Another Chance - Chapter 3
It was a stressful two weeks for Holly and the whole department. A body of a Mayor's son found in a public place meant the media hounds are everywhere. There was a lot of pressure from the Mayor to solve the case but at the same time he wanted his son's lifestyle be kept away from the media. The Mayor was a conservative one and their family was picture perfect. But nothing stays a secret with social media and soon, there were pictures of the Mayor's son at gay clubs drunk and making out with men. There were also pictures of him taking drugs. . And as they dug deeper, sex videos of him turned up.
When Holly did the autopsy she found plenty of drugs in his system. He had ligature marks around his wrists and mark around his neck which appeared to be an asphyxiation. In the end, Holly ruled it a suicide. The detectives interviewed friends and acquaintances and they later determined that prior to his death he went on a drinking and drug binge and had sadomasochistic sex, after he found out that there were sex videos of him that were going to be online, he killed himself. He knew what those tapes would do to his family especially his father who one day hopes to run for Prime Minister. It was a really sad case and Holly was so relieved once they closed the case.
After closing the case, she drove over to the precinct. She saw Gail, Chloe and Traci and walked over to them.
"Hey detectives."
"Oh hey, Doc. So what brings you here?" Asked Traci, getting up to give Holly a hug.
"Maya, she isn't too happy with me so I was wondering if you guys want to come over tomorrow night and have dinner at our house? Maya has been asking about her aunties."
"Sure. Leo is staying at his friend's anyway." Traci said.
"I'll tell Dov to go out with the boys." Chloe answered with her usual perky self.
"Am I invited too, Holly?" Gail asked.
"Of course you are Gail. Maya won't be happy if I didn't invite her Blonde Snow White."
They all laughed.
"So do you want us to bring anything?" Traci asked.
"I'll take care of the dinner. You can bring wines, both white and red. And Maya and I will bake chocolate cake for dessert. She has been bugging me about baking."
"Okay we will bring the wines. What time do you want us at your place? Chloe asked.
"I think 6 is good. Alright ladies, I have to go, after this case I really need to hug my munchkin. I haven't had much time to spend with her. By the time I get home, my parents or Zoe have already fed her and I just put her to bed. And let me tell you, she isn't a very happy princess. She's just having a bit of a hard time adjusting not seeing me so much since for the past three months before moving here, and I quit my job, I was home with her."
"I'm sorry that your first case back is a big case involving the son of a politician." Traci said.
"Yeah I know, what a way to welcome me back. I really have to go. See you ladies tomorrow." Holly said waving goodbye and almost running out the door.
Gail smiled as she watched Holly running hurriedly out the door.
Traci and Chloe watch as Gail stared at Holly. It was obvious that the years and distance didn't change the way Gail felt about Holly. Gail is still in love with Holly. But things are different and Holly has changed so much. Gail hurt her and Holly moved away and never knew the real story. And they both know that what Gail did left a scar on Holly.
"You're going to have to tell Holly the truth Gail. If you are going to get her back, you're going to have to explain and tell her everything." Traci said.
"I will. I am just waiting for her to tell me when we can talk."
"It might be harder this time Gail, she has Maya and I'm pretty sure, she is even more cautious and protective." Traci added.
"I know what I want Trace. What I have always wanted was Holly. And seeing her now with Maya, I have fallen even deeper in love with her. But I'll be okay if all she wants is for us to be friends. I just want to be in her life. I know what life is like without her and it sucks."
"Just give her time and go at her pace. And Gail you better be sure this time because I swear to God, even though you are my friend, I don't think I could ever forgive you if you hurt Holly again and you push her away from us." Traci warned her firmly.
"Trace, if there is one thing I am sure of, it is how I feel about Holly. And that I want to spend the rest of my life with her and Maya."
"Good. Now let's go to the Penny and get some drinks. This case totally drained me." Traci said pulling her sister in law to her and giving her a hug, which Gail hates. Traci could only laughed when Gail pushed her away.
"Okay let's go. Let's me call my honey and tell him we are on our way to the Penny." Chloe said.
"Oh my God Muppet, you are making me puke with your sweetness." Gail said rolling her eyes.
"Oh shut up Peck, you know you are worse than me." Chloe said teasing Gail about looking like a lovesick puppy.
"Oh shut it. Now move Muppet." Gail said pushing Chloe.
When Gail got home that night, she couldn't stop thinking about tomorrow's dinner at Holly's. She couldn't believe Holly invited her. The whole time at the Penny, she was happy and smiling. Steve, Chris, Nick and Oliver thought there was something wrong to her. She just smiled and played Dov's stupid trivia game.
She closed her eyes and thought of Holly. How she had waited for so long and thought that she will never again see Holly's beautiful face. Or hear her infectious laugh. And that crooked smile she loves so much. She also missed Holly's scent that was so unique. Her smell is so intoxicating. She thought of pleasant things, of Holly and Maya until she finally drifted off to sleep.
Am I allowed to look at her like that
Could it be wrong when she's just so nice to look at
And she smells like lemongrass and sleep
She tastes like apple juice and peach
You would find her in a polaroid picture
And she means everything to me – She by Dodie Clark