Phew, this is a long one. I just want to quickly point out that this chapter is definitely rated M. I'm about to head out of town for a couple weeks but I hope to get your likes and reviews while I'm away. I'll be working on the next chapter but I don't know if I'll be able to post it until I get back.
As always, I don't own the characters or Rookie Blue.
Chapter Five
The Parade room filled with a chorus of loud applause as Noelle walked through the threshold clad in her police uniform for the first time in what had seemed like forever. Gail wanted to be happy to see the older officer returning to work, and deep down beneath the hangover and the throbbing headache Gail was sure she was actually happy but at that moment all she wanted to do was run. After leaving Holly's confused and pissed off that things had spiraled so quickly she'd gone to the Penny and proceeded to get completely shit faced until she was barely making sense to the cab driver that took her home.
She was still fuming about what had happened when she'd drug herself into the station. She just didn't understand, maybe this was where her shortcomings in relationships became truly evident. Something she'd done had managed to turn what was a simple difference of opinion to an actual fight. Gail had never seen Holly angry before, Holly didn't get angry or lose her temper so this was new. And Gail already didn't like it.
But the idea of the fight made Gail feel sick inside. More than any hangover ever had. Gail knew that she'd said something that night that had managed to trigger something in Holly she just thought that Holly understood that it was part of her job, the risk came with being a cop. It wasn't something that they talked about but she had at least hoped that Holly understood. Maybe she'd been wrong. She'd only ever dated cops who understood the risks that came with the job. She didn't have to have that conversation with them about what happens if she were to die on the job.
"Alright everyone settled down. I know that you are all as happy as I am to see Noelle back and in uniform. But we've got work to do. We've got a killer to find. I've managed to convince the upper brass that we can handle this in house and they've agreed to back off if we can produce results." Frank could see the relief on every face.
"How do you plan to do that sir? We've been over everything. Until we find something new we were hitting dead end after dead end." Nick commented.
"Stay alert, stay focused and keep on those leads. Something will turn up, no one is that good." Frank knew he was asking for miracles from his people but he knew that they could handle it.
"You look terrible." Oliver commented as they dispersed from the parade room after a thankfully brief but heartfelt speech by Frank welcoming Noelle back. Gail looked up at her partner and shrugged. He was the perfect person to talk to about stuff like this. Zoe wasn't a cop and he'd managed to make a marriage work for a while, and now he was with Celery and they were making it work despite Oliver's chosen profession.
"Long night." Gail said instead. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he didn't believe that was the whole story. But if there was one expert in Gail behavior aside from Holly it was Oliver.
"Well you're partnered with me all day so we have a whole ten hours to talk about it." Oliver said throwing his arms around Gail's smaller shoulders while they made their way out to the squad cars.
"Holly!" Looking up from her report Holly saw Steve walking towards her at such a quick paced walk he might as well have been jogging. But that wasn't what caught Holly's attention, it was the boy that was following behind him. She recognized him immediately as Leo Nash. Standing quickly, Holly pulled the sheet over the body currently laying on her table to hide it from the child's view Holly looked back at Steve.
"Detective Peck, children are not allowed in the morgue." Holly scolded in a low tone. Steve hesitated, not expecting such a hostile response.
"Sorry, look Holly I need a favor." Steve said hurried. Holly looked behind Steve at Leo guessing that the favor had something to do with that.
"What?"
"I'm supposed to be watching Leo today for Traci. But I got called in on a big case I need you to watch him for me for a couple hours." Holly's eyes widened in surprise at the request. She'd never thought that Steve would be so presumptuous, the two of them had shared a few pleasant social conversations but they weren't on the level that apparently Steve thought that they were.
"Steve, I can't really just put everything on hold to watch over Leo right now." Holly said pulling Steve aside so that the boy wouldn't hear her.
"Look I'm sorry but this is important. I'll owe you one." And then he was off before Holly could even say anything else leaving Holly and Leo standing opposite each other looking awkwardly at one another.
"Uh hi." Holly said.
"My mom's going to be so pissed when she finds out." Leo commented dropping his backpack and sitting down in Holly's abandoned chair.
"Yeah, she's not the only one. Let me finish up a few things, make a call and we'll get out of here okay?" Holly asked. The autopsy could wait, and she could call in an emergency PTO day. But the next time she saw Steve there would be Hell to pay.
"You don't have to. I can just sit here and play on my phone." Leo offered.
"Nah I don't mind getting out of here. It's about lunch time anyway. We'll go get some lunch and figure out what to do with our day." Holly said with a grin. Leo smiled at the sincerity Holly had like she genuinely didn't mind that he'd just been dumped at her door.
