Title: Trouble comes in Twos - Part 2
Yesterday was a godawful rotten day.
After Nikki tore out of here, Bobby came by with my car to check on me. Nikki was concerned enough about me to call him, letting him know she was heading home and I might need company.
I didn't.
When Bobby walked through the door, so concerned with my health, I can't say I was nice to him. I was angry. Angry at myself. Angry at the situation I put myself into. Not angry at Nikki.
I couldn't find myself to be anything but morose about Nikki.
After chasing Bobby out of my house when the cab came for him, I locked up and went to bed.
Instead of falling asleep, I tossed and turned for hours until the only thing I was to accomplish was messing up the bed. Now the early morning light is showing through my bedroom window.
Sighing, I reluctantly get up. Trying to sleep and forget is useless right now, so I rummage in the fridge, throwing out the red snapper since I don't even want to look at it, let alone grill it later. I doubt Nikki and Darius will come by.
Today is turning out to be a godawful rotten day.
It's funny how time slows down when you're emotional. Minutes seem like hours, hours like days.
It's almost three when Dan calls. I assure him I'm fine and that I'll be OK for work tomorrow, Friday, to finish up any paperwork. He's not really thrilled about me coming in so soon, but I promise him I'll stick to the desk.
The truth is, I want to see Nikki. Make things right.
God, I'm so stupid.
But then he crushes those plans with a few words.
"She didn't tell you?" Dan asks, sounding surprised.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Dan," I snap.
Just get to the point for God's sake.
"Nikki is just as stubborn as you are. Didn't take today off. She came in late this morning looking a bit rough. If I didn't know any better... Well, I chalked it up to the eventful evening you two had."
Unable to control the wince at those words, I listen to him as he goes on. "She's finishing up a lot of the paperwork for the case and then plans on taking off until Monday," he states matter-of-factly.
I'm stunned into silence. It's only Thursday and while taking a couple days off is what Dan wanted both of us to do, Nikki going in today and not coming back until Monday makes me think she plans on avoiding me. I hadn't told anyone that I planned on coming in tomorrow, but... Maybe I'm just imagining things.
Right?
Damn.
"Nora?" Dan's voice sounds concerned but I'm having a hard time finding a reply to it.
"Nora? You OK?" he asks a bit more urgently.
Delaney, you are just a freakin' moron.
I'm really good at self-castigation.
"Yeah, yeah... I'm fine. Thanks Dan. I'll be in early tomorrow. See yah," I hang up without waiting for a reply.
I slump forward and smack my forehead against the wall.
What am I going to do?
I decide to skip the painkillers for a different kind of anesthetic. Bourbon works wonders.
Unfortunately, as the sun is setting through my plate glass doors and I'm wrapping myself in my favorite blanket to curl up on the couch, good and pleasantly numb, I can't help the tears running down my face as I finally fall asleep into tormented dreams.
*****
Next day
My ribs feel better today. I'm still not up to jogging or boxing, but the sourness is fading. The fact that I can actually put on a bra and a shirt is a big help.
The first thing I did this morning was go out and get a new cellphone and have the memory from my old one swapped over.
I've been putting off calling her. When it comes to emotional confrontations I'm such a chicken. Although, seeing as I was the one in the bathroom to start this entire mess... Well, I can't be that much of a chicken. But I'm working on a good case of it today. Complete with beak, comb, and feathers. Oh yeah.
Darius didn't call yesterday or come by, but I didn't expect him too. There's a part of me that wished he had. Just being near someone Nikki actually cares about...
God, Delaney. Let it go.
Walking into the squad room, I'm met by so many cat-calls, greetings, and surprised comments that I almost walk back out in embarrassment.
Seth, the old coot that he is, says it first, "So, Nora, I heard the jinx finally struck."
And how. Not only did I ruin Nikki's car, but I ruined our friendship and partnership.
I offer a small smile in return, to show I don't take offense, and try to join in the levity, "That wasn't a jinx, Seth. I was trying to cool off and decided Nikki and I needed to go for a swim. No watering holes around here so the canal had to do."
The group laughs. If it's a bit forced, I don't blame them. They didn't lose one of their own, let alone two officers. That makes it a good day.
