The following weeks consisted of the team combing back through evidence and searching databases. The man held in interrogation had turned up nothing substantial concerning a solid link to Gordo. To say the case was maddening was an understatement.
Now poor Chris was officially looking at nine months. He didn't think it was possible to feel any more miserable, and yet there was still 2 weeks more of this sentence ahead of him. His daughter's living quarters now very confined. Oftentimes winded, he couldn't bend down. Couldn't get up, and sleep was now considered a luxury.
"Kiiing!"
He yells from his desk. Pride's mind instantly switched to panic mode when he heard his name uttered in such a manner. All he could think was "is today the day?!" He races from the kitchen into the squad room to see Chris in his chair, basically incapitated. He shakes his head and chuckles lightly.
"Dammit, it ain't funny, I can't get up"
Although the inflection in his voice was riddled with irritation. Pride couldn't help but think he too saw the humor in the whole situation. Even if he didn't all out admit it. The senior agent gives a lighthearted grin and extends his arm to give Chris the leverage he needed to get back on his feet.
"'K..1,2,3..."
It took some elbow grease but the task was executed successfully. Hell anymore and he'd need a forklift to just commute back and fourth. Chris thanks him and pulls the fabric of his black shirt back down. Since getting bigger it was inevitable that his tops crept up throughout the day.
Needing to clear their heads. They walk, well, in Chris's case what was more-or-less a waddle. Out to the courtyard. Suddenly the young man pipes up unexpectedly.
"Ya think I'll be a good dad, King?"
Both men leaning against the fountain. The query took him by complete surprise. Of course many first time parents have this fear. He just didn't expect to hear it from Chris. He lays a comforting hand on his shoulder and gives a small smile.
"Of course I do, Chris. I think having doubts is normal for anyone. Hell, I was the same way with Laurel.."
Chris raises a brow somewhat inquisitively.
"Really? You?..aw c'mon"
He pats Pride on the back and casts his usual crooked smile. The senior agent nods and finds himself traveling back to that somewhat volatile moment in his life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ July 19th, 1993 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dad, how can you do this?!..your granddaughter is due next month and she won't even know her grandfather"
Pride proclaims in anger. Indignant exchanges between his father, Cassius. They had just received word he was accused of money laundering and insider trading. As such, he was expected to carry out the max sentence of 20 to 25 years. He gives a huff.
"Dwayne, no one's perfect. I screwed up...don't make this a dramatic affair. You know I'll love her regardless"
His words were becoming nothing more than white noise to him. He felt betrayed, hopeless. In a matter of hours, his father was to be taken away and spend the better part of two decades staring at nothing but prison walls.
He just had to get away for a moment. Pride retreats to the porch. Leaning forward against the wooden railing. Listening to the Louisiana chorus of bayou frogs and crickets. He feels a hand lightly touch his shoulder. Heart skipping a beat.
"Don't worry, it's just me"
Came Linda's calming voice. He turns and flashes a tepid smile towards his wife. So many things swarming through his brain- it was almost hard to think properly. He sighs and finds his hand traveling to rest on his stomach.
"I just don't want to put Laurel through any of this..what if I end up down the same path? I'd let not only us down, but our daughter too"
Linda's hand gravitates towards his abdomen as well. Feeling her daughter's movements from inside. She smiles and strokes the side of his face gently.
"Don't even entertain such an idea, Dwayne Pride. You're not your father. You and I both know you'll do well by our daughter"
Stressed and worn expression gave way to a small smile. His wife was his rock. Always there to cast the uncertainties to the wayside. The couple soon find themselves embracing and exchanging an amorous kiss. Just then he feels his daughter give a hearty kick and it throws him off track. He chuckles.
"Well I guess Miss Laurel isn't a fan of PDA"
