lt. Col. Patrick Delaney, retired,” he introduces himself before I have a chance to speak.
Aimee picks up on the last name and her eyes narrow while I step up, “Patrick, I’d like you to meet my cousin Aimee Tucker. Aimee, this is Nora’s brother, Patrick.”
Her movements are smooth when she takes his hand in greeting and says, “What a lovely beard, Nikki. I’m sure mother will be delighted.”
“Oh Mrs. Tucker, I haven’t had a beard in years. My husband doesn’t like them, but thank you anyhow,” Patrick responds immediately.
There have been few times where I can remember ever feeling my jaw drop and Patrick almost succeeds tonight. My cousin, however, manages to turn a lovely shade of red.
“Aimee, dear, while red certainly suits you, your current color is not doing much for the dress,” I add my two cents and sip my drink to hide my smirk as she stomps off.
“Now that,” Patrick leans in, his lips brush my ear, “was fun. Can we do it again? Huh, Nik?”
“You’ll get your chance, Delaney,” I coo as I take his hand and lead him through a small sea of people. The back courtyard is done wonderfully. The decorator that Tia hired did a wonderful job. I didn’t know the estate could look so inviting. I make a note to find her and thank her for all the work she’s done.
I spot our table and begin leading us that way, stopping every few feet to say hello and introduce Patrick. We are nearly home free when I hear my aunt beckon from next to her table.
My smile falters when I turn her way and see two people that I wish I hadn’t, Deputy Chiefs Phillip Rosnick and Richard Dveris, talking to my aunt.
“Nikki, dear,” my aunt beams, “it’s so good to see you and…”
“Aunt Peggy, Sirs, this is Lt. Col. Patrick Delaney,” I introduce them all, “Patrick, this is Dep. Chief Ronsnick of our Public Integrity Bureau and Dep. Chief Dveris of our Investigative and Support Bureau and not to be out done, my aunt, Peggy Beaumont.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Patrick smiles.
My aunt masks the surprise quite well as she starts up, “How fortunate you are Nikki, to be accompanied by such a handsome man this evening.”
I smile. “Well, my first date fell through, but Patrick was a dear and I was able to pry him away this evening.”
“From whom?” my aunt asks.
I look at Patrick and signal for him to answer as he sees fit. I’ve never hid my sexuality in general. Since joining S.C.U., that’s changed some, but tonight, I meant what I said. There’s also no reason this needs to implicate Nora.
Patrick’s head tilts slightly, but he answers, “The old ball and chain and our daughter. A brief leave from the home base this evening to escort your wonderful niece.”
“How nice,” Rosnick chuckles.
Dveris agrees, “Don’t take this the wrong way detective, but there’s no way my wife would let me out on a Saturday night with such a stunning woman such as you on my arm.”
“Thank you,” I say honestly.
“Well, Chris doesn’t tend to get jealous much anyhow,” Patrick follows up, “Although I agree, Nikki, if I didn’t say it before, you do look absolutely dazzling.”
“How long have you been married Patrick?” my aunt asks looking at the way we’re holding on to each other.
“Well, legally, I’m afraid the most I’m able to claim is domestic partner, but to me, Christopher and I have been married in every other sense of the word just shy of twelve years,” he delivers it so well that it takes the three other people involved to notice.
Eyebrows rise and Peggy’s eyes narrow ever so slightly at that bit of news. She covers it well and clears her throat for a topic change. “How nice. Richard, Phillip and I were just discussing some new initiatives the department will be doing, weren’t we gentleman?”
“We were,” Rosnick answers as my aunt and looks to me. “In fact, Richard here and a hand-picked task force will be visiting S.C.U. in the coming months.”
“And what do we owe the pleasure?” I direct my question to Dveris.
“We’re just making the cursory rounds for clean up. You know, make sure that everything is being run to the department’s standards,” Dveris answers as he takes a small step away from Patrick and me.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Peggy interjects, “Why it’s so important that we all maintain a certain level of vigilance and be reminded that we must preserve certain moral and ethical standards.” She puts her hand on Dveris’ forearm. “Was it you Richard that was telling me of the two officers that were reprimanded or demoted for inappropriate liaisons in their department?”
