Chapter 8

"How was the movie?" Joey asked that evening.

Brian was stunned. "How the hell did you know where I was today? I don't recall telling you I was going to an independent movie with Lorelei."

"You didn't have to. Marie filled me in when she called for you."

"Christ, is nothing sacred among you females about my life? And I thought Paul was bad sometimes."

"We're only looking out for your best interests, Dad."

"Hey, that is my line to you, young lady. So what else did Marie want?"

"She didn't get into much except there's a break in Nikki's case. She wants you to call either her or your captain. She tried to call your cell, but it was off. You really should check your voice mail once in awhile."

"You're right," Brian agreed, dialing Marie's number at the precinct.

She picked up right away. "Davenport."

"Hey, partner. I hear you have something for me about the Galloway case."

"Jesus, Brian, where were you? I've been trying to get hold of you all day."

"Is it a crime now to actually take off on my day off? What's so important?"

"They have a suspect in custody. Shields wants us to interrogate them."

"Fucking hell," Brian groaned. He was hoping for an evening of quality time with Joey. "When did they bring the perp in?"

"About two hours ago. The DNA they got from Nicole's body is an exact match to the suspect. Of course, being backed up here, he's been in holding and we all know how good you are at interrogation."

"So do I get to be the good cop or the bad one?" Brian asked.

"Sorry, I get to be the bitchy cop this time," Marie laughed. "Captain thinks this guy might let his guard down when a baby faced detective interviews him."

"Jesus, is that all I'm good for? How soon do you need me down there?"

"As soon as you can get here," Marie replied. "They're getting ready to bring the suspect down in about ten minutes, last I heard."

Brian hung up and sighed. What shitty timing, he thought. They couldn't have found a perp on his days at the precinct? Now a totally good day had gone to hell.

"They called you in again," Joey guessed.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he apologized.

"Don't worry about it, Dad," she nodded. "If they call you in on your day off, it has to be something important. You're not one of the best in Major Case for nothing, you know."

Brian gave her a hug, planting a kiss on her head. "Why do you have to be so damn understanding, kid? Too bad you aren't about ten years older; you'd made one hell of a wife."

"Work on Lorelei a bit more and you might get lucky in that department," she smiled at him.

"Very funny, Joey," Brian shook his head, about to head out the door. "If Paul by any chance calls, tell him I'm at the precinct in an interrogation and to leave a message with one of the clerks."

"Dad," she said, pointing to the end table. "Your badge. You may need that, you know."

"Right," he grinned, picking it up. "What would I do without you?"

Meanwhile:

Lorelei sat at home, engrossed in a history program on television and thinking back on the last couple of days she had spent with the short, blond detective from Major Case. She couldn't help but smile; if only people knew what a 'geek' he really was enjoying old school, classic rock and 80's music, independent films, and reading things such as Casualties of War.

He'd also known the pain of early life, just as she had. He didn't like discussing his father, but for the most part, he and his siblings had been raised by their mother, whom Brian still sent a monthly check to help her out. He was the short, small kid, getting wedgies, being stuffed in lockers, driving a car that had the door stuck on the driver's side, and his best friend being his little brother.

To this day, sometimes he had felt like he still didn't fit in, hence being hesitant to ask her for a simple coffee date. As successful and confident as he was in his career and other abilities, Brian had still felt a little uneasy around women.

Lorelei could identify. Raised by her father on a teacher's salary, she had been a shy girl, struggling with her weight, was highly nearsighted, never having boyfriends. She hadn't even gone to a prom or any after school activities. To compensate, Lorelei had worked hard and gotten good grades, her fragile ego bolstered when her name was on the honor roll.

Unlike Brian, Lorelei had gone to college, but only gotten a two year degree. The big universities terrified her and she'd gone to the community college at home instead. As during her high school years, Lorelei had gotten excellent grades and made the dean's list before getting her Associate of Science in Office Administration.

Shy around men, she'd taken female-oriented jobs, the last being a receptionist at the beauty salon owned by her father's old girlfriend. Genene had appreciated Lorelei's skills and quick, efficient matter, and of course, the clients had liked her too.

It had been Genene's sister, Norma, who had suggested that Lorelei apply for a job at the precinct. Norma had recently been hired as a property clerk, and they were also short on people in other departments. It was basically glorified secretarial positions, but Norma had told Lorelei the money was much better, plus excellent benefits.

Just to shut Norma up, Lorelei had put in an application; the supervisior who had interviewed her had been impressed with Lorelei's credentials (along with the glowing reference from Genene) and, to her shock, Lorelei had been hired on the spot.

Uneasy with the male detectives and officers (not that any of them gave her much attention anyway outside of Captain Shields, who was more of a father figure to her), Lorelei found herself clicking with most of the females, particularly Marie Davenport. It would be several more weeks before she'd get the attention of the short, blond, youthful-looking detective in Major Case, who was more fascinated with her than Lorelei could ever figure.