Holly left Leo sitting in one of the chairs while she dialed a number she wasn't thrilled about having to call. Charles would be fine with her taking the time but there was going to need to be someone to cover for her if any cases were to be called in. In less than ten minutes Victoria was walking into the lab with a very smug smile.
"Dr. Stewart." Victoria greeted looking between Holly and Leo.
"I was surprised that you were sticking around. I need a favor."
"You want me to cover your shift today. What do I get out of it?"
"Gratitude."
"Go on get out of here. I'll handle things here." Victoria said nodding towards Leo.
"Thanks."
In a little under half an hour Holly was leading Leo out of the lab and driving them to her favorite diner a few blocks from the lab. Watching with a mixture of amusement and awe as Leo attacked the cheeseburger he ordered with a fervor she'd only seen in Gail before. She was beginning to see how the two of them bonded.
"What do you want to do after lunch?" Holly asked leaning back against the booth.
"You don't have to spend the whole day with me."
"I don't mind. I mean I don't blame you for not wanting to spend the whole day with me. I'm kind of a science nerd. Just as Gail."
"I like science."
"Well, if that's the case I know of a really cool exhibit at the science museum."
"Dad said he would take me to that but he forgot." Leo replied dejectedly. Holly could see that Leo was trying to pretend that it didn't both him but Holly saw right through it.
"We could go, and then if he remembers then you can walk him through it and show him everything that you've learned. That's the cool thing about science, you have to experience it multiple times before you can really get a grasp on it. What do you think?"
"Cool." Leo replied trying to hide the brightness of his smile.
Traci was taking a much needed break from pouring over the cases with Valmont and Greer. Her eyes were burning and she would kill for a cup of coffee. She'd just taken her first luxurious sip of the hot when she saw a flash of red hair that she wasn't expecting to see. Putting the cup down Traci headed towards Steve where he stood talking to a uniform.
"Steve? Where's Leo? You said you'd watch him for me today." Traci demanded pulling Steve away from the uniform. Steve looked like a kid caught with his hand in the candy jar, for a minute his mouth just opened and closed trying to find the words to get him out of this. And that's when Traci's panic was replaced with blood boiling rage. "WHERE IS MY SON?!"
Her raised voice caught several officer's attention including Gail who had just returned from patrol. Steve had yet to answer Traci's question when Gail joined them and the blonde wondered if she might have to physically restrain Traci from hitting him.
"Hey Traci, don't worry Leo's fine. I got called in on a case I've been working on. It couldn't wait." Steve said quickly with his usual charming smile.
"I don't care why you're here Steve. I want to know where my son is." Traci said.
"I left him with Holly."
"Wait my Holly?" Gail asked turning her anger on Steve. He held his hands up defensively.
"Yeah, she said she'd take him for me while I handled this case." Traci shook her head disgusted and walked away phone already in hand dialing Holly's phone number. Gail turned to Steve and smacked him in the shoulder.
"What were you thinking?" Gail asked.
"This case is important Gail."
"So is Leo. Traci trusted you to watch him for the day and you just dumped him on Holly because work is more important? God I hope she dumps you for this." Gail said walking off leaving Steve gaping after the two women.
"Holly? Hey it's Traci." Traci greeted when Holly picked up her phone.
"Hey Traci." Holly answered as they pulled into a parking spot in front of the museum.
"I'm so sorry Steve just told me. I can come get him…"
"Don't worry about it. We're at the science museum now. We're going to go geek out for a bit." Holly said looking over at Leo who chuckled.
"Are you sure? I'm so sorry about this."
"It's okay Traci really. I don't mind at all."
"Okay, call me when you want me to come get him."
"Why don't you come pick him up from my place when you get off work? Drop Gail off?"
"Deal. Thank you again Holly."
Traci hung up and looked at the phone for a minute. She'd lucked out, but this is exactly the thing that Dex was looking for to try and take Leo away from her. This was the exact stress that she didn't need on top of the case that they were working.
The afternoon was spent with Leo leading Holly around the museum, asking her question after question about everything. She'd never seen a kid with as much passion for science since she was a kid herself. Leo had a passion for science, he lit up as she explained DNA sequences and chromosomes and how they make up who a person was. He watched, glued to the screen as they watched a video of cells dividing. They spent hours wandering through the halls, ducking into different exhibits some of them they'd been through before.
"When is your mom's shift over?" Holly asked as they exited the museum after having spent some time in the gift shop where Holly had bought Leo a few souvenirs.
"Not until 6."
"It's almost four, are you hungry?"
"Not really."