Dveris clears his throat and answers the question, “They had been involved, intimately, and it was brought to our attention. A shame, really. While I understand it to a degree. Public perception can be a factor.”
“Oh, come off it Rick,” Rosnick chides, “We know it happens all the time. The problem is that we’re already trying to combat the “blue wall” and public perception. When things like that happen, it just makes the public think we close ranks to protect our own. The fraternization policy is in place for a reason.”
“Couldn’t you have put a spin on it, for the public of course?” Patrick asks. “I mean if it is done right…everyone loves a good love story.”
“We were going to when it came to a head, but it was a supervisor and a subordinate,” Dveris answers. “We will generally turn a blind eye when it’s among similar ranks, but for our leaders,” he shakes his head, “I can’t condone it.”
“Agreed,” Rosnick says, “I think the best advice I’ve ever gotten at those blasted conferences was from a human resource lawyer. Don’t get your honey, where you make your money.”
We all chuckle, but Peggy smiles, “No truer words, gentleman, no truer words.”
I laugh and Jen manages to catch my eye. “Oh, Sirs, Aunt Peggy, it looks like we’re about to start. If you’ll excuse us?” I manage as gracious an exit as possible with Patrick on my arm.
“That was worse than swimming in shark infested waters,” Patrick whispers as he takes my empty glass. “I’m going to go get you a refill. Save my seat.” He pecks my cheek and I meet Jen towards the end of the stage.
Gnawing my lower lip, I can’t help but pray this night will come to a very quick end.
“Beaumont,” I answer, dancing around the kitchen island trying to put my boot on.
“Stay home,” Dan grumps. I stop hopping up and down.
“What?” I ask, not too sure I heard him right.
“I said, stay home. Someone’ll be by shortly to pick you up.” He huffs and amends, “I sent a uni to take you to your new assignment.”
My face sours and I can’t stop the next words even if I’d wanted to, “What the fuck, lieutenant?”
“Nikki,” he warns, “I don’t know. I got a call from our good Commander Bournes stating that you’d been asked for and that you needed to be at the airport within the hour. I’m just the messenger right now. It’s not like I have any say in what happens to my detectives. Hell one’s out on leave, one’s being pulled from under me and put on God knows what…”
“And the other four are damn near impossible,” I finish off for him.
“Well, Furlan’s pretty manageable. Barrett ain’t so bad and Armstrong can’t be roped in to save my life,” my boss snips.
“You got Georgia,” I remind him.
“She’s been in a snit since Nora left. I’d rather not deal with her.” I feel for Dan. Most days. “Oh, and lest we forget, our unit’s up on training rotation.”
“Ah, hell. Tell me you’re kidding?” I whine.
Like we need a bunch of wet behind the ear wannabes traipsing through our department. “Dan, really, can’t we be taken out of that? Our unit gets hit with some of the most difficult cases and having rookies around only makes all of our jobs more difficult.”
“I’ve tried that argument. It backfired,” he laments and I sigh.
A sharp rap at my front door garners my attention and I say, “I think my escort is here.”
“Okay, I’ll see you when I see you and if you talk to Nora before I do, which since we know you will, tell her to call me.” Dan doesn’t bother with any other closing pleasantries before disconnecting.
I swing the door open and see a fresh faced kid in an ill-fitting uniform on my doorstep. “Det. Beaumont? I’m Ofc. Piquette. Lt. Harney asked that I escort you to the drop point.”
I sigh. Great. I’ll have to call Darius on my way over. I hold up a finger and say, “Just got off the phone with the man. Give me one sec. and I’ll be right out.” I don’t even bother with other chitchat before I shut the door in his face and run back to the kitchen to grab my purse, check the food and water bowls and grab my holstered gun.
“Behave Mister. Reba, you’re in charge,” I holler over my shoulder as I open the door. Piquette scoots back as I lock up and spin to him. I shoo him along and say, “Let’s get a move on, young man.”
“Right,” he picks up speed and heads toward the cruiser parked next to Bruce and Frankie. I slide in the front and let him drive.
I buckle up as he takes off towards the airport. I try calling Darius, but no luck. I try for Patrick and get voicemail as well. Lastly, I call Bobby. I didn’t want to bug him with work and all; he’s been so busy the past few weeks.
