Chapter 8. Permit

November 15th, 2038 - 8:29 AM

After taking the weekend to recover, Simone agreed to accompany Hank to the police station to talk to Captain Fowler. Willow had visited each evening, and Simone was beginning to see that her friend had found a place in Jericho, and it filled her heart with warmth.

They pulled into the station and Hank cut off the ignition. "Do me a favor, and don't mention that you've seen Connor. He's technically a fugitive, and the last thing I need is Fowler on my ass."

"Got it," she nodded.

"And If anyone gives you any trouble, you tell 'em I said to pull their heads out of their–"

"–I said I got it," Simone laughed, following her uncle through a pair of glass doors.

"You're in early, Hank," said one of the deputies.

Hank straightened his collar. "Had to bring in my niece today. Chris, this is Simone. Simone, Chris."

He greeted her with a nod, and Simone followed Hank to his desk. "Now, wait here a minute while I go talk to Fowler."

"Sure," Simone leaned back in her chair and studied the decor on his desk, but she was quickly interrupted.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?" Simone whipped around to see a man with a smug, self-assured expression. "Pretty little troublemaker refusing to skip town?"

"Something like that." She narrowed her eyes, appraising him shrewdly. He wore a brown leather jacket and had his hair swept to the side. It almost reminded her of Connor, but she pushed away the thought. "I take it you're essential personnel?"

He sniffed with amusement. "Detective Gavin Reed at your service."

"I'll keep that in mind." She turned toward Hank's desk, wishing there was a tablet reader she could pick up and pretend to read.

Instead of taking the hint, Gavin circled around the desk and sat in Hank's chair.

"He's not going to like that." Simone raised an eyebrow.

"I'll take my chances." He eyed her with appreciation. "If you don't want to wait around for the lieutenant, we could get out of here and grab a bite to eat. I know a few places on the outskirts of town that are still open."

"And what if I'm a criminal?" She leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Like I said," Gavin winked. "I'll take my chances."

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING AT MY DESK?" Hank marched over and spun the chair around.

"Apologies, Lieutenant." Gavin leapt coolly out of the seat. "Just getting to know this lovely, young lady."

Hanked jabbed him in the chest. "You keep the hell away from my niece."

"Niece?" His eyes widened. Then his expression became curious. "I wonder, Lieutenant, how does your niece feel about this whole… freedom for androids thing?"

Simone rose from her chair, somewhat annoyed. "She," she said, "thinks more highly of most androids than she does most humans."

"Interesting." His face fell, but only for a fraction of a second. "I'd be fascinated to hear more about your point of view."

Simone smiled placidly. "Good day, Detective."

"Come on, Simone," Hank motioned, still scowling in Gavin's direction. "Fowler's ready to meet with you."

Without offering Gavin so much as a parting glance, she followed her uncle into Fowler's office.

"Take a seat, Miss McKennitt." Fowler beckoned her over to a nearby chair. "Hank tells me you want to move your music therapy studio to Detroit."

Simone sat in the rigid charcoal-colored chair. "That's correct, Sir."

The captain eyed her skeptically. "And you are aware that the humans have left Detroit. That only essential personnel remain."

"I believe my work has helped and can continue to help androids who have experienced unparalleled amounts of stress due to their deviancy."

"God in Heaven, Hank. This is what was so important? Android therapy?"

Simone rose undeterred. "Androids feel. They love. They laugh. They feel fear. And deviant or not - they experience stress." She clasped her hands together and bowed her head. "All I'm asking for is a permit to stay. I know I can help them."

Fowler leaned back in his chair and glared at the lieutenant. "And you vouch for your niece, Hank? Do you honestly believe that this - hell, that any kind of therapy would help an android?"

"Give her a chance, Jeff." Hank shrugged with a half-smile. "If anyone can make it work, it's Simone."

The Captain stared her down as if to see if she would crack under pressure, but she kept her eyes fixed on him.