"That's where you and Gail are different. She's always hungry." Holly said fondly. She had been thinking about her girlfriend most of the day and had welcomed Leo as a distraction. She'd behaved badly when it came to their fight and she knew that she needed to apologize to Gail. Something that she intended to do later that night when Gail got off shift. But that hadn't spared her the guilty feelings that had followed her like a dark cloud most of the day.
"You're dating my aunt Gail aren't you?" Leo asked while they walked. Holly almost tripped over her own feet at the suddenness of the question. She never knew how to explain homosexuality to kids. A lot of the time she found them to be more understanding than adults but other times they just couldn't wrap their heads around the concept of people of the same gender as couples.
"I am." Holly choked out finally.
"Cool." Leo said simply.
"That's okay with you?" Holly asked. She doubted that Leo was referring to Gail as his aunt more because of the closeness of their relationship and less because Traci was dating Steve.
"She talks about you sometimes when we hang out. She really likes you."
"I really like her."
"I like you too. Most people explain science to me like I'm five and I have no idea what it is. But you talk to me like I'm a grown up." Leo said stopping at a bench and sitting down.
"You're a pretty bright kid."
Leo fell silent, his attention suddenly intent on the edge of his jacket zipper. Holly sat beside him but didn't try and engage him in conversation. Sadly, she found a lot of similarities within herself and Leo and she could only imagine how he was dealing with it. After about twenty minutes of silence Holly decided to break it.
"Your mom loves you, you know that right?" Holly asked.
"I know. But she has a busy job. She helps people so it's okay I guess."
"It's okay if it's not you know. Your mom would love nothing more than to spend all the time in the world with you."
"Yeah." Holly frowned. She knew that he was starting to doubt it. And she didn't blame him for it, he was a little boy that wanted his parent's attention and to a kid of Leo's age it seemed like his parents were too busy for him. It was heart breaking to him to always feel like he didn't come first even if that wasn't true.
"My parents were busy with their careers when I was little too. My dad was in politics and my mom was a lawyer. They were always gone, working late nights and weekends. But the days that we got to spend together, those were the best days because those were the days without work, when nothing mattered but family time. I knew that they loved me, but sometimes it was hard to remember when I was lonely." Holly offered trying to make Leo understand that she knew how he felt to some extent.
"Did you ever hate them for it?" It was torturing Leo that he was beginning to hate his parents for never making time for him. He knew that Traci loved him. She was the best mom ever. But that didn't mean that he didn't hate the nights when she said she'd be home at a certain time only to get a phone call to tell him that she would be late.
"Sometimes."
"She used to call me on her way home from work when she first started as a cop. She'd call me before bed and she would count down the minutes until she would see me. I know I've outgrown it, but sometimes I miss that."
"You should tell her." Holly insisted.
"Nah."
"Just remember Leo, your mom loves you more than anything." The sound of her phone chime indicating that she had a text message drew her attention away from the boy.
Victoria Silas: We have another body.
"Do you have to go back to work?" Leo asked seeing Holly's look change. Holly would normally have run back to work and done the autopsy herself.
"Nope. Come on, I might need your help picking something out." Holly said standing up and holding her hand out to Leo.
"What are we getting?"'
"What do you know about Xbox's?"
Gail followed Traci up the stairs towards Holly's front door, she was hesitating. She hadn't thought that Holly would want to see her so soon after the fight. Traci knocked and after several minutes Holly appeared pulling the front door open and inviting the two women inside. Immediately Gail recognized the sounds coming from Holly's living room and she looked at Holly for confirmation.
"He's waiting for you." Holly nodded towards the living room and watched as Gail appeared to sprint towards the living room.
"You bought an Xbox?" Traci asked amused while she followed Holly to the kitchen where Holly offered the detective a beer.
"I kinda screwed up with Gail. The Xbox doesn't make it better but it might at the very least help." Holly answered.
"She loves you. She's terrified that she's here so that you can break up with her."
"It was a fight. A stupid one."
"Thanks for taking Leo today. Steve had no right to do that."
"Really, I didn't mind Leo is a great kid. And I had a blast today."
"He is amazing isn't he?" Traci asked fondly.
"You used to call him when you left the precinct, count down the minutes before you got to see him." Holly saw the memory hit Traci before she continued. "You should do that more."
"I thought he hated that."
"He loves you."
A few hours and a pizza later Traci was leading Leo out to the car leaving Gail and Holly behind. It had been a pretty perfect night but once they were alone the tension surrounded them until Gail couldn't even make eye contact with Holly. Instead she just sat on the couch, controller in hand but the game was paused.
"You bought an Xbox?" Gail asked.
"I remember you saying if I wanted to keep you around I should get an Xbox." Holly said standing next to the couch, not feeling comfortable enough to sit down beside her girlfriend.
"So you do? Want to keep me around?"