As I disconnect from his voicemail with instructions and a promise to call him later, I see we’ve made it to Louis Armstrong Airport in short order. We head towards the smaller, private runways and my curiosity deepens.
As we’re waved through three different security points, I see a small leer jet parked in front of a hanger. The cabin door is open and someone is sitting on the steps of the plane.
Paquette pulls up as the person sitting stands.
My mouth drops open.
Ann opens my door and ushers me out.
I look her and the wane smile she’s wearing over. There’s a large stitched gash in her forehead. Tape runs across a very broken nose and under black and blue eyes.
“Do I ask?” are the first words out of my mouth.
Jill’s gonna throw a conniption.
She shakes her head gingerly and says, “It’s good to see you too, Nikki. Come on,” her hand goes to the small of my back steering me aboard, “I’ll fill you in on the way.”
Next>>>
Fandom: Nikki & Nora
Rating: All over R – some parts more racy than others & some parts way less.
Disclaimer: Nikki & Nora along with all the other character’s from the pilot do not belong to me. They belong to Nancylee Myatt and others that I don’t know, but if in the off chance they want to get together for a chat I’m here. Then we can discuss why the execs at the T.V. station didn’t pick up the series and perhaps whap them about the face with a dead carp. It’s a just punishment for the crime. =0)
A/N: Another day, another 20 cents. Nothing serious on this end. Read, enjoy and happy holidays!!
The gritty guitar and drums drown out the vacuum as I run it over the living room carpet. Bopping my head, I sing along, “Sing me no hymns, when I get home, leave them with god, leave me alone,” I shuffle step over the cord and swing the vacuum to the left edge of the living room, right where Mister likes to lay. I’m slightly off time as the singer picks up and I follow, “I will do as I feel needs to be done, to pay back what I owe, for all the blood and all the lost ones…”
I spin around and look up. I stifle the shriek. Charlie doesn’t look close to threatening, especially with that smirk he’s sporting. I shake my head and kill the vacuum first. I ignore him and dance my way over to the sound system I got for Nora last year and turn the volume down on one of my new favorite groups, Lucero.
“I didn’t know you sang,” Charlie says as the music quiets.
“I don’t. At least not in public.” I wink at him and round the couch to greet him properly. Pecking him on the cheek, I pull back and ask, “What brings our good doctor around on a Saturday afternoon?”
He motions me towards the kitchen and I follow noticing Mister huddling underneath the kitchen table. He absolutely hates the vacuum.
“I was hopin’ to catch Nora and ask if she’d like to go fishin’ tomorrow morning with Junior and me. Also, mama made some gumbo and told me in no uncertain terms that if I didn’t bring you some, I’d be in the dog house.” He points to a Tupperware bowl sitting on the kitchen counter.
I lick my lips. Charlotte’s gumbo is to die for. “Well, send her my thanks, but…” I trial off as Mister finally finds his way from underneath the dining table and leaps up on Charlie. “Mister!”
“How ya doin’ boy?” Charlie coos enthusiastically as he scratches behind the dog’s ears.
Oh for the love of…I shake my head and decide to just let the two be. I swear Charlie likes Mister more than Nora and I combined. His son, Junior, seems to have taken a liking to him just as much. I move to put the gumbo in the fridge and talk over the drooling man, “Tell your wife thank you for the food. I’m afraid though, that Nora will have to take a rain check on the fishing.”
Charlie looks up from this as I lean over the kitchen island and lace my fingers together in front of me. “Why?”
“She’s in Virginia. Jill’s dad’s fallen ill and Ann is out of the country working a case…”
“Ah, well, shucks, Junior was lookin’ forward to goin’ with Nora. I suppose, in the interest of Jill’s daddy, we can’t take too much offense.” I watch as he finally stops petting Mister and ambles over to the island to take a seat on one of the stools.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” I ask, attempting to turn back to the cupboard and fetch him something.
“No,” he says stopping me, “thanks, but I wasn’t intent on stayin’ long. Just long enough to drop off the food and ask Nora about tomorrow morning. How long she gonna be gone?”
Running a hand through my hair, I shrug, “I’m hoping she won’t be gone much longer, but with Ann gone, she’s not fixing to leave.”
He bobs his head. “And how has my second favorite detective been doing?” he asks, reaching across the cool granite to give my hand a squeeze. “Mister been behaving himself?”
