Eight

Leah wished she could ignore the problems in her life, push them aside, and hoped that everything would work out in the end. She wished she didn't have to deal with her failing marriage, her failing relationship with the one once viewed as a sister— it was never going to happen. Reality wouldn't allow it, and because Leah refused to call herself a coward, she knew she had to face Emily sooner rather than later.

Thankfully, she didn't have to make the first move. Emily had contacted her a couple of days before, about a week and a half before the family wedding; she wanted to "talk."

Leah could; in a perfect world, she wouldn't have to, but she was going to be the adult and meet her cousin for a Saturday lunch at a favorite Lincoln Square restaurant. A popular establishment was full of patrons with their smartphones, ready to snap a photo or record a video at the drop of the dime- Leah's only incentive not to cause a scene. Her captain might be supportive, but he wouldn't appreciate having one of his detectives star in a viral video on social media.

Emily tore off a piece of complimentary bread. "I'm so glad we've met up. It's been a while..." she trailed off with a small smile as if she was dealing with a Leah from November 2018 and not 2019. As if everything was perfectly fine between her and her cousin. Either she was in denial or was just plain delusional. "How are you?"

Leah did not say anything as she watched Emily butter her piece of bread and consume half of it. She thought about taking a piece for herself, but her arms remained tightly crossed over her chest. She took her glass of water and downed about a quarter of it (all while considering tossing the rest of the liquid into that woman's face—but that wouldn't be too mature of her. Unfortunately.

"Like you give a damn," she grumbled, rolling her eyes.

Emily's eyes widened as her chewing slowly came to a stop. She dropped the remaining bread and turned her attention to the menu; it was a distraction, Leah realized, to hide her nervousness. But her trembling hands gave it away.

Good. That was good for Emily. Leah hoped she was anxious and absolutely terrified. Maybe then she would realize the feeling of having her heart trampled on by the ones who claimed to love her.

"Of course, I—" Emily stopped and then forced a smile. "I hope everything is well with you."

Leah narrowed her eyes.

Was this what they were going to do? Engage in useless small talk? If so, then Emily was completely wasting her time. Leah did not have the time or patience for BS small talk- thanks to an overnight shift, she was running on three hours of sleep. Her husband was fuck-knows-where. She had recently gained three pounds due to her newfound affinity for cheap wine, ice cream, and onion rings. Plus, there was a sadistic murderer on the loose, and she had to deal with this BS of a detective-job all over again in less than two days (if she was lucky).

She was not in the mood.

"Is it?" Leah asked with a bite. She didn't care if Emily nearly jumped out of her seat. "You could've been with any man in the world, but you chose with fuck with mine." She let out a humorless, bitter laugh. "Would you believe that, everyone? The husband of your own flesh and blood."

Emily's smile dropped. "Leah, it wasn't a one-sided—"

"You could've said no," Leah carried on, speaking over the other woman. She didn't give a damn. "It's not a hard thing to say, Emily. It only involves one syllable. No."

"I—"

Emily snapped her mouth shut when the waiter finally arrived. She dropped her menu and gave the young man a small smile.

Leah did the same; the man didn't deserve to experience her ire.

"Good afternoon, ladies. My name is Walter, and I'll be serving you both today. Would you like to start with some drinks?"

The cousins locked eyes with a split second, conveying conflicting emotions. Emily broke the gaze and ordered with Leah following suit. When the water left moments, Leah informed her cousin that, "If you brought here to issue some apologetics, then you're wasting your—"

"I am sorry," Emily interjected, loud enough to get the attention of some neighboring patrons; she ignored the looks. "From the bottom of my heart."

Leah snorted at the failed attempt to be sincere. Or maybe Emily was. Hell, Leah didn't know.

She did wonder if Sam felt the same about being sorry from the bottom of his heart. He had apologized before, yes, but it was only in passing. He hadn't bothered to specific about why he was apologetic. He had only said, "Sorry."

Sorry.

That was it.

Fucking sorry.

What was sorry going to do for her? Did sorry suddenly possess the ability to go back into time?

"I'd ask you why you did it, but I guess it doesn't matter at this point, huh?" Leah leaned against her seat. "So, how long has this relationship been going on?"

Emily gulped. "Leah, you have to believe me, I just happened—"

"Emily, you know what I do for a living. Don't you think I know when someone's lying to my face?"

"I'm not lying. It happened, and then it didn't stop..."

"How long?"

"Leah—"

"How long?"

Emily closed her eyes. "Three years," she revealed in a meek voice.

"Three years," Leah repeated with a slow nod, making sure she had heard correctly. Three years. Three GD years. She huffed and took another sip of her tea. "Three years."