"Gail, we fought. Couples fight."
"We don't." Gail countered. In the entire time they had been together they hadn't fought. Holly hadn't even appeared to be annoyed with Gail.
"It was bound to happen. I'm sorry we fought. And I'm sorry that I told you to leave." Holly said pushing off of the wall and walking in front of Gail. Kneeling down in front of the couch Holly looked up at Gail, the blonde still refused to meet her gaze.
"I went to the Penny and got really drunk." Gail confessed with a humorless laugh.
"I cried myself to sleep." Holly countered trying to prove to Gail that they both handle their sadness in different ways. Gail wasn't a crier, not usually.
"So I guess the grown up thing to do is to talk about why we fought? Cuz I still don't understand what happened. The night was going perfectly and then suddenly it wasn't." Gail hated feeling vulnerable like this. And she hated how scared it made her thinking of the possibility that Holly might leave her because of it.
"I guess I was angry with how you didn't even try and understand where I was coming from. You just decided and that was it. And then you started about you dying on the job. I guess I lost it." Holly explained hoping that Gail would understand.
"When I was dating Chris or Nick I never had to explain to them why I never wanted kids. They just, got it because they understand the job that we do and the risk. I guess I just assumed I didn't have to explain." Holly tried to pretend that it didn't sting to hear that Gail's most recent ex's had the one up on her that they understood this part of Gail's life that seemed to be a mystery to Holly.
"I get the risk of your job. What I don't understand is why you would want to put your life on hold because of what might happen. You asked me if I thought that I might want to marry you someday. And I told you that I did. But, if you're already planning on dying on the job…"
"It's not that I want that to happen. But it's a strong possible."
"What about Noelle? Traci? Oliver? They have children and they still make it work."
"Why would you want to have a kid with me anyway Holly? I practically am a kid still. I'm selfish, I run at the first sight of problems, I wouldn't know what to do when the thing cried. The way that I see it, I'm either going to die on the job and abandon you and it. Or I'll turn into my mother." Gail sighed exasperatedly. She didn't understand why Holly didn't understand.
"You won't turn into your mother Gail."
"You don't know that. Do you know what it was like growing up in my family Holly? My mom was the definition of cold. She used to yell at me for crying if I hurt myself." Gail explained.
"So this is about your mother?"
"I don't know. Can't we just chalk this up to I'm broken or something?" Gail asked struggling to get up but Holly stopped her trying to keep her from running.
"You aren't broken. If we're going to move past this I just need to understand what the real issue is. Is it because of your job? Is it because of your mother? Or is it both? I just want to understand." Gail took a deep breath, she hadn't thought about it deeply. She was afraid of the answer. But now she was going to have to, it mattered to Holly.
"I can't stand the disappointment." Came Gail's eventual answer, she spoke quietly and Holly had to strain to hear it. Looking up only when she felt the warmth of Holly's hands cup the sides of her face gently guiding her head up so that her blue eyes met Holly's dark ones. "My entire life I've been judged, I've never been good enough. I just kind of accepted it."
"Gail…" Holly knew that Gail had self-esteem issues. She hid it well, and most people that knew Gail would think that she was the most confident person in all of 15. But she struggled with her demons, and the most vocal of them was Elaine Peck.
"I was never good enough, not in school, not during my rebellious years, or the academy, and not as a cop. No matter what I do I keep hearing how much I'm a disappointment to my last name. I'm so used to it that it barely matters anymore. It still stings sure, but I've given up trying to please that woman. But having a kid, seeing disappointment in their eyes or yours? That might kill me." Gail said.
"Why would I be disappointed in you?"
"I'm not good at a lot of things Hol. And I can stand being a disappointment to my mom, to my friends. But I don't know if I'd be a good mom and I can't stand the thought that I might fail-."
"You really can't see how amazing you are can you? Any kid would be lucky to have you as a mom. You love so completely that any kid would never go a minute of any day feeling unloved." Holly saw the faintest bit of a smile cross over Gail's face at her words.
"I hate fighting with you."
"Not a fan of it either. I love you."
"I love you too." Pulling Holly towards her Gail crashed their lips together, continuing to pull until the brunette was straddling her lap. Burying her hands in Gail's blonde locks Holly deepened the kiss moaning when she felt Gail's tongue brush against her own. Gail's hands gripped Holly's hips keeping the doctor firmly against her body, anything to satisfy the need she felt to have Holly as close as physically possible.
Holly hadn't ever really understood the appeal of make-up sex. Usually when she fought with previous girlfriends the relief of no longer fighting was all she felt. But now, now she just wanted to devour Gail. To completely wash the last 24 hours from Gail's mind by over loading it with mind numbing pleasure. It didn't take long for her hands to begin to roam her girlfriend's body, fingers itching to feel the silkiness of Gail's skin.
