Note: This chapter carries a little hint of a story we are currently working on and will soon be sharing with the world. Stay tuned!


28. "Look Both Ways"

Sharon looked at Andrea Hobbs sitting across the table from her. The casefile they had been discussing moments earlier lay in between their dinner plates. The conversation had stalled for a few moments as Andrea checked the text message that had just come through on her phone. Sharon's eyes drifted back to the file. It was an ongoing case, one she would most definitely be glad to leave behind her.

"So you're ready for your testimony tomorrow?" Andrea asked as she put her phone down next to her plate and folded her hands under the table. "You know how much rides on this, don't you?"

"I know," Sharon agreed and heaved a sigh. She knew that her testimony was a critical element in their case and she was acutely aware that it would most likely also lead to several more arrests. The pressure of that knowledge, as well as the threat she knew was hanging over her head because of it, was something she had not been able to avoid in the last few weeks. Even less so since an envelope containing a bullet with her name on it was delivered to the Major Crimes Division two days ago. It had changed everything.

"I know you rejected the option of giving your testimony in a closed court, Sharon, but after what happened the other day, I strongly advice that you reconsider your decision," Andrea urged. Her big blue eyes reflected concern. "This is your life we're talking about."

"Not my life but the life of an innocent seven year old boy who became a victim of something he never should have been part of," Sharon sternly answered. She shook her head. "I appreciate and understand your concern, Andrea, but I refuse to cower to threats. I want my testimony to take place in open court."

Andrea nodded. She had expected that answer. "Are you any closer to identifying the person or persons who sent you that bullet?"

Sharon shook her head. "The whole organisation is sticking together." She pressed her fingertips together and let her gaze drift out of the restaurant window to the street. Cars were parked on either side and people were coming and going, unaware of some of the dangers that lived within these city walls. "It is not the first time I have dealt with the far right. I'm sure it won't be the last."

"They're like cockroaches. You crush one and two more appear," Andrea sighed. She continued to look at Sharon, concern evident on her face. "Whatever you do, look both ways, Sharon. Be careful. Someone out there has their sights set on you and if this organisation is anything to go buy…"

"They won't hesitate to kill at the first opportunity they get," Sharon finished Andrea's sentence. Green eyes darkened with a hint of anger as she turned to look at the ADA sitting in front of her. She had known Andrea Hobbs a long time and they had been through a lot together. She considered the blonde a friend and she was aware Andrea was risking just as much, if not more, than she was by taking the far right skinhead who had butchered a seven year old child to trial. She knew she wasn't the only one getting death threats.

"How is that security detail coming along?"

"They won't even let me go to the toilet on my own," Andrea said and jerked her head towards the table on her right. Sharon watched. The man and woman who formed part of Andrea's round the clock protection looked like any other customer in here, were it not that each carried two guns and were in direct communication with the LAPD at all times. "Wherever I go, she goes. And he just follows me around and doesn't say much. Kinda creepy."

Sharon flashed a hint of a smile. "This will all be over soon and it will settle down. Sooner or later they will find something or someone else to focus on."

Andrea sighed. "I hope you're right, Sharon. Because living like this…" She didn't have to finish that sentence. Sharon understood.

"So, shall we order?" Sharon asked in an attempt to divert the conversation in a different direction. She picked up the menu and opened it.

Across the street, in one of the parked cars, he watched her. For a while his attention was focused on the blonde woman sharing the table with her but then he looked back at the real reason he was here. She looked calm, relaxed… completely unaware of what was lurking in the falling shadows outside. His hand slid down to the gun hidden behind his jeans and feeling the cold metal against his fingers felt strangely reassuring.

Tonight was not the night. But soon, it would be.