Chapter 8 "One final sunset"

Screaming, Charlotte grabbed the water glass from the table and threw it at the door. It was too late to catch him, but she knew he had heard it. Finding her way into the bedroom she collapsed onto the bed. 'Forest…' she could still smell him on the pillow. Squeezing her eyes shut she tried to push everything from her mind. 'The bastard knew. He knew all along and still he let me fall for you.' The thought made her feel sick.

Reaching across the mattress she slipped her hand into the bed-side table and pulled out her pistol. All she needed was just one bullet…

Forest sat at his desk flipping through one of Barry's shooting magazines. It was an old issue, but it helped to pass the time. Somewhere in the room someone was ripping a piece of paper out of a book. Looking up, Forest caught sight of the projectile as it made contact with his forehead, and then landed softly in his lap. The night had been pretty quiet. Plenty of calls, but none that required S.T.A.R.S. So everyone was doing what they usually did; Reading the Raccoon Daily, listening to music, finishing up reports. Apparently Richard had finished early and decided he needed someone to talk to.

"What are you looking at?" It was a silly question, but Richard thought he'd ask.

"One of Barry's magazines. You want it?" Forest asked throwing the paper ball back at Richard. Catching it, he wheeled around in his chair and shot it towards the waste basket.

"No way." Hearing the door open everyone turned to see who had disturbed their ritualistic chatter.

Charlotte stuck her head in the door. She was early but had decided she needed to see Forest. "Are you busy?"

"No, not at all." He shot a glance at Enrico who nodded his approval. Tossing the magazine at Richard he followed her into the hallway and shut the door. Once they were away from prying ears Charlotte took him by the arm.

"Can we go to the roof?" Forest looked puzzled for a moment then nodded.

"Sure. Is anything wrong?"

"No," she said ascending the stairs to the precinct roof. The sky was starting to turn a deep purple when they opened the door and revealed a tranquil Raccoon City. It looked so beautiful tonight. Taking his hand she led him around the doorway to one of the rickety benches.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Hmm," she nodded. "I just wanted to see you." He laughed and wrapped his arm around her.

"Well I'm glad you came."

Laying her head on his shoulder Charlotte watched the setting sun. The end would come soon enough. Perhaps for both of them.

"Are you crying?" he asked raising his hand to her cheek. She tried to turn away but couldn't bring herself too. Wiping the tear away he kissed her softly on the lips. "Why are you sad?" It was a moment before she answered. She watched him, took in the sight of him. She never wanted to let him go.

"We never know what tomorrow will bring. Do we?" It was all she could think of to say, but it was enough. Forest pulled her close and rested his head against hers.

"No. We don't."

The sun had disappeared some time ago yet Forest and Charlotte remained on the rooftop listening to the sounds of the city around them.

"Hey! There you are." Rebecca shouted as she burst through the door. "Enrico wants us in the office."

"Something up?" Forest asked as he stood to meet her.

"Sure is. We're going into the forest to look for those missing hikers. Captain just got the go-ahead from Chief Irons." Turning to Charlotte he smiled.

"I got a job to do." Giving her a quick kiss he disappeared back into the building with Rebecca on his heels.

"We all do," She whispered.