"It was a mistake—"

"A mistake?" Leah challenged, giving her cousin an incredulous look. Did Emily think she was stupid? She shook her head. "A drunken one-night stand is a mistake. But a three-year-long affair?" She shook her head again. "That's not that a mistake. A stupid, selfish move, but not a mistake."

"Leah—"

"Do you want to be with him?"

Emily's eyes widened. "Leah, this isn't the question—"

"Answer me."

Emily finally did. "He's married to you."

Leah read between the lines. "Do you love him?" she asked, voice leveled as she poured herself another cup of tea.

Emily averted her gaze, nibbling on her bottom lip. She then reached for her glass of water and gulped down most of it. She was trying to get out of the question.

Leah wasn't having it. "Well?"

"Is it that important?"

Leah raised an eyebrow— In the grand scheme of things, no, it wasn't. But Leah might be able to find some reconciliation if love was genuinely involved. She still wouldn't be happy about it, but at least with love... People couldn't help whom they fell in love with, for better or for worse.

"It's a simple yes or no question."

"He's a great guy-"

Leah huffed. "That's not an answer. Do you love him or not?"

Emily bit her lip. "I like him," she slowly said, sounding not sure of herself.

Lost for words, Leah had to laugh.

Emily frowned. "Leah—"

"You did all of this for a man you don't even love?"

Emily didn't respond.

Leah shook her head and took a small sip of her tea. She wished she had some tequila to add to the cup. She couldn't make this shit up. "You are a piece of work, Emily Young."

"You think I'm happy about this situation?"

"I can care less what you think."

Emily took a large bite of salad. Once finished, she neatly set aside her utensils and leaned forward with her hands folded on the table. "Leah," she said. She paused to swallow a couple of times. "The reason why I brought you here..." She dropped her gaze. Her body started to tremble. "Is to inform you that I have something to tell you."

"What else could you possibly tell me?" Leah asked, shaking her head. She picked up a handful of fries."And you couldn't tell me this something over the damn phone?"

"Like you'd pick up my calls," Emily said, and then quickly added, "Leah, I'm pregnant." She didn't stop. "A couple of months in. Found out last week— It's Sam's."

Leah's jaw dropped, along with her fries.

No.

It can't—

She had always dreamed of having kids. She didn't care about the number (no less than three, because damn), even had the names picked out. But Sam, wonderful Sam, did not want any. At least, not anytime soon. He'd keep an open mind, but with their jobs and the crazy world... he didn't think it'd be worth it.

All excuses and Leah was the dumbass who accepted each and single one of them. Maybe he'd really change her mind, she had thought so foolishly.

She couldn't make this shit up. After all this time, going through great lengths to ensure his wife didn't bring a child into this world... Emily. Leah sighed. Sam had to knock up his mistress.

"Leah," Emily cried. "Say something."

"What is there to say?" Leah wondered, glancing at her butter knife next to her hand. The irrational side of her thought about it, but ultimately, Leah's self-control won over. "You're carrying my husband's child." She let out a bitter laugh. "Do you want a congratulation?"

Emily didn't respond.

Leah shoved more fries into her mouth and flagged down the waiter- Diet, be damned. She needed something even more fried. When Walter returned, Leah quickly ordered, "Double-fried fish sandwich with the usual and extra Tartar sauce... and another order of fries." She glanced at Emily. "Want anything?"

Emily's eyes were glued to the table. "No," she quietly replied.

"Are you sure?" Leah asked, feigning sincerity. "I mean, after all, you are eating for two."

Emily's gaze shot up. "No, I'm fine."

Leah looked at the waiter and shrugged. "I guess she's fine," she said with a forced smile. "You can get another coke for me. No ice."

"Sounds good, ma'am," Walter said before going on his way.

Emily's gaze hardened. "Was that necessary?"

Leah let out an exaggerated sigh. "I was only being considerate to your..." she trailed off, moving a hand in circles before finding the right words. "State of being."

Emily wasn't amused. "Really?"

"Really," Leah said, deadpanned. "Because that's what family do for family: be considerate."

"I messed up. I know I did, but—" Emily dropped her gaze onto the table and whispered, "All I ask for is your forgiveness."

Ask? Emily should be begging. She should stand, and in front of everyone, get down and her hands and knees. And beg. Beg until she couldn't anymore— That was what she should be doing.

And even then, nothing would change.

Leah sighed and reached to cover Emily's hand with hers. She squeezed it while watching Emily's expression change to fear.

"I'll forgive you eventually," Leah admitted, eyes roaming around the restaurant before finally resting on the woman across from her who seemed to have stopped breathing. "Give it some time." She took back her hand. "But let it be known, unless it's family or baby-related, I don't want to hear from or see you ever again."

"Leah—"

"So, I highly suggest you start loving my husband now," Leah advised sharply before receiving her second round of food. She thanked the waiter and took a bite out of her much-needed sandwich, closing her eyes and moaning at the taste. Just what she needed. She washed the food down with her soft drink and carried on, "So, that you can tell yourself that all of this was worth it."