Her fist bunched the fabric of Gail's shirt tugging impatiently until Gail leaned forward lifted her arms and allowed Holly to lift the shirt off, tossing it blindly across the living room. Taking a moment to lean back against the couch Gail looked up at Holly, her mouth going dry when she looked up and saw Holly looking down at her eyes dark with desire. Holly bit back a moan as she rolled her hips against Gail feeling the sharp jolt of pleasure shoot through her body.
Kissing along Gail's neck biting at the porcelain skin, pausing over Gail's pulse point feeling the blonde's heart racing against her lips.
"You're going to leave a mark." Gail commented breathlessly. Holly knew Gail was right, if she paid any more attention to that specific area there would be a dark bruise waiting for Gail in the morning.
"Bedroom?" Holly suggested forcing herself away from Gail.
"I like where you are right now." Gail answered working on the button and zipper of Holly's jeans. Just as she was about to slip her hands into the fabric of Holly's pants Holly stopped Gail pulling her hands up beside her head. Gail looked up at her defiantly, Holly being dominant was possibly the hottest thing Gail had ever seen. Trusting that Gail wouldn't move her hands Holly released Gail's wrists and let her hands go back to exploring the familiar planes of Gail's body. Fingertips tracing the contours of each rib and feeling the muscles of the Gail's abs tense.
"How about now?" Holly asked hotly against Gail's lips and her hands paused at Gail's pant line.
"A little lower." Emphasizing her request with the bucking of her hips into Holly. Capturing Gail's bottom lip between hers as her right hand slid into Gail's jeans and felt her girlfriend's wetness coat her fingers. Gail parted her legs as much as their position allowed, whimpering when Holly's fingers slid inside her making her buck impatiently for release. Gail couldn't think much beyond the throbbing arousal that clouded her mind, and how good it felt to have Holly inside her, filling her, driving her closer.
"These need to come off." Holly said withdrawing her hand much to Gail's displeasure. But Gail didn't have a lot of time to vocalize her protest as Holly made quick work of her jeans pulling them down enough for Gail to be able to kick them off. Taking a minute to look appreciatively at her girlfriend's choice of underwear Holly's look was practically predatory. Gail was a fan of lacy, sexy silk underwear that always served to spike Holly's arousal. But coming straight from work Gail usually had something more practical on, in this case black boy shorts and they had the same effect on Holly.
Letting her eyes roam over Gail's body Holly wondered how she got so lucky to have someone like Gail in her life. Watching Gail's chest heave as she tried to regain her breath Holly put her hands back on Gail. Kissing Gail deeply Holly slipped her fingers back into Gail's underwear, feeling Gail's teeth bite into her lower lip when she slide two fingers inside. Keeping her movements intentionally slow and rhythmic Holly wanted to prolong Gail's pleasure as long as possible finding the way that Gail was writhing beneath her sexy as all Hell.
"Holly." Gail whispered desperation and desire dripping from her voice. She normally loved Holly's teasing, Holly could keep her on the brink of orgasm for what felt like forever but it was always way more than worth it in the end. But right now, she just needed Holly. Pushing her thumb against Gail's clit, and curling her fingers each time she withdrew her fingers. Breaking her kiss Gail's head fell back against the couch, her eyes closed tightly. "God, don't stop."
Smiling at her girlfriend's earnest plea Holly moved her fingers faster, thrusting deeper until Gail's movements were erratic and she was being driven higher and higher until with one final thrust of Holly's fingers and Gail was in Heaven. It took Gail a few minutes to remember how to breathe afterwards.
"Now I understand the appeal of makeup sex." Gail said her chest still heaving as she tried to regain her breath.
"Doesn't mean that I want to fight again." Holly answered trailing kisses along Gail's neck and then across her cheek.
"Definitely not." Gail said feeling the way that her body still tingled in the aftermath of the orgasm Holly had given her. She had that slightly dazed look that Holly loved knowing that she could elicit from her girlfriend.
"What do you say we take this to bed?"
"Lead the way."
Gail woke the next day still tired and sore but utterly content as to why she woke that way. Stretching leisurely feeling the warmth of the sun over her skin she turned and found Holly still slumbering peacefully next to her. Neither of them needed to be up nor getting up for work for another hour or two. But as much as she liked to sleep in Gail never could go back to sleep after she woke up. So now she was up, and she was going to stay up.
"You're awake too early." Holly grumbled against her pillow. She woke up when Gail started to shift around bed.
"Go back to sleep."