Turning to my... Our desk, I do my best not to visibly react at what is now undeniably Nikki's desk. She brought more personal items yesterday, since I don't remember pictures of her father on her desk. An older photo of a beautiful dark haired woman that reminds me of Nikki sits in a prominent corner.
Her mother more than likely.
Her inbox is nearly empty, however mine isn't. With a shuddering sigh I sit at my desk and dive into the stack halfheartedly. The chatter in the room has dimmed, with people going about their business. I'm sure that the teasing will continue, just at another time.
Daryl Stevens is going to testify against Ellie Dupont, and Simon Marins if he's found, and be let go with probation in part of a plea-bargain. Even though he sheltered Simon Martins over the course of the investigation, the fact that DNA evidence backs up his claim of parentage to Lizzy, and that there's no evidence that he was at the scene during the crime, will let him walk.
I think it's a fair deal. Simon killed his daughter and he didn't even know he was harboring her murderer until we had him in the box. The man has lost enough, hopefully this will scare him to walking down a more virtuous path.
Ellie Dupont is sweating away her addiction in a high security hospital room before her own arraignment date. With Simon Martins' body still missing and the city still dredging the canal bottom for him, the press wants blood, and it's going to be Ellie's.
I can't find myself to feel too much pity. She wanted freedom for her and her daughter, and perhaps that will help her case. But in the end, Lizzy Dupont is dead.
Nikki has gone through a lot of the paperwork and evidence we needed to sort out for the DA's office, and left it for me to go over. I can't fault her professionalism. While I'm working on more forms and reports, my eyes drift forward to where she should be sitting.
I miss her.
I miss her eyes, big and dark.
I miss her voice, just the thought of it makes me shiver in my chair.
I just miss her. Everything about her.
Which leads me to one undeniable conclusion. I'm a detective. I can see clues when they're there. I'm just not good at self-examination.
I don't know if I love Nikki Beaumont. But I know I'm physically and emotionally attracted to her. Last night's calamity was just the last straw that made me offer what she couldn't have. Whether I'm bi, straight, or gay... whether or not my family would approve or not, definitely the not, I can't deny what's missing when it's gone.
My introspection is shattered by Dan hollering for me.
"Nora? Get in here." There's a worried sound to his voice and it's not for me. He knows I've been sitting out here working for hours. He also knows that I keep my promises, that if I said I'd take it easy, I would. I hate promises, but once you get one out of me, I'm good for it.
I walk into his office and stand across from his desk. "Yes?"
"Councilman Beaumont called..." he begins.
Nikki. Oh my god.
"He wants to meet with you," Dan finishes.
"What's this about? Nikki?" I can't help the worry from creeping into my voice.
My ex-partner shrugs, he doesn't look happy. "He wouldn't say. Just asked to meet you at his office."
Damn. I hate City Hall. It's close, so I don't have to drive the car, but that's not the point.
"Did he say when?" I ask reluctantly. I really don't want to meet him. I know of him, have seen him in the news, but this is Nikki's Daddy. If he wants me fired...
God.
I think I'm going to faint.
"Now would be best, I think. He said anytime, but it's not a good thing to keep him waiting," Dan answers. He's definitely not pleased with the situation and sounds like the Councilman wouldn't answer any probing questions. Dan, the Messenger Boy. That couldn't have gone over well.
"OK. I'll head over then." I nod to him and leave after a moment. Whatever Dan is thinking, he's keeping it to himself.
City Hall is only a few blocks from the precinct, which can have its benefits. It's when some politician, or one of their lackeys, comes into the 9th and interrupts our work that causes issues.
You haven't seen anything until a wet-behind-the-ears assistant to the assistant of the back end office of the secretary's pool tries to dress down an veteran cop in the hallway. Needless to say, it's humorous.
It takes a bit to find my way to Councilman Beaumont's office.
Snazzy. Definitely old New Orleans decor, just like the rest of the building.
I announce myself to his secretary, assistant... whatever, who gives me the eye as he tells me to take a seat and that the Councilman will see me if he has time.
Yes. Because I have nothing better to do than wait for your boss on my day off, with my ribs aching and my temper beginning to flare.
