Chapter 2

Deceptions

Logan cocked his head. "Yeah, Captain Ross."

She shook her head. "I'll be fine in a few minutes. No need to worry him."

"Then, you're alright?"

"Yep."

Mike stood, eying her carefully. "If you're sure."

"Go on, I'll be fine." She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Thanks again detective."

Waiting until the hard candy was nearly dissolved, she stood, slowly making her way to the locker room. Once showered and re-dressed, she quickly left the gym, slinging her backpack over her shoulder, she headed towards the Administration level of 1 PP. Taking a deep breath, she handed off an envelope to the young receptionist, and left. Pausing a moment outside the door. No guilt? No regret? She mentally shook her head. Squaring her shoulders, she headed towards the elevators.

The sunlight hit her shoulders as she exited 1 PP. She felt reinvigorated. Rather than stopping at a nearby restaurant, she walked several blocks before she entered a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant. She picked a small booth near the window, glancing out of it. Won't be able to do this much longer, may as well enjoy it while I can. Dropping the backpack next to her, she pulled a folder out. Before she could begin to review her notes, she heard a familiar voice addressing her.

"You come here often?"

Resting her chin in her palm she looked up. "Only when I want to avoid cops."

Danny slid in the booth across from her. "Me too." He briefly looked around the restaurant, he leaned forward. "You haven't checked your voice messages lately."

Tracy shook her head. "No, I checked them, just didn't want to respond." Her voice was tight.

He sighed. "Look, Tracy, it is for your own good. You did take a police officer's mount and raced down a busy fairway." Ross had his hands stretched out in front of him, rhythmically tapping the table.

She flipped the notebook closed, pushing towards the window. She leaned back in the booth crossing her arms in front of her. "I believe we already had this discussion. I don't want to have it again. You won, alright?"

The waitress walked over and the conversation between the two stopped. "What to drink, ma'am?"

"Coffee, black."

"You sir?"

Ross hesitated. "Mind if I have a cup with you?"

Tracy shrugged.

Danny looked up at the waitress, withdrawing his hands from the table. "Coffee, with cream and sugar."

Quickly jotting the order, she dropped a menu in front of each of them. Tracy opened hers and began studying them. Danny cleared his throat. "I didn't win. It's not about winning, it's about being safe. So, what have you been up to?"

She responded without looking up. "I'm the one not working, remember? I am good on a horse, but maybe you forgot about that too. Been to the gym, catching up on the 'Soaps'."

"Are we going to argue, or just do the little digs? By the way, you don't watch 'Soaps'. His dry response caused her to look over at him.

She smiled. "No. I guess I don't."

The waitress quickly returned with their drinks. Setting them down, she poised with her pen ready. "Are you ready to order?"

"Hmmm, I'll have a Number 2, scrambled."

"You sir?"

"Same, only over easy."

Danny watched the waitress head back to the order window. He turned back towards Tracy. "No, as in no we're going to argue, or no, as in we're not going to argue?"

"No, as in no more arguing, no more digs." She sighed, leaning back into seat, rubbing her face with her hands. "I'm tired. Don't want to argue, don't want to disagree anymore."

He nodded silently, puzzled by her sudden change. Dropping her hands to her side, she cocked her head. "Why is Detective Logan under the impression I'm your niece?"

Ross grinned. "I have no idea." But I don't mind that bit of mis-information.

Danny entered the squad room, he glanced over towards Logan's desk. He smiled, remembering the conversation with Tracy. Logan looked up from his notes, seeing the Captain looking in his direction. His eyes slightly narrowed at Ross. What's he up to?

Taking a seat behind his desk, Ross flipped open a file. His thoughts drifted back towards the late breakfast. He sat back in his chair, contemplating the conversation with her. Maybe the suspension has made her realize the hierarchy of things? Maybe she'll be willing to work within the guidelines of the force? He ran his hands over his face. One can only hope.

Tracy entered her apartment, tossing her keys into the ashtray. Going to the small second bedroom she began to dig through the dresser drawers, pulling paint brushes, pallets, and paints. Placing them in a large canvass bag. She then dug out a small deep bowl and placed it on top of the other items. Finding a large PVC pipe, she twisted one of the ends off. Finding her box of large watercolor paper, she began rolling several sheets of watercolor paper, placing them inside the tube, replacing the end. Dropping the PVC into the bag, she carried it to the kitchen table, she smiled to herself. I believe that's it.

She glanced at the clock, she sighed. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she turned it to vibrate. Placing it on the side table, she then headed down the hall to draw a bath.

Danny glanced at the clock, it was nearing 5 PM. He frowned. She seemed okay earlier, why isn't she picking up? Just as he closed his phone, Detective Logan appeared in his doorway. "Yes, detective?"

Logan stepped inside the room. "Everything alright Captain?"

He slightly cocked his head. "Yes. Just trying to contact Tracy. She must not have her phone on."

Mike nodded. "Women, go figure. Well, I'm out of here, see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, detective." Ross acknowledged his departure as he reached for his land line. Well, if she has her cell phone off, maybe she'll answer this.

Tracy sunk underneath the water as the phone continued to ring. Sighing, Danny looked at the handset, and replaced it in its cradle. Maybe 'okay' is too hopeful. Standing, he retrieved his over coat and flipped off the light as he left his office.