That did not go well, Tom thought as he waited for the kettle to boil. He just needed to sleep, he thought. He could not make sense of anything at the moment; he was too tired. Who cared if Judy had been outside, who cared if they had all played him for a fool? He was just going to keep his head down, get through this nightshift and go home. Once he was tucked up in his bed, none of this would matter, he decided.
Tom made the coffee and returned to his post next to Doug.
After a few minutes, Judy let out a cross sigh and said; "Well, I'm never gonna get back to sleep now."
She pulled up a chair between Tom and Doug.
"It's so cold," she said, rubbing her hands together.
"I'll go check the boiler if you want," Doug offered; it was obvious he needed a break from staring at the screen.
"Thanks Penhall," Judy replied. "You know where it is?"
"The basement, I guess," he shrugged, reaching for his flashlight.
"That's where it is in my apartment block," Judy said.
"Mine to," Tom chipped in.
"Then it's agreed," Doug announced dramatically, leaping up from his chair.
Judy giggled at his antics, but Tom was too tired and shaken-up to appreciate Doug's brand of humour.
"I'll see you guys in a bit," Doug said, heading for the door.
"I guess I can cover for him for a while," Judy said, slipping into his seat. "Tom, are you okay? You're so quiet tonight?"
"Just tired, I guess," Tom replied, with a weak lop-sided grin. "Sorry I woke you."
"It's okay," she smiled, then she said; "Tonight's been a bust; we haven't seen anyone dealing drugs, or… at all." She laughed.
Tom struggled to laugh along, but all he could think about was the two masked figures on the television screen.
Judy shivered, and said; "I hope Doug can fix the heating."
They both fell into silence, eyes fixed on the surveillance screen. Tom took a quick glance at his watch; two-thirty. Judy was right, tonight had been a waste of time. Captain Fuller had given them this assignment at the last minute, convinced that there would be a big deal taking place tonight. The building across the street was supposed to be the arranged venue, but so far it looked as though Fuller's tip off had been a hoax.
"Come on Doug, where are you?" Judy thought out loud.
Tom glanced back at his watch, and to his surprise, saw it was nearly three in the morning; "I must have zoned out. He's been gone a long time."
"You better go check he's alright," Judy said. "I'll keep watch."
"Thanks Jude," Tom said, picking up his flashlight.