Chapter Eight
Harry Lipschitz noticed Chris and Rita walking into the squad room, but gave them a few moments to get settled before calling them in. Finally, he walked toward their desks but remained silent, and waited for them to notice him. Chris saw him first and gestured to Rita, who turned to face the Captain.
"Cap," Chris began, "what, are you sneaking up on us now?"
Harry frowned and looked over his glasses at Chris, "Yeah right, Lorenzo, I was just giving you and your wife a few moments to get settled, but if you'd like some work to do." Chris held up his hands.
Rita smiled at the exchange and hugged the Captain. "We had a wonderful trip, but it's good to be home."
Harry nodded, "So I hear. It was an exciting trip, too, perhaps a bit too exciting." He glanced disapprovingly at Chris again. "I want to hear all about it, but let's wait till tonight, there's something I need to discuss with you."
Harry led them into his office and took his place behind his desk as Chris and Rita made themselves comfortable in the chairs before his desk, as they had countless times before.
"So what's up, Cap?" Chris asked.
Harry explained, "While you were gone, I tried to talk to the Commissioner again about your status as partners, but he wasn't willing to listen or bend the rules. I think you'd be able to work together, but I'm not as sure about another couple. You've cared and loved each other for a long time and getting married hasn't added much to that connection. I'm not sure who your new partners will be yet, so for now, you'll still work together." Chris and Rita rose to leave.
"Wait," before you go, "I just got an intelligence flash from Narco. Apparently Jesus Montoya is coming to town. I want you guys to keep your backs up. With Montoya in town, we might have a lot of work to do. Just be careful out there." Chris and Rita nodded and walked out. It's a shame, he thought, they were such a good homicide team, but it's worth it I guess. Nothing can mess up what they have together. Harry smiled happily at the thought of Chris and Rita finding each other, but his good mood vanished as he glanced at the rap sheet of Jesus Montoya.