"Fine," he finally relented. "It'll need work, but if you can afford the down-payment, you can take the old CyberLife store location on Grand.

"You won't regret it!" She struggled to contain her glee.

"I already regret it." Fowler rolled his eyes. "Now both of you, get the hell out of my office."

Simone all but skipped out the door, grinning from ear to ear.

"All right, all right, don't get too excited." Hank smirked. "There's still a lot to do."

She spun around, eyes glistening brightly. "I'll do whatever it takes." She had a purpose again, and for the first time in days, she felt alive.

–

11:42 PM

Simone sat at the desk adjacent to her uncle's, analyzing the blueprints of the old CyberLife store and assessing the damages. Fortunately the windows had been repaired, but debris and rubble still littered the store itself.

She rubbed her temples, trying to ignore the fact that she hadn't eaten in nearly five hours, but her stomach rumbled in protest.

"I've got some protein bars if you want 'em," offered her uncle.

"Thanks, that would be great," she exhaled appreciatively, but before she could reach out for a bar, the scent of fast food reached her nose. Turning toward the scent, she spotted Gavin holding a brown paper bag.

"Son of bitch," Hank murmured to himself.

Gavin smirked, not taking his eyes off of Simone. "It's a peace offering. Take it or leave it." Her stomach growled loudly, and the detective's grin widened. "Thought you might need a pick-me-up."

Simone pressed her lips together, smelling the burger and possibly fries within. Hank wouldn't approve, but to her surprise he wasn't interfering with the exchange.

She rose from her chair and approached Gavin warily. "Thank you," she said, grasping the top fold of the bag.

He didn't release the bag immediately, leaning in closer to her face than she would normally allow. "We could eat together in the break room if you want."

"Or," she steeled herself and took a step back, inclining her head back to her uncle. "You could eat with Hank and me over here?"

Gavin glanced over at Hank, who looked primed and ready to strangle him, and he chuckled. "What could possibly go wrong?"

Simone nodded and returned to her seat. "Hank, do you have a knife?"

"Planning on using it on Gavin?"

She burst with a laugh and shook her head. "For the food. I'm sharing this with you."

"Fresh out," he faked a smile. "Gavin, why don't you be a good little detective and fetch Simone a knife from the break room."

Gavin's eye twitched ever so slightly, but he returned the forced grin. "Sure thing, lieutenant."

As soon as he was out of sight from their desks Hank leaned in. "Simone, you listen to me. Gavin's the most anti-android cop in this station. Do yourself a favor, and… let him down gently."

Simone hummed thoughtfully. "I have no intention of dating Gavin."

Her uncle nodded with approval, "That's my girl."

Gavin returned with a plate and knife, and noted the lieutenant's change in countenance. "Did I miss some good news?"

She bit down a laugh. "Not exactly."

Gavin pulled a chair to Simone's desk and raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure your uncle had plenty to say about me while I was gone."

Her eyes flashed toward his. "He informed me of your anti-android disposition and advised me to keep my distance."

"You know," he unwrapped his burger. "I like a girl who's willing to stand up for what she believes in."

Hank groaned, "You gotta be kidding me."

Gavin ignored him, staring into Simone's eyes. "Who knows? Maybe you could teach me a thing or two about androids. Maybe over dinner?"

"Dinner?" Simone scrunched her nose. "I'm flattered by your persistence, Detective, but I'm not inclined to go out with a man I just met."

His eyes narrowed slightly. Then the smirk returned. "I'll wear you down eventually."

"I look forward to seeing you try."

He finished his meal and rose from his seat, winking at Simone in the process.

Hank exhaled loudly after the detective was gone. "Like a damn vulture looking for scraps."

The two laughed, quickly finishing their lunch and getting back to work. Simone wasn't sure what to think of Gavin, but she had the feeling she hadn't seen the last of him.

–

I've been sick for the past few weeks, so chapters might be a little slow until I get back on track! Each review makes me smile. Thank you for your feedback, and thanks for reading!