"Are you... alright?"

Leah barely heard the question as she stared at dull gray dashboard, mulling over her life. The events from the day before. Was she okay? She got out bed fine, got dressed, and practically inhaled her light breakfast before rushing down the flights of stairs due to a faulty elevator to meet up with her partner, parked in front of her apartment building.

She opened her mouth and then snapped it closed. Who was she kidding? She wasn't okay. Far from it. Yesterday, she had more or less ex-communicated the woman she had once considered her husband; several hours after that, she had threatened the life of a cop—the one who was her husband.

And now, for the next ten hours, she was expected to earn her paycheck as if her life wasn't crumbling in front of her eyes.

Last night hadn't been her finest hour.

"C'mon, Leah," Jacob pleaded, tapping on the steering wheel a few times. "Talk to me."

She wished he wasn't so goddamn persistent. Or possessed the ability to read her emotions. He knew she was in turmoil and, for some reason, was experiencing it as well. She frowned; the silent treatment wasn't going to work.

"She's having his baby," she quietly confessed, shifting her gaze to the apartment building on the right. She looked up, right at the third-floor window of her living room, and sighed.

"Who?"

"Emily," Leah said, voice cracking, before looking at her stunned partner. She swallowed again with tears forming in her eyes. "She's having Sam's baby, and I pull a gun on him."

She wanted to forget about last night, make believe it never happened. But the memory was fresh; it wasn't going away—

"Crazy?" That was what Sam had called her. Crazy. Insane. Out of her mind. Told her that she needed to calm down, so they could talk. Get through this together. As husband and wife. Yes, there was an outside baby now involved. I didn't know. I'm sorry. It may not even be mine. Leah, for heaven's sake— Leah ignored Sam's words, finger still on the trigger.

She wanted to pull it. She wanted to end everything. Make him and his useless words shut up. But she hesitated. She didn't know why; didn't care why, but she couldn't make the move.

"Crazy?" She repeated, adding an incredulous laugh. "You think I'm crazy? Why, because I accept my husband not to cheat on me?"

With his hands up, Sam took another step back, bumping into the edge of the couch along the way. "Leah," he said, voice full of worry. But not fear. Damn, not fear. "Leah, put that gun down..."

"Get the hell out of my house!" Leah demanded. "Go to Emily. Raise a family with her—" She dropped her arm, took a couple of steps back, and carefully placed on the loaded gun on the living room table. She tossed up her hands. "I don't even care anymore."

Sam's eyes were still on the gun. "Leah—"

"Just." Leah wanted to pull her hair out and reached for the gun away. "Just fucking leave!"

Jacob let out a slow deep breath. "Fuck."

Leah drew her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded. Fuck, indeed. The fact that was she still a free woman was a blessing.

"When—"

"Last night. He was there, and I demanded that we had a talk," Leah said. She then let out a humorless laugh. "I'm surprised I haven't been arrested; people get tossed into the slammer for less..." She dropped her face into her hand. "I wasn't going to shoot him. I wanted to. Goodness, I wanted but... It wouldn't have been worth it. It wasn't worth getting convicted of murder-two. I'd only be another woman scorned, locked away in prison, starring in a future episode of Snapped."

"Wouldn't want that," Jacob said, and then asked, "So, what happens now?"

"I should apologize. I may have overreacted," Leah quietly replied. "My actions are uncalled and technically illegal? Imagine what would've happened if he had done the same thing to me?" She shook her head. "No, he wouldn't have..." She sighed. "It's just that... how am I supposed to react to that? She's fucking pregnant."

"Did you tell your mom?"

Leah blinked. "What?"

"Your mom, did you tell her about Emily?" Jacob asked, and when Leah did not give him an answer, he said, "You gotta tell her before the wedding. Look, I've never been in your particular shoes, but I know what it's like to keep problems bottled up inside...It never ends well." He took Leah's hands into his and squeezed it. "You gotta tell your mom, so you can get that weight off your shoulders and move the hell on."

Leah looked down their enjoined hands and sighed. He was right. Damn it, he was so right. She pulled her hand back and averted her gaze. "I just don't want to make things—"

"Worse?" Jacob shook his head. "Leah, you haven't done a damn thing wrong. Okay, yes, the gun thing might've been overkill, but you weren't the one messing around. You weren't the one who's having a baby with a spouse's cousin. None of this is your fault."

"But maybe it is," Leah argued. "Maybe I drove him away, right into Emily's arms."

"What are you-" Jacob stopped and released an exasperated sigh. "How did you do that?"

"By becoming a detective. We didn't get to see each other often, and—"

"Now, c'mon, Leah," Jacob interjected, rolling his eyes. "You both were at the academy when you first met. He knew you wanted to become a cop. What the hell did he expect? For you to quit?"

