Cutting Ties chapter 2
Flashback #1
Five rookies in a noisy bar, hands cuffed behind their backs, their challenge: to get out of those handcuffs any way they can; winner drinks for free.
Gail Peck looked around at the other four. I'm gonna win this. Dov and Chris, not a problem. Nash, same. McNally – wait, how the hell did she do that? I could never get my hands around and under my feet like that. I am not gonna lose to McNally. Gail looked around the room. There's Steve. Thank God! Gail made a beeline for the new arrival. "I happen to know my brother has an extra key. Gimme the key."
Steve was used to Gail's requests for help. Well, not actual requests – demands would be a better word. The easiest choice was simply to do what she wanted. Much less fuss. Steve gave her the key, she unlocked the cuffs and screamed in triumph.
Declared the winner, Gail prepared to bask in the glow of her achievement (having already conveniently forgotten Steve's role). But her fellow rookies were settling down at a table – they could have waited for me - and Gail overheard Chris saying to Andy, "You were robbed." Robbed, shmobbed. Anything goes, right? She, Gail, knew how to win. If those guys didn't like her methods, too bad.
Flashback #2
Everybody was at The Penny, winding down after shift. Gail was at the bar next to Sam Swarek. Her voice was a little breathy as she spoke. "So, is it normal to feel scared when you're making your first arrest? I just felt so alone, you know."
Sam frowned a little, looking thoughtful, and took another drink. There really wasn't any answer to that.
A while later, as the evening was winding down, Gail noticed Swarek leaving – and McNally following him. What's that about? Gail got up and headed after them.
Out in the parking lot they were having some kind of serious discussion, but Gail couldn't hear what they were saying. They shook hands, and Swarek didn't let go. He said something, and tugged McNally a little closer. She was laughing at him. Ooh, they're gonna…no, she stopped and backed away. Huh. Gail expected Swarek to get mad, but they continued talking for a bit, and then Swarek got into his car and drove off. McNally stood and watched him go. She's got a look on her face like she's not sure she made the right decision. I'm gonna keep an eye on this and see what develops.
Flashback #3
Gail and Andy stood at the window, watching for the guy with the ammunition to show up. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to pump Andy for a little more information on her relationship – or not – with Swarek.
"You dating anyone these days?"
Andy gave Gail a sideways glance. "Um, nope. You?"
"It's just that you and Swarek seem kind of friendly."
"Hm?"
"I'm not saying that he's not adorable, in a sort of bossy, rough-trade kind of way, but just be careful. I mean, that's all. He's your training officer and you're a rookie. It's kind of a no-no. It's actually a rule," Gail persisted.
Andy scoffed. "Yeah, well it doesn't need to be. He's not my type."
Gail reacted immediately. "Oh shut up! He'd be anybody's type."
"Well OK, he's all yours," Andy laughed, and this interesting conversation was cut short by the arrival of the suspect's car. But Gail filed away the bits of useful information she had ferreted out: McNally might not be dating Swarek, but there was definitely something there and Gail was 99.9% sure that the "he's all yours" comment was less than sincere.
