Please forgive me

In his desperation, Drayce went back to the precinct to find Frank, the detective assigned to Phoebe's case. He knew Frank wasn't taking Phoebe's murder seriously, but maybe by some miracle he had something he could use.

He was greeted by Penny, the very young and attractive blonde office assistant who worked behind the front desk.

"Detective Knight! I didn't expect to see you this late in the day. Weren't you on leave for a while?"

"Yeah, I am. Just stopping by for something real quick. Have you seen Frank leave yet?"

"No, I haven't. He should still be upstairs."

"Great, thanks."

Drayce quickly turned towards the elevator. "I'll miss you while you're gone, detective. Have a great day!"

Drayce heard over his shoulder.

Penny was a sweet girl and somewhat flirty towards him -- which made him wonder if she had a crush on him. Not that he would act on it, of course.

Drayce got off the elevator and made his way to Frank's untidy desk. Frank was idly chatting with the other detectives.

"Hey, Drayce! What the hell are you doing here? Do you even know how to take a break?"

"I need to ask you something. In private," Drayce said.

"Sure thing." Frank pushed up from his chair.

They walked to a coffee maker in a secluded corner. Frank poured two cups of evil-smelling brew.

"So what's up?" Frank asked, handing Drayce a chipped cup.

"Listen, it's been a while since we talked about Phoebe's case. Any new developments?"

Frank shook his head and put a hand on Drayce's shoulder. "I can't imagine what it is like to lose someone like that. I'm doing everything I can to make sure we catch the son-of-a-bitch."

Everything he can indeed, Drayce thought. When he's not wasting paper, he's chatting with everyone else about his golf game the previous weekend, or some girl he met at a bar. Drayce's anger got worse with each passing second.

"I asked if there were any new developments." Drayce raised his voice. "It has been two years Frank, and I'm tired of everyone telling me how fucking sorry they are!"

"Calm down, Drayce. You know just as well as anyone that these things take time."

Time was a luxury Drayce no longer had. He looked at the clock: 5:57 p.m.

"Yeah, time. Time that you are spending sitting on your fucking ass!" Drayce's yell drew the attention of everyone in the room. They all stared at him -- perhaps hoping a fist fight was about to start.

Drayce may have lost his temper, and he may have wanted to punch Frank in the face, but he wasn't stupid enough to lose his job over it. He stifled his anger.

What a fucking waste of time. He backed away from Frank and turned toward the exit. Better to leave now before Captain Finnegan learned he was here making a fuss. Drayce hurried from the station.

*****

Whenever Drayce needed advice, he always consulted Phoebe. Even in death, some things never changed. He arrived at Evergreen Cemetery with guilt weighing heavy on his heart.

It was 7:15 p.m. and the sun had started to set. Drayce stared down at the grave marked "Phoebe Knight". He placed a single red rose on the headstone. The base of the headstone was masked by a mangled pile of shriveled flowers, most of them roses.

"I miss you, Phoebe," Drayce said, speaking as if she could hear him. "I miss the life we had together. Things were much happier and simpler then. Remember how you always used to make me a steak dinner whenever I had a bad day at work? You always knew the right things to say when I was feeling down or lost."

Drayce smiled, remembering the good times, but then a tear rolled down his cheek. "I feel like I might be lost forever without you. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I'm sorry I wasn't able to bring the one responsible to justice. You were so good to me, and yet I failed you as your husband."

His heart was broken. His hope lost. Only one thing remained.

"Please forgive me for what I'm about to do."

☆