Chapter 1

I awoke panting and drenched in sweat, a scream upon my lips. Bile rose in my throat, threatening to choke me if I didn't expel it or force it back down my esophagus. I chose to force it down. That's when I noticed the time – 2:49 AM, the glowing red light informed me.

Falling backwards I sighed. Another three hours before my alarm alerted me to awaken. I rolled onto my left side and forced my eyelids to close. Dozing seemed like a good option, which descended slowly. Finally the alarm woke me from my half asleep slumber.

Groaning I walked into the bathroom, staying in the hot water for a few extra minutes, before exiting to begin my workday. Wiping the condensed steam from the mirror I looked at the woman looking back at me. The reflected woman was much too pale, with deep purplish shadows telling of her lack of sleep.

Frowning I reached for my concealer to hide at least the purple rings under my eyes. I French braided my hair, to save it from falling into my eyes while on duty. Then I slipped on a simple black tank, which did not hide the marks on my back and shoulders. Turning away I pulled on my navy pants, then began to make breakfast, though I hardly ate any of it.

Getting into my Honda Civic, I listened to the radio, trying to calm down. I knew I was tense, my tan shoulders were too stiff with tension. Too early, I arrived at Miami-Dade Police Department, to begin my tiring first day back after the incident. Pictures flashed through my mind, but I forced them back into the abyss from whence they came.

"Hey Aria!" the secretary, Molly Winsdon smiled at me.

"Hey Molly!" I smiled and waved back.

"It's good to have you back sweetheart," she exclaimed. Molly was in her forties and she always looked out for those of us on the force. She wasn't able to conceive, so many of us ended up being her adoptive offspring.

"I'm glad to be back," I said, smiling thinly.

"Are you sure you're all right?" concern laced her face. You won't see anyone you care about ever again, I will make sure of it.

"I'm fine," I managed, shoving memories back into my box. Nodding I moved to the second floor, where I met with the captain.

"You ok Johnson?" He barked as I took my seat.

"Of course, Chief. Never better," I smirked.

"Good. You're back with Greene," my eyes shot to his.

"Thank you," I verbally expressed some of the gratitude I felt, but it wasn't enough.

"Greene grumbled until we promised when you came back you would resume your position as his partner," He explained. "Now go, you've got to get dressed."

"Of course, Chief," I left my seat and went to the locker room where I got my uniform on.

Lee Greene had been my partner for three years. Lee had an ethereal beauty about him, beautiful blond hair, blue eyes, and a calm demeanor. People always assumed I was the bad cop, but get Lee pissed and they'll wish they had me.

Strapping on my gun I punched in – 6:29 A.M. Leaving the locker room I grabbed a coffee, then made my way to the offices, where I sat on Lee's desk. Slowly he looked up, and smiled widely once he realized who it was.

"So Greene, I'm back," He rolled his eyes at my stating the obvious.

"Did you get any sleep last night Aria?" He always seemed to see through my make-up and saw things others missed.

"About four hours," I admitted.

"You're gonna get sick!" Lee said running a hand through his hair. Cue my turn to roll my eyes.

"Whatever," I waved my hand about. "So what are we doing today?" I admit it – I whined.

"We are to patrol today," his blue eyes gleamed. "C'mon. Cruiser 24."

"I'm driving!" I snatched the keys from his hand. Then tore off like the kid I was.

"Aria!" He yelled, while I frantically pushed cops aside, who watched amused. "I'm driving!" He always snuck up on me. Damn him!

Our day wasn't too eventful. A couple of speeding tickets, a domestic, three robberies, and a drug deal. This all changed when we were dispatched to a domestic. As soon as we arrived someone within the house fired at the both of us. Lee quickly called for backup, while I grabbed my Kevlar vest. My hands shook as I remembered when the last time I had worn it was.

"Calm down Aria," Lee said soothingly. Startled I looked over at him. "Things won't happen as they did before. I promise."

"Thanks Lee," I said softly.

"You're welcome. But we need to be careful." He began putting his vest on too –but overtop of his clothes. I always wore it underneath my shirt whenever I could. Before long a half dozen cruisers lined the street and we were all in defensive positions.

Suddenly gunshots rained down upon us. We all pressed closer and more down to our cruisers. Peeking out, I stood up.

"Aria!" Lee hissed. Ignoring him, I shot at the window. The glass shattered and another volley of shots came out. Ducking I grinned at Lee.

"What in Valar were you thinking?" He was angry.

"Sorry," I looked at my shoes. "But I needed to know where he was."

"Why?" he began to deflate a bit. I grinned wolfishly.

"Because I am going to be the one who apprehends him." I stated calmly.