Thank you for your patience. The job and the life have stopped me from writing and posting for a while, but I hope the final chapters will be worth the waiting time. Enjoy reading.
It was a bit of a hassle to access case files on his cell phone, but he still checked to see if there was any new information and what had happened that night. Vandelli's team hadn't suffered from boredom. In the case of the bus driver there was nothing fundamentally new, the FB had taken over the case and was checking DNA traces from the possible previous murders.
He considered going for a run, but a look at the thermometer taught him better. It was unusually hot and humid even for LA. Instead, he decided to head for the headquarters to have a training session there.
As he stepped out the front door, he spotted Chris sitting on the stairs.
"Hey. Why don't you come in? It's cooler inside than here."
"Your car is there, but the house is silent. I thought you might be sleeping."
"I did, earlier. But you could have gone in."
"It's okay. Were you with Christina?"
When he didn't answer right away, she got to her feet and shrugged. "I've known you for a long time. How is she?"
"Bad, but stable. The colleagues from the Harbor Community Division have put an uniform in front of the door. Santiago is with her. Her husband still has no idea."
"Crap. Do you know how long that might take?"
"The guy from the Navy said something about the weekend, three days until he learns about it and two more days before he could be here. Shit game."
"Indeed. What am I keeping you from right now? You wanted to go somewhere," she pointed to the key in his hand.
"To the headquarters, work out a bit. It's too humid to run."
"Agreed. You mind if I come with you? "
"This is a free country. Are you there with the car?"
"Yes. I'll follow you."
"OK. See you soon."
They were greeted at headquarters when they put on their sports gear, but otherwise left alone. They worked on the gym equipment for a while before switching to the boxing ring and doing mitt training. When they were both sweaty and exhausted, Hondo took notice for the first time that Wendy was sitting on a nearby bench with her hands clasped, watching them. If he'd been asked, he couldn't have said how long she'd been watching them. He tossed Chris her towel, took his from the bottom of the ring, then stopped her the ropes before jumping out of the ring himself. Wendy got up.
"Hello Hondo, Chris. My information was that today you have a day off."
"Hello Doc. It's too humid to go for a run outside. And I needed exercise, "said Chris.
Hondo nodded. "We had the same idea."
"Mmm," said Wendy. "And that did you good?"
"Yes. By the way, the answer to the next question is: 'Thanks, but no thanks. Not now,' "Hondo remarked dryly.
She studied him for a moment, then nodded. "OK. If that should change ... My door is always open."
"Thanks, Doc."
With the towel over his neck, Hondo headed for the locker room, took his shower gel from the closet and went to freshen up.
"So what are you going to do with the rest of the day?" Chris asked when they met again in front of their lockers.
"Do a little shopping when I have time during the day, and tidy up a little at home ..."
"Do you want to check on her again?"
"I plan to. Santiago has a wife and a small child at home, he cannot split up or be in two places at the same time."
"That's true. Let me know if you need something or if I should get you something."
"Thanks, Chris."
"Always welcome."