Luke Callaghan was in a bad mood.
Six hours earlier Sam Swarek had been shot and the truth was, Luke felt some satisfaction in that.
Not that he wanted him to die-but he was glad he was going to be out of his hair for a few weeks.
And really, it was his own fault he had been shot Luke reasoned. Him and Andy.
The thought irritated Luke further and he tossed his paperwork down in exasperation.
He picked up a pen from the table and turned it as he thought.
Sam and Andy. Keeping secrets.
"Some things don't change."
He muttered.
He had been glad when Andy came to him, asking for a job on the task force. He knew she was a good cop but he also knew Sam was finding himself in a similar situation that he had found himself in. Minus the cheating part. Because of course good ole Sam Swarek was no cheat.
Luke shook his head almost laughing to himself.
Unless of course it had something to do with my girlfriend.
He had known Sam awhile…they had seen each other rise at work on opposite sides of the city. They had seen each other fail in relationships. Sam knew about Jo. More than he probably let on. He knew the string of rookies Luke had. And Luke…he knew about Monica and a sprinkling of other girls. Sam was a flirt but Luke also knew no one had made him light on fire the way Andy did. Sam went out of his way to protect people and Luke admittedly was most interested in his own agenda.
That had caused problems from the beginning.
To be fair…Sam seemed to have tried to push Andy towards him when he probably could have had her with one beckon. Still Luke didn't believe them. Either of them.
He was convinced Andy had cheated on him with Sam. And then refused to forgive him for the same thing. Granted the circumstances were different but still…
Luke shook his head again trying to shake the frustration off.
A knock at his door was a welcome interruption.
"Come in."
Great. Nick Collins for debriefing. Amazing way to get my mind on other things.
Luke motioned to a chair and studied the young man before him.
And I thought my day was going bad.
"We just need to get your statement Collins."
Nick nodded but clearly his mind was far off.
He looked like he'd lost his best friend.
"Get used to it Collins."
Nick looked at him confusion on his face.
"Sir?"
Luke looked at him over his notes.
"Andy McNally and Sam Swarek. They keep secrets, you get in the way, someone gets hurt and they try to convince you it was for your own good."
This was not a conversation Nick was interested in having.
"Am I in trouble Sir?"
Luke smiled.
"Why? For lying and withholding information that could have prevented one death and one near death?"
Nick just met his gaze.
"I don't regret it."
Luke nodded and sighed running his fingers through his hair.
"No, I am giving you an easy out. This is your first-make it your last-and get a clue man, McNally will always go back to Swarek. She has a desire or need or secret…you'll be watching from the sidelines every time."
Nick didn't answer. He just rubbed a hand across the vest he held.
Luke studied it for a moment and noticed the writing.
He asked a few quick questions taking notes before setting his pen aside and studying Nick as if he had just realized something.
"You were going to ask her to marry you."
Nick stood abruptly.
"Are we done here Sir?"
Luke nodded and watched Nick almost slam the door to his office.
He sighed and took a long drink of coffee.
Back to Mr. Ford.