"Yeah?"

"I got a job for ya Naomikins."

I turn over in my bed, glancing at the clock on the nightstand. "Christ Cookie it's a bit early isn't it? Not even 8 yet."

He sighs loudly in annoyance. I'm not sure if it's the nickname I've coined for him or my lack of obedience that irritates him more.

"You'll be at our usual at 9. Sharp." Click.

"Fucking asshole, isn't he?" I say aloud.

********At the Diner*********

I pull open the door of the rundown diner spotting Cook immediately.

"Naomikins! You're looking as good as always, I see." He says, sarcasm smothering his words.

"Fuck. You." I spit out. "You are the last person I need to impress." I wave the waitress over as I slip into the booth across from him.

He giggles like a little schoolgirl. "That's what I've always like about you Naoms. You just don't give a fuck do ya?"

I roll my eyes. Normally I'd welcome this kind banter, but today is not one of those days. "Cookie," He winces at my term of endearment. "I should be at home nursing this hangover, and yet, I'm here in this lovely place with the likes of you. Please spare me the bullshit and just fucking spit it out."

Having caught the last few words of my rant the waitress approaches our table skeptically. "Can I get you something?"

I plaster on a fake smile. "Coffee. Black." She turns towards Cook, who simply shakes his head.

"One coffee coming right up."

"If you don't mind, I'd love to know why I've been dragged out of bed so damn early."

"I found them." He slaps his palm against table. "The sneaky little bastards have been right under my nose this entire time."

I shake my head and roll my eyes. "Jesus Cook. You're still on about this? Don't you think it might be time to cut your losses and focus on your other investments? You know, the investments that actually generate a decent amount of income."

"And let these fuckers take my city right from under my feet? Not fucking likely." He pauses as the waitress approaches our table.

"There you are Miss." I smile politely as she sets the glass down in from of me.

"Thanks sweetheart."

He waits until the woman is out of earshot to continue. "It's not about the money Naomi. It's about protecting our other investments. This is how it starts. You let the bottom feeders have a taste and then they want it all."

I sigh. "Great, so go get one of your goons to do the heavy lifting."

"Can't. It's bigger than that. We could spend the next thirty years swatting the bees away. I want the hive, the source."

He pushes the phone towards me. "She's our way in." I stare down at the photo of an attractive redhead.

"It's amazing." I say.

"What's that?"

"How girls like this end up in a world like ours." I slide the phone back across the table.

"You're one to talk."

I laugh. Leading two completely separate lives makes you one big walking contradiction. "Does she have a name?"

"I'd imagine she does. All you gotta do is find out what it is. For our purposes we'll refer to her as Red."

"So what exactly do you know about Red?"

"Glad you asked. You'll need to listen very carefully I've gone tons to fill you in on. She's one of the ringleaders and she hangs out at Gateway with the rest of the lezzers."

"And?"

"And… that's all I know."

"What the hell do you expect me to do without something more to go on?"

"For Christ sake, do I need to hold your hand through everything? You're a fucking cop. Figure it out Sherlock." He stands. "She hasn't missed a Friday night at Gateway since I've had my eyes on her. Start there." He throws a few bills down on the table and makes his way towards the door.

"Give me a ring once you know something… and try not to fuck this one up, will ya?"

Continue?

This is the first piece of fanfiction I've written in a LONG time. I actually had fun writing this and I'd really like to keep this thing going. Let me know if you guys think it's worth continuing.