CHAPTER 13

JUNE 22

Chapter 13

The cold was biting, a bitter chill that seeped into every pore, making it unbearable to venture out without the warmth of a jacket. The relentless rain had sucked the heat out of the city, replacing it with a merciless breeze that cut through the concrete canyons like a knife. The streets, once bustling with energy, were now slick with rain, reflecting the gloomy grey sky like a mirror.

As the rain-soaked city struggled to come alive, the sounds of the metropolis provided a familiar symphony to the inhabitants of New York. Sirens wailed in the distance, their piercing cries echoing off the skyscrapers as emergency vehicles rushed to answer the city's constant calls for help. The steady stream of pedestrians, their faces set against the cold, shuffled past on the sidewalk, their footsteps creating a constant, soothing hum that was quintessentially New York.

For those who called the city home, this was a routine they knew all too well – the cold, the rain, the sounds of the city – it was all just another day in the life of New York.

Brownie stood frozen at the entrance of the police station, her gaze fixed on the bold, blue letters that emblazoned the façade: NYPD. It was as if she was seeing them for the first time, the familiar acronym taking on a new significance in this moment. The words seemed to loom over her, a stark reminder of the harsh realities that lay within.

As she stood there, a wave of emotion washed over her, threatening to engulf her. Her eyes prickled with unshed tears, and her throat constricted with a mix of sadness and anxiety. The sounds of the city around her – the wail of sirens, the chatter of passersby – receded into the background, leaving only the pounding of her heart in her ears.

For a moment, Brownie forgot about the hustle and bustle of the city, forgot about the tasks that lay ahead, and simply let the weight of her emotions settle upon her. She stood there, suspended in time, as the NYPD logo seemed to bear witness to her turmoil.

Brownie is a Detective in the New York police academy, 1st precinct. She's been a detective for months now,but this was the first time she went to work as one and it brought about a nervous feeling that only lasted a few seconds, as she took in a deep breath before going inside.

As Brownie walked through the bustling police station, she was greeted by a chorus of familiar voices. "Good morning, Detective," echoed through the halls, a ritualistic greeting that seemed to punctuate every step she took. She smiled, exchanging pleasantries with her colleagues as she made her way through the crowded corridors.

"Good morning," she replied, her voice warm and friendly, as she nodded to the officers she passed. The greetings were a comforting reminder of the camaraderie and shared sense of purpose that existed among the men and women in blue. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that often came with the job, moments like these reminded Brownie that she was part of a tight-knit community, a family of dedicated professionals working together to keep the city safe.

The air inside the police station was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of unspoken stories and unresolved conflicts. As officers and civilians moved through the crowded corridors, their footsteps echoed off the drab, institutional walls, creating a sense of restless energy. The hum of fluorescent lights overhead seemed to vibrate with the collective anxiety, casting an eerie glow over the scene. Every conversation was hushed, every gesture deliberate, as if the very atmosphere was charged with the potential for violence or revelation. The smell of stale coffee and worn leather hung over everything, a reminder of the long hours and high stakes that came with working in this pressure cooker of a place.

But Brownie knew that the police station's usual din was a facade, a thin veil that masked the eerie silence that could descend upon the halls at any moment. Even in a bustling metropolis like New York, there were moments when the chaos subsided, and an unsettling stillness took its place. However, Brownie's instincts told her that this wasn't one of those moments. Something was off, and she could feel it in her bones.

As she walked, her eyes narrowed, her gaze drifting inward as she became lost in thought. It had been a while since she'd last set foot in the station, and the familiar surroundings seemed to stir up a mix of emotions within her. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum with a slightly different pitch, the air thick with the scent of stale coffee and fresh anxiety. Brownie's mind was already racing, her thoughts tangled in a web of anticipation and unease, as she wondered what the day had in store for her.

As Brownie approached the desk, a bright smile illuminated Anna's face, and her warm voice greeted her. "Good morning, Detective!" Brownie returned the smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good morning, Anna." She paused, taking a seat in the chair beside Anna's desk. "It's been a while since I last saw you."

Anna's smile never wavered. "You don't have to ask, Detective. You're always welcome to sit." Brownie chuckled, settling into the chair.

"Anna?" Brownie's voice took on a curious tone.

"Yes, Detective?" Anna replied, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"How long have you been in Precinct 1?" Brownie asked, her brow furrowing in thought.

Anna's response was prompt. "Ten months."

Brownie's eyes widened in surprise. "Three years?!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with incredulity.

Anna laughed, a gentle, melodious sound. "No, Detective, ten months," she repeated, her smile mischievous.

Brownie grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Then I guess it's okay to call me Detective," she joked, and the two women burst into laughter, the sound filling the room with warmth and camaraderie.

Anna, a bright-eyed young woman in her early 20s, beamed with a warm smile that showcased her adorable bunny teeth. Her short, blonde hair framed her heart-shaped face, and her piercing blue eyes sparkled with friendliness. As a Police Administrative Assistant, Anna had proven herself to be a valuable asset to the team, having entered the police academy at a remarkably young age.