“I’m fine. Work’s been keepin’ me busy enough.” I grin at him and say, “Then Mister finds it his responsibility to take up Nora’s side of the bed so…”
“You want to change the sheets every night?” He laughs knowing how much I hate having the dog hair get everywhere.
And Mister’s hair does have a tendency to show up pretty much everywhere.
“It’s not that bad. I have, maybe, run through all of our clean sheets,” I admit a little sheepish. I’ll just go buy more. I don’t have time to do the actual laundry and I still need to make it over to the dry cleaners sometime today to pick up my last order. Maybe I’ll gather the laundry and have them do that too.
Nora’s not here, so it’s not like she’ll know. As much as she’s stomped around about me sending our things to get laundered, this one time can’t hurt.
“Well, if you need anything, you just give Ole Charlie a call and I’ll come runnin’.” He stands and I follow him to the back door. “Since Nora’s not here, might I suggest you keep this locked up? I don’t need to worry more than I already do about you two.”
I roll my eyes.
“And speaking of,” he leans into me and fidgets, “A little birdie was tellin’ me they’re going to start some…cursory audits on a few departments.”
My eyebrows hike.
He licks his lips and continues, “Look, I’m not sure what exactly is going on. I just know that from what I heard, the brass’ll be starting a fishing expedition sooner rather than later. You ladies need to be careful.”
Great.
“Charlie, I…”
“Nikki, please. For as much as our lovely Parish wants us to toe the party line that we are a kinder, gentler division, the sad fact remains, we’re still stuck in the good ole boys club with a slightly more humane façade.” He grips my arm gently and gives it a good natured squeeze. “You two have been careful, you got enough friends on the force, but there’s only so much we can do if the rest of the boys close ranks.”
“We’ll be fine, Charlie…” I croak.
“And what if the cat gets out of the bag? I ain’t gonna be polite here Nik, you know there’s a small, but noisy portion of your brethren that seem to take offense that such a blue blood mucks about with the common folk.”
“They’re the jealous few that can’t seem to get it through their heads I’m good…”
“I won’t argue none that they’re jealous, but you two’ve also broken rules. They won’t look kindly on that. I also ain’t gonna say that you’re not in the best department or that you and your partner seem to get some of the most visible cases…”
“Charlie, it’s been that way since I came to the department more than six years ago. Those rumors have followed me, annoyingly so, since I started in uniform. Those won’t go away,” I insist and it’s true.
“That may be, Nikki and it’s not like I don’t think you’re damn good…I just can hear it, they’ll spout off on how you think you’re better and that nothin’ll happen to you ‘cause of your last name. When in reality, they’ll probably just set out to make an example of you…” he licks his lips and his feet shuffle. I watch his jaw clench a few times before it finally relaxes and his eyes soften to their sweet twinkling hue, “I don’t wanna see either ya’ll get hurt. Mama’d have my hide if I didn’t do my due diligence and protect two of the only work friends I’ve brought around that she actually likes.”
“She likes Benny and Dom and his wife,” I remind him and he has the good sense to agree.
“Yeah, but she’s sweet on you two for some reason.” He grins then and slings his arm over my shoulders. I lead us out to the courtyard as he reminds me, “Remember the first night I had you two over, Char just thought you two were the cutest thing.”
“Nora’s nervous fumbling helped that along, no?” I grin back and rest my head on his chest as he pulls me into a hug.
“Okay, I’ve said enough. I just want you two to be on the lookout.” He releases the half hug and I watch him scurry away.
He disappears around a corner and I rub my hand across my forehead.
Fucking perfect.
“So,” Patrick leans into me as I slip my arm through his and whispers, “are we in or out and proud this fine evening?”
I look up into playful green eyes and have to remind myself that they belong to Patrick not Nora. Regardless of how similar they look.
I also have to remind myself that, with Charlie’s warning this afternoon, I need to tread lighter than normal. It’s not as if Nora and I haven’t discussed coming out at work. There are a small handful of people that know…
I’ve just been reluctant to rock that boat.
It could be good. We could not be looking over our shoulders at every turn. After six years, I can’t say it’s not’s gotten a tad bit tiresome.
