Reckoning - 3. Chapter 3

Detective AJ Chance sat at his desk, fixated on his computer. He hadn’t noticed his partner in work and relationship, Detective Artie Cutter leaving and returning holding a cup of coffee and an energy bar placing them on AJ’s desk. The aroma of the drink caught AJ’s attention as his eyes drift to the drink.

“That’s just what I needed,” he said, grabbing the mug and taking a sip of the hot beverage.

“And I got you an energy bar because you skipped breakfast.”

“How do you know I skipped breakfast? You left before me.”

“I know everything about you, Mr. Chance. You came in quiet and plopped into that chair and grunted hello to me. If you had eaten, you would have come in with your coffee and switched mine with a fresh one.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I enjoy taking care of you for once.”

“It’s just—finding a new place isn’t as easy as I thought. Real estate is going up everywhere.”

“Why do we need to move my place is fine?”

“Your place is a studio and we need at least a two-bedroom.”

“Why a two-bedroom?”

“To keep work, separate from our private lives.”

“We can do that with a one-bedroom.”

“No, Artie we can’t please let’s not start this again.”

“Start what? I’m only saying…” A knock on the door interrupted the two detectives. “Come in,” Artie said, glad for the interruption.

A female officer opened the door and smile at the two men. “The chief wants to see you both out in the field.”

“Where?” asked Artie.

“The district.”

“The district. Didn’t he give that to Ore and Moore?”

“Their court hearing on that triple homicide got moved up, so he wants you two on the case.” She left without saying goodbye.

AJ was already standing putting on his suit jacket as Artie grabbed his coat off the coat rack holding it open for him. AJ normally didn’t want to parade their relationship at work, but didn’t argue about Artie holding his coat for him as he slipped his arms into it.

Artie leaned forward and kissed AJ on the cheek without a word, then grabbed his coat, opening the door for the detective.

Neither said a word as AJ smiled snatched up the energy bar and walked out of the office followed by Artie.