Yesterday's Child
Chapter Eleven "A Heap of Testosterone with a Side of Trouble"
Lt Provenza sat at his desk staring the text he received from the Captain. It was as if the longer he stared at it, the more he could wrap his head around what she was saying.
Flynn came in looking like he hadn't slept in days.
"What the hell is this?" Provenza asked as he held his phone out to Andy.
3a.m. Saturday morning: I am relieved that the division will be left in your capable hands. Please play nicely, put out fires, don't set them, and look out for those who will always have your back. Oh and one more thing, Louie, don't get too comfortable in my office, I will be back.
Andy shook his head as he stared at the message. "What the hell? I have no idea what this is about," He let out a long sigh."It's not like we're on the best of terms."
"Ye gawds, what have you done now?" Provenza asked as he rubbed his forehead.
"She came to my house and said she had something to tell me." Andy mumbled.
"And?"
"I sorta…. I…. well… I told her I was sick of her shit." He hesitated,"then I threw her out."
Provenza's eyebrows flew up." Looks like you've grown an extra large pair".
"I thought it needed said. It didn't come out in the best way." Andy sat against his desk.
"You think? So did she ream you a new one?" Provenza half smirked,
"No, she just looked sad and said I was right." Andy's voice brimmed with regret.
"Either way, my friend, you're screwed."
Andy read the message again. When he looked up, Hawk was standing in front of him.
"She's not here and it doesn't look like she's gonna be," Andy said, "I would imagine that's thanks to you." Andy made no effort to hide the intense dislike he had for Hawk.
"Oh god, what happened? " Hawk ran is hand threw his hair, "I was afraid something like this would happen. She's alright, isn't she?"
"Haven't talked to her. Don't you know?" Andy said as he walked away.
As much as he was enjoying this exchange, Provenza caught the look from Andy. He excused himself to get a cup of fresh coffee.
"Anyone need a cup?"
"No" they practically shouted in unison.
"I haven't heard from her and I can't find her." Hawk paced. "Listen, I need your help."
Andy turned and gave out a mock chuckle, "You're asking the wrong guy, buddy."
Hawk stared through squinted eyes," Sorry you feel that way. She always said you'd be the one to have her back."
Andy leaned back on his desk," she always said? What does that mean?"
"From the beginning. We go back a ways, you know."
"So I hear," Andy's sarcastic tone hung in the air.
Hawk leaned against Provenza's desk and continued," I asked her who in the LAPD we could trust. Without hesitation, she said you."
Andy shot him a puzzled look.
"Actually, she said he's an asshole, but he's one of the good guys. I'd trust him to have my back any day."
Andy shook his head, "I have a hard time believing that."
"Yeah, me too…..except the asshole part. I believe that." Hawk smiled.
"As much as I'm enjoying this chat, it doesn't solve what's happened or where she is." Frustration erupted in Andy's voice. "Did you call her kids?"
"Kids?"
"So you mean to tell me that you go back all this way and you didn't know she had kids?"
Hawk shrugged, "I didn't even know she had a husband until I ran into him in Vegas once. I caught the last name and got to make the pleasure of his acquaintance. What a tool."
"Ex- husband and at least we agree on one thing. You mean to tell me you two are…."Andy shook his head," and you haven't bothered to know anything about her?"
"Hawk sized up Andy a moment before he continued. "In case you haven't noticed, she likes to keep her personal life personal. And not that it's any of your business, but we aren't…. unless you count the oral sex"
Andy's face reddened as he tightened his jaw.
Hawk chuckled, "There, there Romeo, you're going to give yourself high blood pressure if you keep on like this. Oral sex… as in we just talk about it." Hawk shook his head. Andy was such an easy target when it came to her.
Andy stood glaring at him, clenching and unclenching his fist. He decided it would be worth any reprimands he might receive to lay this jerk out.
"All she'd have to do is say the word, and I'd be all over it. However, I've seen that woman break bones with her bare hands, so I won't cross the line," he smirked.
"Really? No shit?" Andy sounded both surprised and impressed.
"What, you wouldn't do her if she ever gave you the chance?"
"What I would do or wouldn't do is none of your business. I was talking about the breaking bones, you ass."
Hawk was having fun with this. "I usually get what I want… so it's only a matter of time. Meanwhile that leaves you… where?"
The words no sooner left Hawk's mouth until Andy had him by the lapels and slammed up against the wall.
" Ok, douchebag, I know you're no number cruncher. Whatever you are, you had better come clean and fix this. Another thing, when you talk to Sharon or about her, show some respect. Next time, you're head goes through the damn wall."
Andy let go. Hawk straightened himself." Why don't you call her kids while I get a cup of coffee." He might have been rather impressed with Andy's reaction, but he wasn't about to show it.
Hawk came upon an obviously eavesdropping Provenza. "Let's go get that coffee, Lieutenant, we need to talk." Hawk said as he gave Provenza a pat on the shoulder. A half an hour later, Hawk was back in the murder room. "Looks like you could use this," he said as he sat a coffee in front of Andy.
"Ricky said she and Elise drove up for the weekend, but left early this morning. She should have made it back by now"
Hawk paced. "I don't have a good feeling about this."
Hawk's phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his jacket pocket and smiled as he read the caller Id. "Love, are you alright? Sorry I've been blowing up your phone, but I've been worried sick. I see, I'm glad you had a good time. Where are you now? Don't worry about it, I'll handle things, just get back here as soon as possible." Hawk's smug expression ate at Andy's patience, and if truth be told, it ate at his heart also. "Bye, Love, be safe." Hawk arched brow at Andy and smiled. "She had some car trouble, but she'll be here in an hour."