It just that…
The cons, by and large, outweigh the pros. There would be an investigation into every case we’ve worked and closed together. The department as a whole would be put under a microscope. Dan’s ability to do his job would be questioned. Some type of corrective action and reprimand would be in order for him, myself and Nora. Then we have to consider the scandal it could cause merely because of who I am.
We didn’t even bother considering the interpersonal relationships that would be damaged at work. While there have been a few out officers, it’s still a very…touchy subject.
If Nora wants to be anything more than a detective than her upward mobility inside the department would be hindered.
There’s no way to plan for any of that.
Nothing short of one of us stepping down and leaving the force, but even then…it won’t guarantee safety for either of us.
I give off a small huff, but say through a smile, “We are out and proud. No mention of Nora though, please?”
“Of course,” he agrees and pats my hand holding on to his arm. “This just means I can gush about my daughter more.”
I laugh and shake my head as we enter the foyer and are greeted by Jen. “Nikki,” she breathes a sigh of relief. “Give me one second.” She motions for a man standing off to our right to take the clipboard from her and attaches herself to my free side, steering us out of the foot traffic of arriving guests.
She turns to face Patrick and I smiling. “Patrick, I didn’t know you cleaned up so well,” she appraises him in his dress blues. I had questioned him when he picked me up.
His response to my question is the exact same to Jen, “Once a Marine, always a Marine, Jennifer. I’m a decorated retired veteran.”
She beams at this and says, “Well, then far be it from me to question a good looking man in uniform.” She turns her attention to me and the black and white off the shoulder number I picked up with her yesterday. “I still love this on you.”
“You don’t look too shabby yourself, Jen.” I run my hand down her arm and offer her squeeze. She’s in red. Almost always.
It works for her.
“Your aunt and two cousins are here. I’m not sure what kind of trouble they’ll be up to, but just be warned. You two are at the head table. The other Beaumonts are going to be to your left,” she tells us and looks over our shoulder and the front door.
We look back and see the man working the door getting into a heated, but hushed conversation. Oh, boy.
“And with that, I’m sorry to toss you in here Nikki, but I think we prepped enough last night. I need to go handle this.”
“Go,” Patrick says, “I’ll take care of our delicate debutante.”
I give him a swat on the chest, right next to his medals, for that comment.
“Come on, Ms. Beaumont. Let’s go get you a drink and a stiff club soda for me.”
“No booze?” I wonder as I lead him through to the back where everything is being held.
“Not in uniform. I’m also your escort for tonight. Besides not being able to drink in uniform, I’m here for you. You don’t need a flaming queen getting plastered as your date. Also, my sister would kill me,” he adds.
I can’t argue. “Well, then, let’s go get the liquor flowing this way. I’m going to need something soon.”
We find the bar and wait patiently in the short line.
“Nicolette?” I hear my cousin’s voice, Aimee, behind me.
And here we go. I spin around and head Aimee off as I give Patrick a little shove forward.
We give the standard air kisses to the cheek. She hates smearing her lipstick and I hate wiping it off. “Mother said you were going to be here. She’s also been looking for you.”
I plaster a manufactured smile across my lips and slip into my role. “I would not have missed this for the world. It is after all for the department. Jen and Tia have worked hard to make this happen.”
“Of course. Well, I will let my mother know I’ve seen you and…” she trails off as Patrick slides up next to me handing off the bourbon I requested. “And who is your date?” she asks, failing miserably at masking her leer.
Patrick smiles warmly and offers his hand, “Lt. Col. Patrick Delaney, retired,” he introduces himself before I have a chance to speak.
Aimee picks up on the last name and her eyes narrow while I step up, “Patrick, I’d like you to meet my cousin Aimee Tucker. Aimee, this is Nora’s brother, Patrick.”
Her movements are smooth when she takes his hand in greeting and says, “What a lovely beard, Nikki. I’m sure mother will be delighted.”
“Oh Mrs. Tucker, I haven’t had a beard in years. My husband doesn’t like them, but thank you anyhow,” Patrick responds immediately.
There have been few times where I can remember ever feeling my jaw drop and Patrick almost succeeds tonight. My cousin, however, manages to turn a lovely shade of red.
“Aimee, dear, while red certainly suits you, your current color is not doing much for the dress,” I add my two cents and sip my drink to hide my smirk as she stomps off.