As Brownie prepared to leave, she turned to Anna and said, "I love your blouse. The color really suits you." Anna's quick wit flashed as she replied, "Yours is better, Detective." Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and Brownie chuckled, appreciating the young woman's sass.

With a wave, Brownie bid Anna farewell and pushed open the door to her office. As the door swung wide, Brownie's office was revealed, bathed in the soft, golden light that streamed through the window. The room was a testament to Brownie's organized and methodical approach to her work, with files neatly stacked and her desk tidy. The space seemed to whisper promises of a productive day ahead, and Brownie felt a sense of comfort and familiarity as she stepped inside, even though it was the first.

The office was a serene oasis, a calm refuge from the chaos of the police station. Soft, warm light spilled in through the window, casting a gentle glow on the tidy desk and comfortable chair. The air was still, free from the din and bustle of the squad room, and the silence was almost palpable. A few carefully chosen pieces of art adorned the walls, adding a touch of warmth and personality to the space,she had asked Aurora to buy them for her months back. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from a cup on the desk, mingling with the faint hint of leather from the chair.

As Brownie's gaze fell upon the steaming cup of coffee on her desk, a soft smile spread across her face. "Ah, bliss," she whispered to herself, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. She collapsed into the plush armchair in the corner of her office, letting out a contented sigh as she sank into its cushions. Closing her eyes, she took a deep, long breath, feeling the stresses of the morning melt away. The silence was a balm to her frazzled nerves, but it was short-lived.

A knock at the door broke the spell, and Brownie's eyes fluttered open. "Come in," she called out, her voice a little husky from her brief respite. The door swung open, and Anna walked in, a large box cradled in her arms. Her blonde hair, which fell just above her shoulders, seemed to tease Brownie, dangling tantalizingly out of reach.

"Can I drop it on the desk?" Anna asked, her voice soft and tender, like a summer breeze. Brownie's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded, her eyes fixed on the box. "Yes, you can," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of intrigue. As Anna struggled to maneuver the box onto the desk, Brownie's gaze remained fixed on her, a mixture of amusement and curiosity dancing in her eyes.

"Thank you," Anna said, exhaling softly as she dropped the box onto the desk with a gentle thud. Brownie's gaze flicked to Anna's forehead, where tiny beads of sweat were beginning to form. Her eyes narrowed, and she turned to the air conditioner, her fingers drumming against the control panel as she switched it on. The machine roared to life, casting a cool breeze over the room.

"You turned the air conditioner off?" Brownie asked, her tone neutral, but her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Anna's face flushed, and she nodded, her voice tinged with worry. "I forgot to turn it back on when you called to say you were coming back, Detective."

Brownie's expression softened, and she waved her hand dismissively. "That's okay, Anna. What's in the box?" Her curiosity was piqued, and she eyed the box warily.

Anna hesitated, her eyes darting to the box before returning to Brownie's face. "I don't know, Detective Adams asked me to bring it."

Brownie's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. "Something this heavy?" she asked, her tone laced with agitation. Detective Adams was not her favorite person, and the memory of his constant flirting made her skin crawl. She eyed the box suspiciously, wondering what Adams could have sent that required such care.

Anna stood attentively before the desk, her earlier flush now replaced by a radiant glow. "Yes, Detective," she replied, her voice crisp and professional.

Brownie nodded, her eyes drifting to her purse as she retrieved her phone. "Thank you, Anna," she said, her voice distracted.

Just as Anna turned to leave, Brownie's voice stopped her. "Anna!" she called out.

Anna reappeared instantly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Yes, Detective?" she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of eagerness.

Brownie smiled warmly. "You can head home, Anna. I'm sorry for keeping you so late."

Anna's face lit up with a bright smile. "It's nothing to apologize for, Detective," she said, her voice sincere. "If anything, I enjoy my job." Her eyes shone with admiration, and Brownie knew that Anna was not just saying it to be polite. Anna genuinely revered her, and Brownie felt a surge of gratitude toward her dedicated assistant.

As Anna turned to leave once more, Brownie couldn't help but notice the spring in her step, the sense of pride and purpose that radiated from her very being. Anna was more than just an assistant – she was a kindred spirit, a fellow warrior in the quest for justice.

As the door closed behind Anna, Brownie crashed back into the armchair, her eyes drifting away from the box on her desk. She dialed a number on her phone, but there was no response. She tried again, and again, her brow furrowing with concern.

Finally, on the fourth try, the call was answered. But instead of the familiar voice she was expecting, a strange, husky voice spoke up.

"I almost thought you were dead," Brownie said, her voice laced with worry.

There was a pause before the voice responded, "Yes, I'm her friend. Is she drunk again?"

Brownie's eyes narrowed, her grip on the phone tightening. "I'll be right there," she said, her voice firm and resolute.

She ended the call, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She grabbed her purse and keys and dashed out of the office, the box on her desk forgotten in her haste.