"Nope, I'm up. I'll go start breakfast. If you'll make coffee." Holly said sitting up. Gail took a minute to watch Holly as she stumbled out of bed collecting clothing.
"I love you." Gail said as Holly pulled her tank top over her head.
"I love you too." Holly said feeling the warmth encompassing her entire chest at the sentiment.
"I want pancakes."
"Pancakes huh? And I'm assuming you want to drown it in maple syrup." Gail nodded her stomach grumbling at the thought of food.
"You're lucky you're cute."
Gail heard the sound of Holly tinkering around the kitchen before she decided to get up and join Holly in the kitchen. The smell of pancakes being cooked filling the kitchen, leaning against the wall watching Gail took in the sight of her girlfriend content to just look at Holly. She was so in love with this woman, and the thought should have terrified her. As it had each time before. Plating several of the pancakes Holly turned and saw Gail staring at her.
"Hey, you okay?" Holly asked seeing the contemplative look on Gail's face.
"Yup, you're amazing." Gail said walking into the kitchen and looping her arms around Holly's face and nestling against Holly's neck.
"Hmm sweet talker. Eat your breakfast."
Picking up a piece of fruit Holly sat with Gail at the kitchen island, newspaper spread out in front of her looking over the front page news while Gail looked at the comics occasionally chuckling to herself. Holly's phone buzzed indicating a text message that interrupted their peace. Looking down at her phone it was a text from the lab.
Victoria Silas: Doing the autopsy at 9am. Be there.
"Something important?" Gail asked seeing Holly's focused look.
"I just need to go into the lab for the autopsy on the victim that they found yesterday." Holly answered putting her phone down.
"Why didn't she do it yesterday?" Holly knew what Gail was doing. She was deciding already that she didn't want to like Victoria based on principle.
"Different working styles maybe?"
"You would have stayed late to do it." Gail boasted.
"Gail, honey I know what you're doing and I appreciate it. But really, Victoria isn't that bad. She's actually one of the best. She probably had a good reason why she didn't do the autopsy last night." Holly said affectionately.
"Still, I don't like her." Gail grumbled.
"I'm going to get ready for work. What time do you start shift?"
"Not until an hour after you. But I'll ride in with you."
Holly met Victoria just outside of autopsy both of them clad in scrubs, Holly had to admit it felt strange being only an observer when this was her autopsy. This was her arena and now there was someone else that was going to be taking the reins. Still, Holly knew that it was a) what her boss required of her and b) good to have a second pair of eyes look over the evidence to see if there was something she might have missed. As thorough as she was if she was staring at the same evidence over and over it was easier than most people would think to look over something important.
"Did you notice on the previous victims that there were no ligature marks?" Victoria asked looking up from Holly's report. Holly wanted to bite back that of course she knew that, it was noted in her report.
"We concluded that the victims were unconscious at the time. Toxicology couldn't determine what kind of drug was used, it degraded in their system too quickly." Holly replied.
"I think that should be where we start. Trying to figure out what is keeping these people from fighting back. There aren't any defensive marks on them at all. I did the preliminary examination and there isn't a single scrape or bruise that would indicate that he fought back at all." Victoria handed Holly the photos and she looked through each of them. It was odd.
"So, whoever lured them in didn't appear to pose a threat to them. If someone I didn't know approached me, getting close enough to inject me with something I'd have to think that I had the upper hand." Holly offered.
"That's the other thing that I found odd. There were no injection marks. I've been over the body twice, there isn't a single injection mark, checked the usual places the arms, butt, in between the toes, nothing. So whatever he's using can be administered another way."
"Sorry I'm late boss." Holly looked up and saw a slightly out of breath Zach coming to a skidding halt as he approached them.
"It's alright Zach. I should have called you, we won't be needing you today. I'll be assisting Dr. Silas on the autopsy." Holly offered seeing the way that Zach looked between them. They would have to be blind to miss how affronted he was at the news. He always assisted Holly, had ever since he'd arrived at the lab. He knew her habits and he knew the way she liked to do things. The idea of not going into an autopsy with her was insulting.
"Are you sure? I mean I'm sure there is something I can do to help." Zach insisted looking more at Holly than at Victoria but Victoria enjoyed the show unfolding before her immensely.
"Not my autopsy today." Holly shrugged. She could see how upset Zach was but she really couldn't be bothered with his ego at the moment.
"You're not doing the autopsy?" Zach asked finally processing what Holly said.
"Nope. Thanks Zach, but really why don't you take the day off. You've been working really hard the last couple of days." It was clear that Zach wanted to argue against that suggestion. But he bit his tongue, still he remained rooted in his spot with the doctors until finally Victoria had had enough.