“Now that,” Patrick leans in, his lips brush my ear, “was fun. Can we do it again? Huh, Nik?”
“You’ll get your chance, Delaney,” I coo as I take his hand and lead him through a small sea of people. The back courtyard is done wonderfully. The decorator that Tia hired did a wonderful job. I didn’t know the estate could look so inviting. I make a note to find her and thank her for all the work she’s done.
I spot our table and begin leading us that way, stopping every few feet to say hello and introduce Patrick. We are nearly home free when I hear my aunt beckon from next to her table.
My smile falters when I turn her way and see two people that I wish I hadn’t, Deputy Chiefs Phillip Rosnick and Richard Dveris, talking to my aunt.
“Nikki, dear,” my aunt beams, “it’s so good to see you and…”
“Aunt Peggy, Sirs, this is Lt. Col. Patrick Delaney,” I introduce them all, “Patrick, this is Dep. Chief Ronsnick of our Public Integrity Bureau and Dep. Chief Dveris of our Investigative and Support Bureau and not to be out done, my aunt, Peggy Beaumont.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Patrick smiles.
My aunt masks the surprise quite well as she starts up, “How fortunate you are Nikki, to be accompanied by such a handsome man this evening.”
I smile. “Well, my first date fell through, but Patrick was a dear and I was able to pry him away this evening.”
“From whom?” my aunt asks.
I look at Patrick and signal for him to answer as he sees fit. I’ve never hid my sexuality in general. Since joining S.C.U., that’s changed some, but tonight, I meant what I said. There’s also no reason this needs to implicate Nora.
Patrick’s head tilts slightly, but he answers, “The old ball and chain and our daughter. A brief leave from the home base this evening to escort your wonderful niece.”
“How nice,” Rosnick chuckles.
Dveris agrees, “Don’t take this the wrong way detective, but there’s no way my wife would let me out on a Saturday night with such a stunning woman such as you on my arm.”
“Thank you,” I say honestly.
“Well, Chris doesn’t tend to get jealous much anyhow,” Patrick follows up, “Although I agree, Nikki, if I didn’t say it before, you do look absolutely dazzling.”
“How long have you been married Patrick?” my aunt asks looking at the way we’re holding on to each other.
“Well, legally, I’m afraid the most I’m able to claim is domestic partner, but to me, Christopher and I have been married in every other sense of the word just shy of twelve years,” he delivers it so well that it takes the three other people involved to notice.
Eyebrows rise and Peggy’s eyes narrow ever so slightly at that bit of news. She covers it well and clears her throat for a topic change. “How nice. Richard, Phillip and I were just discussing some new initiatives the department will be doing, weren’t we gentleman?”
“We were,” Rosnick answers as my aunt and looks to me. “In fact, Richard here and a hand-picked task force will be visiting S.C.U. in the coming months.”
“And what do we owe the pleasure?” I direct my question to Dveris.
“We’re just making the cursory rounds for clean up. You know, make sure that everything is being run to the department’s standards,” Dveris answers as he takes a small step away from Patrick and me.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Peggy interjects, “Why it’s so important that we all maintain a certain level of vigilance and be reminded that we must preserve certain moral and ethical standards.” She puts her hand on Dveris’ forearm. “Was it you Richard that was telling me of the two officers that were reprimanded or demoted for inappropriate liaisons in their department?”
Dveris clears his throat and answers the question, “They had been involved, intimately, and it was brought to our attention. A shame, really. While I understand it to a degree. Public perception can be a factor.”
“Oh, come off it Rick,” Rosnick chides, “We know it happens all the time. The problem is that we’re already trying to combat the “blue wall” and public perception. When things like that happen, it just makes the public think we close ranks to protect our own. The fraternization policy is in place for a reason.”
“Couldn’t you have put a spin on it, for the public of course?” Patrick asks. “I mean if it is done right…everyone loves a good love story.”
“We were going to when it came to a head, but it was a supervisor and a subordinate,” Dveris answers. “We will generally turn a blind eye when it’s among similar ranks, but for our leaders,” he shakes his head, “I can’t condone it.”
“Agreed,” Rosnick says, “I think the best advice I’ve ever gotten at those blasted conferences was from a human resource lawyer. Don’t get your honey, where you make your money.”