I wish Nikki were here. She's good at cheering me up. Of course, the last time she cheered me up from this kind of funk she did it by letting me drive her car for the first time.
Sigh. I should check to see if they've pulled it out of the canal.
I've hardly had a chance to make myself comfortable when the Councilman's assistant picks up the phone in response to a buzzer.
"Councilman Beaumont will see you now," the says after a moment, putting down the phone and showing me to the door.
I let myself through the huge wooden doors leading to his office, surprised to find him walking around his desk to greet me with an open hand.
"Detective Delaney. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you from your father and Nikki," he says with a smile. He's dressed in a dark wool suit and looks very sharp.
"Councilman Beaumont..." I greet him and we shake hands. He's got a pleasing grip for a man. I like that.
"Arthur, please? You're my Nikki's partner, we should start off on a friendly foot. She's told me a lot about you," he says as he shows me to one of the large overstuffed leather chairs in front of the monstrosity that is his desk.
I wait for him to sit back down in his seat before replying, "Then it's Nora. Please? Nikki's told me somewhat about you as well."
He smiles at me. Not a politician's smile, all gloss and no substance. The fact that his daughter has talked to me about him seems to please him. He's a proud Daddy.
We spend a little time with the pleasantries before he gets to why he asked me here. We talk about my Daddy and how he always thought he was the most honest cop in New Orleans.
I can't help my own beaming smile at that.
Our light conversation steers clear of Nikki, which clues me into why we're speaking today. He's not angry, or else he's a very good actor, so I don't think she told him about last night.
I'd be blushing like a virgin bride if I knew she did.
"Well, Detective, I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you hear?" he finally asks.
"I'll admit my curiosity is piqued."
His salt and peppered-haired head nods in satisfaction, "It's about Nikki."
My heart triple-thumps and I know I've gone pale in the face.
"Nikki has run into a little problem..." he continues, but I interrupt him.
"Is she OK? What..." I blush when I realize what I've just done.
A small quirk of his lips shows me he's not offended.
"She's fine. I'd like it to stay that way. I first thought I should just deal with the authorities where the incident took place, but Nikki mentioned to me that you've met Darius?"
I nod, "Yes, she said they're like brother and sister."
"Good. This makes explaining things easier," he continues on, seemingly pleased with the knowledge that I already know the two are like family. Maybe it shows to him Nikki's trust me in. "My daughter took off last night to go to the little country cottage she inherited from her mother. Darius drove her, since..."
He pauses a moment to look at me intently.
I clear my throat and finish the sentence for him, "Since I drove the car off the road and into the Mississippi?"
A laugh escapes him at my frank answer. "Yes. Since the accident she's been having Darius drive her around." A wicked gleam sparkles in his eyes as he says, "I think she's driving him nuts."
I can't help but chuckle before I ask, "No rental?"
"They only offered her... how did she put it? Well, it doesn't matter. She's always been rather particular about her cars," he offers, then gets the conversation back on track. "There was a body found on the premises late last night. Both Nikki and Darius have been asked not to leave town and while I trust the local police to settle the matter to our satisfaction..."
"You want me there to help? You know that I don't have any authority outside of New Orleans," I point out.
"I realize that, but with Darius also at the scene, I think they could use a bit of low-key help. I don't want to send a battalion of lawyers and security in there. For one, she's disown me for even considering that she couldn't handle the situation herself. Secondly, while I am assured by the local police that the two of them are only being checked out because the body was found close to the house, and because it's standard procedure, I need a... scout, you could say. Someone on the scene that they both know," he explains further.
"So neither one are being held for questioning?" I ask specifically. I can't imagine my partner doing well in a jail cell, let alone the energetic Darius.
"They're only persons of interest, so far. I'll make it good with your department to go assist her in any way that you can. I've already got a lawyer for her," he pauses, clearly not happy with the entire situation. "I'd appreciate it if we can keep this as quiet as possible, but it's only a matter of time before this gets out. The press would eat this up, and her line of work, as you know Detective, any wiff of a scandal can destroy her career," he lets his worry for his daughter show through to me.
Damn.
Nikki's in trouble. What other answer can I give but...
"Give me the address. I'll be on my way within the hour."
TBC