"Alright look, we've got it covered. Why don't you go see if there is some paperwork or something you can process, the grownups have this one covered." Zach shot daggers at Victoria with his glare, and Holly felt bad that she found herself biting back a laugh as Zach turned on his heels and stormed off.
"That was mean." Holly scolded as they walked into the autopsy studio. Victoria shrugged, she understood Holly's fondness for the assistant. Zach had proven to have his uses but if he wasn't taking the hint that he wasn't needed than she could stand to be the bad cop in this scenario.
"He wasn't taking the hint that we didn't need him. He's a big boy, he'll be fine."
The two women went about conducting their autopsy. With the two of them it went a lot quicker than the other ones. Both available to double check each other's work to make sure that they didn't miss anything. There were a lot of similarities between this victim and the previous ones. Most notably the removal of the heart and it being replaced by another.
"This person is very good." Victoria commented as they concluded their initial autopsy and found nothing. No signs of fibers or trace that might narrow down anything. Holly pulled her mask away from her face and she pulled her gloves off throwing them away in frustration. She wanted this to be done. She wanted to find something that they could use.
"No killer is perfect. They always leave a clue or a sign. We just have to find it." Holly said but even she wasn't sure if she believed those words anymore.
"How do you want to do this?"
"I want to go over every case one more time."
"Let's get to work then."
Oliver looked over at the passenger seat and saw Gail smirking to herself, he could tell by the general pep in her step on the way to patrol that whatever fight had happened between Gail and Holly was now over. He liked seeing his favorite rookie as happy as she was with Holly.
"Are you bringing Holly to the Penny tonight? For Noelle's welcome back party?" Oliver asked as they rolled up in front of his favorite donut place.
"That's the plan."
"So you guys have gotten over whatever speed bump you guys had gone through?" Olivia asked. He remembered how reluctant Gail had been to talk about it. But when he'd finally gotten Gail to open up about the right they spent the rest of their shift talking about it. He offered what insight he had for it. He explained that while its terrifying doing what they did there was no greater reward that he'd ever found than being a parent.
"We've made up. I don't think that the topic is dead yet. But right now, we're back to being good." Gail answered feeling her stomach flip just at the thought of her girlfriend. It was a feeling that she never wanted to fade for as long as she and Holly were together. Knowing that just thinking about Holly could fill Gail's stomach with butterflies. Or knowing that she was about to see Holly soon filled her with so much excitement it couldn't be matched. Not even by the excitement a kid felt on Christmas morning.
"Good. I'm happy for you darlin'." Oliver smiled.
"You've got that look on your face." Gail knew that Oliver was plotting something, or at least scheming something. He always got a wicked smile on his face when that happened.
"I have a lot of looks Peck. I'm allowed."
"Sure you are. But not if you're planning something to do with Holly and I."
"I'm just glad that you have finally found someone worthy of you. Diaz and Collins are fine or whatever. But they were never on your same caliber. And I hope that you realize that you deserve someone who treats you right."
"Thanks dad." Gail rolled her eyes trying to play off how much Oliver's words meant to her. The sentiment, knowing Oliver cared as much as he did.
"Hey, I have to look after my favorite rookie."
"Holly and I are good Oliver. And she treats me better than I deserve sometimes."
"Good."
"1530 - 911 call was reported at a convenient store in your vicinity. Are you available to respond?"
"1530 responding."
"Look at this." Holly said looking up from the magnifying glass and summoning Victoria over to her. When Victoria approached Holly handed her the magnifying glass and went off to fetch something.
"Saw marks on the bone from the sternal saw." Victoria said.
"Exactly. Each type of saw makes different markings. If we can narrow down what kind of saw was used we can see who might possess one. These are different from any markings I've seen." Holly said looking at the standard issue saw each morgue had. She remembered when they had introduced the newest model, being excited for getting the new and improved model.
"It's worth a shot. I'll have them pull the records of different striations."
"I'll call the detectives."
It took an hour to compile all of the different striation patterns of the various sternal saws, flipping through picture after picture trying to match the blade with the pattern Holly finally found a match.
"The model that he's using is at least a decade old."
"Does that help us or hurt us?" Victoria asked glad to not have to look through pictures anymore.
"All morgues have to keep records of what they do with their old saws."
"Brilliant."
"Only if it helps."
"I got you're text, what's up?" Traci asked walking into the lab and seeing both women hovering over one of the victims. She had gotten better about being around bodies. When she'd been a rookie she'd hated being around bodies. The morgue had made her sick.
"We need to pull all of the records from every morgue in Toronto. There aren't many. But we need to find out what they did with their old sternal saws. This is the model number." Holly said handing Traci a picture of the saw.
"Why?"