We all chuckle, but Peggy smiles, “No truer words, gentleman, no truer words.”
I laugh and Jen manages to catch my eye. “Oh, Sirs, Aunt Peggy, it looks like we’re about to start. If you’ll excuse us?” I manage as gracious an exit as possible with Patrick on my arm.
“That was worse than swimming in shark infested waters,” Patrick whispers as he takes my empty glass. “I’m going to go get you a refill. Save my seat.” He pecks my cheek and I meet Jen towards the end of the stage.
Gnawing my lower lip, I can’t help but pray this night will come to a very quick end.
“Beaumont,” I answer, dancing around the kitchen island trying to put my boot on.
“Stay home,” Dan grumps. I stop hopping up and down.
“What?” I ask, not too sure I heard him right.
“I said, stay home. Someone’ll be by shortly to pick you up.” He huffs and amends, “I sent a uni to take you to your new assignment.”
My face sours and I can’t stop the next words even if I’d wanted to, “What the fuck, lieutenant?”
“Nikki,” he warns, “I don’t know. I got a call from our good Commander Bournes stating that you’d been asked for and that you needed to be at the airport within the hour. I’m just the messenger right now. It’s not like I have any say in what happens to my detectives. Hell one’s out on leave, one’s being pulled from under me and put on God knows what…”
“And the other four are damn near impossible,” I finish off for him.
“Well, Furlan’s pretty manageable. Barrett ain’t so bad and Armstrong can’t be roped in to save my life,” my boss snips.
“You got Georgia,” I remind him.
“She’s been in a snit since Nora left. I’d rather not deal with her.” I feel for Dan. Most days. “Oh, and lest we forget, our unit’s up on training rotation.”
“Ah, hell. Tell me you’re kidding?” I whine.
Like we need a bunch of wet behind the ear wannabes traipsing through our department. “Dan, really, can’t we be taken out of that? Our unit gets hit with some of the most difficult cases and having rookies around only makes all of our jobs more difficult.”
“I’ve tried that argument. It backfired,” he laments and I sigh.
A sharp rap at my front door garners my attention and I say, “I think my escort is here.”
“Okay, I’ll see you when I see you and if you talk to Nora before I do, which since we know you will, tell her to call me.” Dan doesn’t bother with any other closing pleasantries before disconnecting.
I swing the door open and see a fresh faced kid in an ill-fitting uniform on my doorstep. “Det. Beaumont? I’m Ofc. Piquette. Lt. Harney asked that I escort you to the drop point.”
I sigh. Great. I’ll have to call Darius on my way over. I hold up a finger and say, “Just got off the phone with the man. Give me one sec. and I’ll be right out.” I don’t even bother with other chitchat before I shut the door in his face and run back to the kitchen to grab my purse, check the food and water bowls and grab my holstered gun.
“Behave Mister. Reba, you’re in charge,” I holler over my shoulder as I open the door. Piquette scoots back as I lock up and spin to him. I shoo him along and say, “Let’s get a move on, young man.”
“Right,” he picks up speed and heads toward the cruiser parked next to Bruce and Frankie. I slide in the front and let him drive.
I buckle up as he takes off towards the airport. I try calling Darius, but no luck. I try for Patrick and get voicemail as well. Lastly, I call Bobby. I didn’t want to bug him with work and all; he’s been so busy the past few weeks.
As I disconnect from his voicemail with instructions and a promise to call him later, I see we’ve made it to Louis Armstrong Airport in short order. We head towards the smaller, private runways and my curiosity deepens.
As we’re waved through three different security points, I see a small leer jet parked in front of a hanger. The cabin door is open and someone is sitting on the steps of the plane.
Paquette pulls up as the person sitting stands.
My mouth drops open.
Ann opens my door and ushers me out.
I look her and the wane smile she’s wearing over. There’s a large stitched gash in her forehead. Tape runs across a very broken nose and under black and blue eyes.
“Do I ask?” are the first words out of my mouth.
Jill’s gonna throw a conniption.
She shakes her head gingerly and says, “It’s good to see you too, Nikki. Come on,” her hand goes to the small of my back steering me aboard, “I’ll fill you in on the way.”
Next>>>
