I want Detective Sandas out of the case.

''Even after all the ass kissing, Detective Avery still lost her promotion to a new Constable from the City.''

''Do you know who Detective Constable Mariah is? She is the niece of the Commissioner. Do you think he would allow an outsider take that position when his own niece is available? Detective Sandas was just used to pave the way.''

''I don't pity Detective Sandas at all. She is always doing the most. Stealing cases from her superiors. Let's see how she will behave now that she is under someone else.''

A lot of mumbling was going on inside the hall of the officers. A lot of them were showing their clear distaste for Avery.

At the coffee vending machine, Avery held the coffee cup in her hand tightly as she overheard the words of her colleagues. She sighed and revealed a bitter smile.

Today's news had being a big blow to her. She used to think that as long as she worked hard, did everything her superiors told her to do, she would be able to get to the top but today she just realized that, that wasn't the case.

She had worked hard for this opportunity. Went against her morals. She closed her eyes and turned a blind eye just because she wanted to achieve her goal of getting promoted. But now…

''Do you have nothing else to do besides gossiping?'' Suleiman banged the file in his hand on the table and asked angrily. He looked at the door and saw Avery standing there awkwardly.

Avery entered and went to her seat with her coffee. She sat down and picked her phone, putting her earpieces in her ears to listen to music.

When the officers saw her, they all turned and started minding their own business.

….

''About Detective Sandas, was she the one you wanted to be the team leader for my team?'' Mariah asked Chief Johnson straightforwardly. She had noticed the change in Avery's face, and the small mumblings of the officer when she was introduced.

''Well… don't let that bother you. You are more experienced and have a higher rank than Avery. She will come around. Avery is a good person.'' Chief Johnson said nervously.

''You mean an easy target that you can get to do your work for you? My uncle told me about her. He said she was someone who loved to obey her superiors.'' Mariah bit her fingernails as she asked.

''That… Avery just has a special situation where she needs money all the time…'' Chief Johnson tried to explain.

''No, you don't have to explain anything to me. I am not here to judge her. I think she is quite cute. The new case… how is the tracking going on?'' Mariah asked.

''The Interior Minister's case?''

''Yes, I listened to the audio and I think that Detective Sandas should not be involved in it.'' Mariah said as she looked around the office.

''Why?''

''I understand that the woman doing this wants Detective Avery and Prosecutor Oak to look for her but we can't take away the possibility of her being an accomplice.'' Mariah said and saw the slight change in the Chief's face.

''Why are you looking at me like that?'' She asked.

''Avery might be someone who loves money and would do anything for it but she is not a thief and would never be a part of anyone that steals.'' The Chief said sternly. It was clear from his voice that he had a special place in his heart for Avery. He thought highly of her.

Mariah smiled. ''Alright, I understand. But since I am the team leader, and this case is a part of my team, I have the right to choose who gets to be involved right?''

''Sure!''

''I want Detective Sandas out of this case!''

''She is not a part of your team!''

''I want her to be a part of my team. You said I could get anyone I wanted to be a part of my team?'' Mariah gave the Chief a daring look.

Mariah and Chief Johnson looked at each other. It was as if they were both determined and wouldn't back down easily.

''You cannot tame Avery. She is different.'' Chief Johnson said.

''So am I. That's why I must have her. I need her in my team. You wouldn't want me to get my uncle involved in this, right?'' Mariah looked at Chief Johnson. It was clear she was now threatening him using the commissioner.

Chief Johnson nodded his head. ''That depends on what Avery wants. If she wants to join your team, then I won't stop her but if she doesn't, then I won't allow it.''

''Detective Sandas… you seem to care a lot about her. What kind of relationship do you two have?'' Mariah asked curiously.

''She is someone I watched grow up, so she has a special place in my heart.'' Chief Johnson said.

''I see. Now that we are done here, I should go and organize my team, right?'' Mariah stood up.

''Sure, go ahead!'' Chief Johnson nodded his head.

…..

''Here, chilled ice cream.'' Suleiman said as he placed the popsicle on the table.

Avery looked at him and chuckled. 'Your dictionary definition of an ice cream is a Popsicle?'' Avery picked the Popsicle and tore the rubber around it.

''Anything to make you smile again. This is more like the senior I know.'' Suleiman said as he looked at Avery.

''Thank you, Suleiman. You are the only one who cares about me…'' Avery said and sucked the Popsicle.

''That's not true, or maybe because he has special feelings for you…'' Mariah walked to them saying.

Suleiman's face turned red when Avery turned to look at him. He looked away immediately.

''Detective Constable Sanchez…'' Avery stood up.

Mariah looked at Suleiman and smiled. She turned to Avery saying, ''Avery, can I have a word with you?''

''Yes…'' Avery looked at Suleiman before going out with Mariah.

''You almost got busted, Detective Suleiman.'' One of the Officers said and patted Suleiman's shoulder.

Suleiman sighed and sat down with a reddened face. His heart was beating so fast the moment Mariah said those words.

It was true. He had been harboring a crush on Avery since the day he was sent to the district office. This was his second year of working with Avery. He has always been watching on the side and hasn't acted on it because he was afraid of losing Avery's friendship.

Suleiman looked at the melting Popsicle in his hand and smiled.