Author's Note:There are some not so accurate things in this chapter. Like two rookies being assigned together. I know in the real world this wouldn't happen but for the sake of the story I altered reality a little. Everybody else does it so I figure no one would mind.

This story will not be updated in the foreseeable future. I've simply lost interest in writing.

Italics denotes thought.

Chapter 2

Chris admires Brandy as she walks in and sits next to him. Her thick black hair gleams in the light revealing its highlights of russet and gold. She acknowledges him, her chocolate brown eyes boring into his, as if to search the depths of his soul. Chris is taken aback by the intensely intimate gaze.

Attempting to cover his discomfiture, he smiles at her, "Hey Brandy, it's nice to meet you."

Brandy tips her head a little to one side and smiles back. She reaches out to shake his hand. Captain Murphy abruptly jumps from his chair and approaches her.

He asks, "Brandy, could you stay out here for a moment. There's something I forgot to mention to Chris."

Shutting the door when he returns, he tells Chris, "I should have told you sooner but it just slipped my mind. Brandy, as you surely noticed, doesn't speak much. It seems to go back to a traumatic experience she had at a young age. I want to assure you though, she is quite capable of making herself heard when it's truly important."

Chris inquires, "So how am I supposed to communicate with her on a day to day basis?"

"She understands you just fine," Murphy explains, "and her quietness has proven to be less of a problem than we originally anticipated. She has a natural ability to make herself understood, just not verbally. I'm sure there won't be any problems on that front."

Chris is still a bit skeptical but he trusts his Captain. "Sure Captain. I'll do whatever it takes to make this partnership work."

Captain Murphy hands him a set of keys, "That's good to hear. I suggest the two of you get right to work. Here are the keys to your patrol car. Get used to the area and working together. Just so you know, no one expects you to answer any calls today but if something comes up, just do your best."

Chris takes the keys, "Thanks Captain."

Going out into the officer's area he sees Brandy waiting for him. He begins to see the Captain's point about her. Through her body language, he can tell she's eager to get started. Motioning for her to follow him, he says, "C'mon, let's get going."

With a grin, she walks beside him through the office.

Chris can hear various comments from his fellow officers as he and Brandy reach the door.

"Look at the new guy. He gets to work with Brandy. He's so lucky. She's the best new recruit in the department."

Getting to the patrol car, he opens the door for Brandy without even thinking. "Sorry about that, I'm sure you can do these things for yourself. I just wasn't thinking."

Brandy just gives him a shake of the head as if to say, "Don't worry about it."

He gets in the driver's side and starts the car. "Well, the Captain said to just get used to things and working together. I'm going for coffee. You want anything?"

Brandy roots around in her bag and pulls out some water.

Chris laughs, "A water girl I see. Good for you. My sister keeps trying to get me to eat healthier but I just can't give up the things I love. Like coffee for instance."

Glancing at Brandy, he sees the same knowing grin that Claire gives him sometimes. He pulls into the drive-thru at a local doughnut shop and orders a large coffee and a half dozen doughnuts. He parks under a big shady tree and they get out to enjoy the morning sun.

Chris is sipping his coffee and eating doughnuts when he catches a questioning look from Brandy. She looks at the box and back at his face, a silent question etched across her features.

Chris offers her the box, "You know, you don't need to ask. Go ahead, help yourself."

Brandy eagerly takes the box and quickly eats the remaining doughnuts.

Chris takes back the empty box, "Dang girl. I didn't know you were that hungry. It's a good thing I was done."

His comment earns him a toothy grin from Brandy. She's obviously delighted by his reaction.