In The Truth We Trust
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need – Lao Tzu
Jo absently tipped the pencil balancing on the edge of her desk to the floor.
Her mind was failing to focus, correction, had failed to focus on anything for the past three days. A steady stream of social deviants, murderers and thieves had distracted her, but not held her attention for longer than the immediate moment.
"Hey Jo", she gazed upward toward the voice.
"We're heading out for a drink – come along?" Hanson had hopefulness in his voice, which she knew was misguided.
"Thanks, but will give it a miss" she could feel him continuing to stand over her shoulder ", she tried ignoring him but he wouldn't go away. "Really I'm busy with …with..this", she quickly grabbed a file that was lying to her side.
"You are busy with the take out menu file, interesting"
"Look I just don't feel like a drink tonight ok"
"You don't feel like a drink, or you don't feel like a drink with Henry. What is going on with you two, for the past few days it's like you've both had the plague"?
"What! we're fine just leave it"
Her nerves were being tested. Hanson knew her well enough to know when to back off. She heard him turn and start to walk away, and then turn back and lean over towards her ear.
"Look I wont get into it, but if you need me to rough him up a bit, I mean if he's done something I know a few of the boys who could, well you know, explain to him how we do things here". A smile broke across her face, leaning forward she planted a kiss on his cheek. " Roughing up Henry is not required" she couldn't help but laugh at little at the image.
"Ok, if you're sure" heading to walk away he ran directly into the subject of conversation. "Dr Morgan", formalities clearly identifying his loyalties
"Detective, I apologize if I have interrupted anything" Henry had observed part of the exchange between the two officers, and though he was fully aware that the two were just friends, the intimacy of the moment had taken him aback.
Hanson quickly turned back toward Jo, his eyes asking her if she wanted him to stay. She nodded slightly for him to go.
Henry stood until Hanson had left the room. As the door shut, his attention moved to the woman before him.
"Stop Henry", she raised her hand slightly "I don't want to hear it – I'm going home"
"Jo, I think.. I want for us to talk"
"What you want Henry is no longer a subject of concern. Your wants or needs or issues are not for discussion"
"Jo" He reached for her arm as she went to walk away. Saying nothing, yet looking directly at his hand, he quickly removed it, returning it to his pocket.
"No Henry, I trusted you", frustration tensed her body, breathing deeply so as not to yell "I… allowed myself to trust you and you tell me a story so ridiculous" she paused to collect her thoughts "I would never judge you, I…it doesn't matter. You would rather fabricate some tale of the impossible than tell me the truth. I don't have to deal with that".
He remained standing, head bent slightly down.
"I've requested another M.E, it shouldn't impact too much there is always enough work for two".
"Jo please this isn't…."
"Henry enough. Goodbye" Jo grabbed her bag and walked to the door, not looking around, he thought he could hear a slight intake of breath, not unlike crying.
To no one in particular Henry muttered, "I did tell you the truth"