Tyler sat at the kitchen table of the apartment, feet on the table, sipping coffee, reading the Saturday morning newspaper. Another shooting, a few fires, the president of a foreign country died. Nothing new. However, since it was Saturday, he didn't have to go to the high school, where he was the head Varsity football coach.
Val came sweeping into the kitchen, her bright persona lighting up the room. She poured coffee, and sipped it quickly, standing up. "Get your feet off the table," She told him. Tyler took them off, grinning. He only did it to joke with her.
Val put her cup down, grabbed her purse, and gave Tyler a quick kiss on the forehead goodbye. "I'm off for work. I might go out with Hank tonight."
Tyler shooed her off. "I'm not your guardian. Go have fun. Just don't stay out past 10."
Val laughed as she swept out the door for work.
Chapter 1
Val entered the hospital. "Morning, Dr. Lanier," A reciptionist
called.
"Morning Sherrie," Val replied.
As Val the evevator doors closed, a tall figure tried
to enter. Val quickly pressed the door open button, and Hank was able to
fully enter.
"Hello Val," Hank said.
"Hey Hank," She answered. They rode the elevator until
floor 3, where they both worked in the ICU. As they exited, Hank turned
to Val. "Want to go out for dinner tonight?" He asked.
"Sure," She replied. "Right after work?"
He nodded. "Do you want me to call Tyler and tell him
to meet us there?"
"Nah. I think he's got a date."
"Good for him, that he's found someone to have fun with
since he and Jerry broke up."
***
It was nearly one AM by the time Val got back. Getting
up the next morning was going to be Hell, but it was worth it. It was fun,
being with Hank. Val still couldn't believe she spent high school batting
her eyes at Tyler, when Hank was right there.
"Ty?" She called as the entered the apartment. It was
silent. She sighed in relief. Tyler and his date had probably gone to the
other guy's house. Luckily she wouldn't have to fall asleep to the noises
of two gay men in the next room tonight (or, technically, this morning).
She was glad Tyler understood about her hours and sleeping patterns.
When Val woke up for work the next morning, Tyler still
wasn't back. She had forgotten that on Sundays she didn't have to go to
work until 6:30, and still had a half an hour to blow before she had to
go. She picked up the paper and began to read.
When the was on the 5th page of the frount section, something
caught her eye. "Newest Victim in Crime Ring" it read. Val began to read.
Tyler had been paying attention some recent murders. It had seemed that
most, if not all of the victims were gay, which meant he was in the target
group. One of the victims had been the ex-boyfriend of Tyler's ex-boyfriend,
Jerry, which had prompted their breakup.
As she skimmed, her eyes caught on the first line. "Tyler
Connell, 34, found in alley...'
"Oh my God," She said and dropped the paper.
With shaking hands, she dialed Hank's number. "Good morning,"
Hank groaned in a drowsy voice.
"Hank, Tyler was attacked!" She said shakily.
Hank was instantly alert. "What?"
"Check the paper!" She told him.
There was a pause as Hank opened his paper. "Oh, no."
Val read the rest of the article, tears streaming down
her cheeks. "He's at our hospital. ICU, " She told him.
"I'll meet you there."
She grabbed the keys, and was out the door, not even bothering
to hang up the phone.