"It's about your mother."
Before the words ever had a chance to leave my mouth, I regretted the inevitability of the situation I found myself in. My words were a cheap shot. She revealed her weak spot to me, and I exploited it. She trusted me with a bit of insight into her past, and I betrayed that trust. I was so eager to prove to her my worth as an investigator, and as a friend, I did the one thing that she warned would render me useless to her.
Kate took a step back, wedging an invisible barrier between us. Her eyes searched mine for what seemed like forever, but was probably only a few seconds in reality. I hurt her. It was apparent in her confused scrutiny of me. She didn't have to speak to ask the question that was evident to me in her eyes. When I told you we would be done, didn't that matter to you?
I could not let her believe that. I could not believe that she would believe that. I had to make her understand that if she would have given me that ultimatum before the proverbial ball was already in motion, I would have dropped it. I would have returned the file to it's safe place. It would always be there to address another time, on her terms. I would not have put our partnership, our friendship, on the line.
I thought I saw unshed tears in her eyes, before she averted them, and picked a spot on the floor to examine. Her shoulders sagged slightly, and I hoped she would at least hear me out. I knew I didn't have much time. Kate Beckett was not going to let me see her cry.
"I'm sorry. I know that doesn't change anything." I hated the way my voice sounded. Even I could hear the desperation in my voice, but the truth was, I was desperate to make her understand.
I reached out and wrapped my fingers around her wrist, letting her know I had more to say. She flinched at my touch, but never brought her eyes back up to meet mine. I could tell she was preparing to dismiss me. She took another step back, and let her wrist and hand slide through mine. Determined to buy more time, I caught her fingers before they completely slipped through my hand.
"Kate, please, just give me a chance to explain."
"I don't see what is left to explain, Rick." Her tone was cold and distant, and the use of my first name seemed mocking instead of reassuring. "I thought I made myself clear." She shook her hand free of mine, and raked both of her hands through her hair. She started to say something else, but instead turned her back, and took a deep breath before she walked away.
This was a short chapter, but it felt like a good place to stop. I will be out of town for a few days, but Chapter 2 is finished, and will be up on Sunday. Enjoy and review...please!