Disclaimer: They are not mine, as evidenced by the fact they pull down 7.7 million dollars a year. I would only be able to pay them in hugs. Although absolutely lovely, hugs do not, unfortunately, pay the bills or feed the family.
A/N: There are more than a few "bad" words in this chapter, but only because it accurately sets the mood. Please don't burn me because of it! But reviews and other constructive criticism is always welcome!
Chapter 1
The hairs on the back of Liv's neck bristled and stood on end when the dog growled.
A car was parked across the street from the front door of her apartment building. She couldn't determine the color, make, or model, much less the license plate. She could only make out the silhouette of it in the dim glow of the street lamp. Maybe she was being too paranoid, but she didn't recognize it from the neighborhood. And she knew it hadn't been there when she left the building.
"Good dog." She wrapped the leash tighter around her left hand, while slowly pulling out her pistol with the right. She looked behind her to make sure no one was there, then slid up against the cool brick wall, using the darkness to her advantage.
The dog began to whine softly.
"Shhh..." Liv patted the dog on the top of the head. It quieted instantly.
Liv smiled briefly down at it. "You know, you're better trained in than Elliot."
The dog never disengaged his attention from the suspicious vehicle, but wagged his tail in response.
Liv knew that she was going to have to try to get inside without being seen by any of the car's occupants, if there were any. Sensing no movement from the car, she quickly slithered against the wall to the doorway where she briefly peeked around the corner and then back at the automobile. The well-lit vestibule had appeared to be clear.
Liv tightened her grip on the gun. She cursed herself for being so headstrong. Damn it, girl! You should have just let Munch walk the damn dog!
She had no evidence that she was in danger, but she knew that if the situation was as dire as it seemed in her head, her timing would have to be perfect. She raised her eyes briefly to the darkened sky. Please Lord, just let this all work out."
She glanced at her watch. Nine fifty-five. The doors lock automatically at ten. It was now or never. Suddenly, she had a bitter realization. Crap! The inside doors are always locked, unless being buzzed in. She thought about the latter for a minute. No--it's too risky. Unlocking the door will be faster.
Popping her head around the corner to check the entryway once again, she felt around in the pocket of her jeans for her keys with the hand holding the dog's leash. God, could they make these pants any tighter? After successfully grabbing hold of and extracting the ring of keys, she eyeballed the car. Still no movement.
"Ready, pooch?"
The dog wagged its tail one time. Liv took several deep breaths. Time was slipping by, and she couldn't put it off anymore. She said a silent prayer.
"Okay, go!"
Liv darted across the open and sailed easily through the first set of doors. The second set provided more of a challenge. The adrenaline pumping through her system made it nearly impossible to slide the key in the lock. After a few seconds, she realized she had the wrong key. Fuck! Which one is it? Why can't I fucking remember? Why do they have to look so much alike?
She glanced hastily behind her. The reflection on the side of the car was changing, indicating the opening of a door. She whipped back to try the next key.
"Shit, shit, shit!" Her hand was shaking uncontrollably and she could hear her heart beating in her ears. As she nearly dropped the keys, she looked once again through the glass doors.
A leg appeared beneath the door. "Shit!" she hissed as she swung her attention to the keyhole and a third key. It fit, but the lock didn't want to budge. It's like a scene out of a fucking horror movie!
"Oh, come on!" she shouted at the lock. "Fucking door!"
Furious, Liv kicked the bottom of the door. The lock finally released. About fucking time! Yanking the herself and the dog through, she pulled her key out and slammed the door shut just as someone in a dark suit had made it halfway across the street. She raced across the lobby to the stairs, taking the steps three at a time.
As she reached her floor, a buzzing sound echoed through the building, signaling that the outer doors had been locked. Olivia let out a quick sigh of relief, and continued on her way. She swept her gun back and forth, checking the threshold of each and every door in the hallway. Satisfied that no one was lurking in the shadows, she returned to her apartment door.
She managed to unlock it without any problems. Liv pushed it closed behind them. She securely fastened all four locks on her door, and leaned her back against it. Feeling worn out from her adrenaline rush and wiping away sweat from her brow, she slid down to the floor.
She reached for the dog to pat its head, but found it wasn't next to her. She remembered that while unlocking the first lock, she had let the leash go lax. She yanked on it, but it had already been stretched taut. As she had neglected to turn on the lights, it took her a moment to realize the dog was now on point and was growling in warning.
Liv still held the gun in her right hand. Picking it up off of the floor, she aimlessly pointed into the darkness, trying to listen for any clue that would give away a position.
A man's voice pleasantly sang out. "Good Evening, Detective Benson."
A/N: Continue? You tell me.