Maybe.

Yeah.

Heck, she didn't know.

It was probably a yes. The spouses never talked about it, but Leah had always felt that Sam wanted to do this cop-thing alone, wanted to be a detective alone.

"Leah?"

Leah snapped out of her thoughts. "The rational side of me says to listen to you and Aisha. To leave him. Find the quickest way to get a divorce, Fuck counseling and move on, but... I love him, you know? I never thought he'd do this to me. He said he loved me, too..."

The tears weren't planned, but here they were. Leah hated crying, especially in front of another, but she couldn't stop. He cried even harder when Jacob wrapped an arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer to him. They would stay like this for a good minute, until Leah backed off, feeling badly for putting her partner in such a situation.

She wiped away some tears with the sleeve of her coat. "I'm so sorry," she whispered between sniffles. She was holding the man up; they were supposed to on the road already.

"The hell are you apologizing for?" Jacob asked with disbelief as he removed a handful of napkins from between the visor and the car ceiling, handing them to his partner.

Leah quietly thanked Jacob. She then wiped her face, removing her running eyeliner and mascara. "I'm a fucking mess," she grumbled.

"You're many things, but a mess ain't one of them," Jacob assured his partner. "How much time do you need?"

Leah checked her profile through the visor mirror. She barely had any makeup, but the damage was enough to make her frown. "Give me ten minutes," she said, unbuckling her seat-belt. "I rather not walk into the precinct looking like a wreck."

"Take all the time you need."

Leah looked up at the Office of the Medical Examiner, shielding her eyes from the bright sun with a hand. "So," she trailed off, turning around to fetch her coffee from the hook of the car she was leaning on. "How bad is it?" she asked the man standing next to her.

Jacob dug his hands into his pockets and sighed. "Yeah, it's pretty bad."

A couple of hours before Jacob picked Leah up from her residence, he had received a cryptic voice mail from Bella about missing corpses. Being half asleep, Jacob must have misheard it or taken it as a joke, until the coroner called him again—

It was serious. As of 4:30 this morning, the bodies of Sasha and Vasili Denali were no longer in their assigned freezer draws, apparently having been snatched in the middle of the past from a supposedly-secured facility.

"Does Sam know about this?" Leah asked, aimlessly searching around the building's parking lot, looking for a particular husband and his partner.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Does he?"

"We're not the best of terms, remember?"

"Right. Sorry."

"No problem," Leah said with a dismissive wave; she didn't want Jacob walking on eggshells around her. She looked at the building again; it was relatively crowded with employees and visitors; security guards were monitoring both entrances.

Jacob frowned. "What I don't understand is how the assailants got past security?"

"Well, either they weren't paying attention, or they were in on it."

Jacob let out a short laugh. "Are you suspecting a conspiracy, Detective? Damn, you've been in the force for far too long."

Leah gave a small smile. "This place certainly charges your perception of life. That's for damn sure," she said. "So, we're going to question the guards? Check out the security tapes?"

Jacob shook his head. "Don't want to step on any toes."

Because this was technically not their case. Leah wondered why there was here in the first place or why Bella didn't call Sam. She had his number; she had the numbers of all of the homicide detectives. This was Sam's case; he should be here, and Jacob should stop trying to solve all of Bella's problems (not that this one was trivial).

"Then let Sam and his fellow detectives handle it," Leah suggested.

"Ten minutes," Jacob promised. "Ten minutes and we're outta here. Don't want your husband's people throwing a fit about stealing cases."

"I'm timing you," Leah warned.

Jacob locked the car and started walking towards the building. "I wouldn't expect anything less," he said with a lopsided grin. "I just want to console Bella before she or her colleagues do something stupid."

"Like reaching out to the press?"

Jacob nodded. "Like reaching out to the press."

They ended up staying for eleven minutes—A minute over, but Leah wasn't going to knock Jacob for it. Usually, he would be there for at least an hour.

So, the rumor was true. Someone had stolen Sasha's and Vasili's bodies before their examinations finished. Interestingly enough, the body of Demetri was still in the assigned freezer, so it couldn't have been the work of—Oh, she didn't know. Her head hurt just thinking about it.

Leah had fully intended to ask the coroners for an update on Edward Masen and Jessica Stanley but soon figured out that wasn't the right time. Eric had been crying and moments from a nervous breakdown. Bella had sought refuge in a triple-shot espresso from Starbucks and hoping and praying she wouldn't lose her job. And Banner, the Chief Medical Examiner, was still calling in every favor under the sun.

Once outside, Leah texted her husband, informing him that he should visit the Office of the Medical Examiner as soon as possible. He said he would be there in fifteen minutes—She couldn't believe he responded to her.