I look at Gale and ask him if he's ready to see Draeger. He says yes. "You know. Draeger is a professional. I can't see him having someone do this killing. It was too messy. His style is two bullets in the back of the head."
"I agree." Gale says. "Let's talk to him anyhow. We have to determine if this sports betting thing was the cause of the murder or not." I nod in agreement. "Let's stop for coffee first." I drive to our favorite coffee and donut shop before heading to the West Side.
As we pull up to the coffee shop Gale looks at his phone to look at a text. "It's from Madge."
"So how are wedding plans going."
"Oh fine. I don't have to do anything." He pauses. "YOU'RE PREGNANT?"
Geez. "How did Madge find out?"
"From Annie." Gale says. How did Annie find out. From Jo I'm sure.
"Oh my God. If Annie knows, Finnick knows. He'll call Peeta!"
"Peeta doesn't know?"
"No. I just confirmed it on Saturday. He's been out of town. I won't see him 'til tonight."
Gale gets out of the car and walks to the coffee shop. I call Peeta and get his voicemail. I've got to tell Peeta first. I put the car in gear and take off leaving Gale on the street corner. "Sorry Gale."
I'm driving at an unsafe speed illegally using my lights and sirens. I weave in and out of traffic. I try calling Peeta again but I get his voicemail. My phone rings. It's Gale.
"Hey."
"Katniss. What are you doing?"
"I have to get to Peeta and tell him."
"Come back and get me."
"Sorry. I'm too far away."
"What should I do?"
"Have breakfast. Contact Connie. We haven't spoken to them today. See if they spoke to the tech guys about Bradley's emails yet. Bye." I hang up the phone.
Damn Johanna, I'm going to kill her. She needs to learn a little self control. No, I need never to tell her anything ever again. "Oh Jesus. MOVE!"
I hit the horn. Stupid city traffic. I pull to the far left and cross the double yellow line going against traffic. I make it around the traffic and continue driving downtown. I finally make it to his building. I pull onto the sidewalk and leave the car there. I run up the stairs to the front door. I pass the security desk and the guard yells for me to stop. I wave my badge and continue walking to the elevator.
As I'm waiting for the elevator an elderly security guard approaches me. "Detective. I'm Joseph Emer, retired NYPD. Can I help you?"
"No officer. I've got everything under control."
"Can I ask you what floor you're going to?"
"Thirtieth floor."
"Is there a problem?"
"No problem." The elevator door opens. I get in along with others and Officer Emer. I look at the floor buttons and it seems that every other floor is pressed. Oh shit, this is going to take forever.
On the way up we stop and start and stop and start.
I start to question what I'm going to do. How am I going to tell him? What will I do if Peeta isn't happy? Oh crap, Peeta please be happy. I clasp my hands and bring them to my head. I can feel myself start to tear. I remove my hands to look at the floor indicator.
"Detective, are you okay?"
I nod yes. Oh thank you. Here's the floor. I turn to Officer Joe "Thank you Officer for escorting me." The door opens and I bolt out. I reach reception and walk past the receptionist.
"Mrs. Mellark wait. Mr. Mellark is in a partner's meeting."
I ignore her and turn from walking to his office and head towards the conference room. It's a long walk through a labyrinth of cubicles. I'm walking quickly and step it up to a jog. I'm so anxious I start to run. Heads turn as I pass heads poking up above the cubicle walls. The conference room windows are uncovered and I can see Peeta. His back is to the window and he doesn't see me coming. I reach for the door and grab the door knob. I throw open the door and all heads turn to me. I'm standing in the doorway. Peeta looks up and I can see he's looking at his phone reading a message. He stands and looks directly at me.
"Really?" is all he asks. I nod yes. I still can't make out his reaction. I'm now starting to cry.
"Come here." He opens his arms widely and rushes to me. I run towards him and when we meet he hugs me and lifts me up in the air and spins me around.
"Are you happy?" I ask meekly.
"Oh yes. Of course. I couldn't be happier."
"Excuse me. Peeta. Do you need some time alone." The senior partner, John Clarke, asks.
"No sir, that's okay. I got news. We going to have a baby."
Mr. Clarke says "Congratulations!" The whole room starts to clap and shake Peeta's hands.
It seems that they all hug me at once. I look out at the offices and looks of wonder are on the faces of the employees.
"When did you find out?"
"Saturday. I was going to tell you tonight. Damn Johanna."
"Okay. Let's adjourn. We'll reconvene later."
"No finish. I have to leave."
"But why. Can't we talk?"
"No. I'm on the job. I left Gale standing on a street corner. We were on our way to interview someone. I'll see you tonight."
"Okay. Tonight." He pulls me in for a hug and I reluctantly let go and turn to walk away. I look at him one more time and wave. I leave and walk away from him.
When I get to the elevator retired Officer Emer is waiting for me.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yup."
"Everything alright?"
"Yup. Couldn't be better."
