Identity

By: Trivette Lover Heather

--

It had felt like two weeks in one. It was one things after another, blown stakeouts, missed blocks that resulted in an unnecessary shiner on his left eye, a flat tire, paperwork technicalities and most importantly, an anniversary everyone had forgotten but him.

James Trivette felt like he was always going to be the bona fide "rookie," or the proverbial "sidekick" of Cordell Walker.

He didn't mind that he was privileged enough to work with one of the greatest Rangers on the force, but sometimes, when the lonely nights crept up on him; he wished things could be different.

He entered the office that Monday, in his usual manner, plopping down at his desk, nodding "good mornings" to those he passed. As usual he waited for Walker to get a call, or for his partner to make the first move that would foretell the events of that particular day.

But Walker didn't come in on time that day. He saw that his phone message light was blinking and took to checking it as he did every morning. As he picked up the phone, he saw a note on his desk. "Happy Anniversary Partner!"

He smiled slightly; perhaps he hadn't been the only one who remembered. But something inside him caused him to sigh and only crumble up the piece of paper and toss it in the can beneath his desk.

Little did he know that Walker watched quietly from the door outside the office. The smile on his face faded and he contemplated whether or not to address the issue or ignore what he had just witnessed. He contemplated for a few moments before entering.

"Morning Partner." Walker said as he approached Trivette's desk.

Trivette looked up. "Morning."

Walker waited there for a moment.

"You need something?" Trivette asked as he fidgeted with some paperwork.

"Um, no. I just wanted to say Happy Anniversary; I know this day means a lot to you."

He shrugged. "Yeah it did…last week…but thanks."

Walker nodded. "Right…well…"

"What's the plan for today?" He said the last word with an almost anger or resentment in his voice.

Walker turned back. "Something wrong Trivette?"

"No."

"You're being…"

Trivette suspected a negative comment coming. "Yeah, it was a long week, didn't sleep much over the weekend. Ya know no big deal."

"Right." He conceited and paced over to his desk.

A few minutes later the Captain approached Walker's desk, at that time, Walker noticed that Trivette had sighed heavily and instead of joining the conversation as he normally would, he simply turned towards his computer screen.

"Yes sir." Walker accepted the directions. "Trivette got a witness to pick up."

"Yeah." Came the reply, grabbing his jacket and waiting for his partner to lead, he followed slowly behind him.

-

The ride to the pick up was quiet, it went off successfully and the prisoner was secured in the back seat. The silence continued as they traveled, until Walker couldn't take it anymore.

"What is up with you?" Walker offered as he turned right rather abruptly.

"I told you, I didn't sleep well."

"I've seen you after no sleep…you're different this time."

"Well, I didn't know you knew me better than I knew myself…what's next, you gonna propose?"

He stopped the car and put it into park.

"What is bothering you?" Walker demanded.

"Look, I'm not gonna sit here and listen to a broken record…asking me the same question over and over…"

The two went back and forth until two cars began to approach rather quickly.

"Uh guys…" The prisoner began. "Guys!!!"

"What!?" Both Trivette and Walker replied in unison, but as they turned to face him they saw the cars approaching. Walker threw the car into drive and sped off, the two cars gaining on him quickly.

One sped up and cut Walker off in front, stopping so Walker had no choice but to stop. He tried to reverse but the second car was parked directly behind him.

"What now?" The prisoner asked.

"Duck." Walker said as he saw the guns being aimed at the three of them. As the shots ricocheted off the car he wished he was in his truck. Walker hit the gas and crashed into the car in front of them.

"Out Trivette." He said to his partner and the two of them jumped out guns drawn and began to fire, Walker to the men behind them, and Trivette at the men in front of them.

Trivette was successful with his aim and took refuge behind their car. "Walker!" He called over and waved for his partner to join him.

"Well…?" Walker asked.

Trivette looked at him surprised. "What the hell do you mean well…? You call the shots."

"This is no time for another argument." He ducked as a bullet ricocheted near him.

"You know Walker…?"

"What?"

"You really turn me off the idea of marriage." He turned back and fired a few rounds.

But as he turned back to see his partner, Walker was lying on the ground his face cringed in pain.

"Walker!"