"The victims had ha their chests cracked with this kind of saw. Whoever is doing this had to get it somewhere. Usually morgues donate their saws to hospitals, or their destroyed, if he has one then he either stole it which should be documented or he bought one which should also be documented."
"I really hope you're right. Keep looking. If this lead doesn't pan out we're going to need something else." Traci said taking the photo and already dialing, they were going to need a warrant.
"Why do you think that the killer puts the heart back in backwards? I mean, he has knowledge of anatomy. He must know how the heart should go back." Victoria asked once they were alone again.
"Carelessness?"
"Does this killer seem like the type who would make a careless mistake like this? No, it means something. We just need to figure out what it means."
"I'm open to suggestions."
"Let's hope that Traci can find something to do with the sternum saw."
"We need a break. We've been at this all day." Holly offered. Looking down at her watch Holly noticed that it was well past their lunch time.
"Buy you lunch?" Victoria offered.
"Thanks, but uh I've got somewhere I need to be." Holly said with a dreamy smile. Victoria recognized the look and knew better than to try and persuade Holly otherwise. Leaving the lab Holly was about to pull her phone from her pocket when she saw a familiar figure leaning casually against the wall, bag containing food in hand.
"Hungry?" Gail asked holding up a bag that Holly saw had the logo of her favorite deli on it.
"Starving, I was just about to call you and see if you wanted to pick up lunch." Holly said putting her phone away and looping her arms around Gail's waist.
"Miss me Lunchbox?" Gail asked playful smile pulling at her mouth. After talking to Oliver, Gail knew that there was no way that she was going to be able to not go see Holly as soon as she was physically able.
"Always. Come with me." Holly said taking Gail's free hand and leading her away from the lab and towards her office. Once they arrived at Holly's office Holly unlocked the door and opened it. Gail tossed their food onto the chair the sound of the door lock sliding shut behind her made Gail turn, her thoughts instantly drifting from food.
Holly seemed to stalk towards Gail making the blonde officer step back to lean against Holly's desk, welcoming Holly into her personal space with open arms. Gail hummed her approval feeling Holly's hands rest against the small of her back, since she was off duty for her lunch break Gail had checked her utility belt back into her locker at work.
"I have not been able to stop thinking about last night. It's very distracting." Gail attempted to make it sound like she was actually bothered by the delightful memories of the night they spent blissfully entangled together.
"I would say that I'm sorry, but I'm not." Holly said feeling her body sing as it remembered the pleasure.
Gail's hand came up behind Holly's neck, twisting the doctor's dark locks in her hand and bringing Holly closer so that her nose nuzzled against Holly's before their lips met. Capturing Holly's bottom lip between her own Gail felt that jolt through her body that she had only ever felt with Holly. For several moments lips caressed, teased, and nipped until the need to deepen their kiss was overwhelming. Their tongues danced, twisting and curling around one another until they were both breathless.
"Mm what about food?" Gail asked breaking their kiss for just a moment before reclaiming Holly's lips. She'd already forgotten entirely about the food that she'd brought. She couldn't deny the temptation of Holly's lips.
"Later."
"Well I suppose this would give me a chance to thank you for last night." Gail bit back a groan as Holly's lips trailed hot, open mouthed kisses along Gail's neck. Nipping at the alabaster skin just like she knew would drive Gail crazy.
"You did thank me. Many times last night, and this morning." Holly said her grip getting more firm against Gail's hip. She wanted to devour Gail. She could never remember being like this, she'd never had a continuous want for someone like she felt with Gail.
"So I did. Are we really going to do this in your office? Because you know I can't stay quiet." Gail protested weakly as Holly began working on the button and zipper of Gail's pants. The thrill of it making Gail throb with arousal. Shifting her weight trying to get a little bit of friction Gail bit her lip in anticipation as Holly inched closer now standing between Gail's legs.
"Not up for the challenge officer?" Holly teased her fingertips dragging along the skin of Gail's hip bone just underneath the fabric of Gail's underwear. Gail shuddered violently at the teasing touch.
"Fuck." Gail knew she wasn't going to fight Holly on this. Not now, not when she was so turned on that if she didn't have release she would probably explode. She could only pray that they had enough time to finish. Holly took that as Gail's permission, she knew that there was a sense of urgency that came along with this. They would need to be quick, if they took too long there was chance that they might be discovered and that was not something that either of them wanted to have to deal with. Besides, Holly wanted to fuck Gail.
Gail was ready for her as she slipped her first finger into Gail's wetness, the pad of her thumb pressing gentle circles around Gail's clit. Gail's head fell forward against Holly's shoulder trying to use her girlfriend's body to muffle any sounds that she wasn't able to contain.
"I like how ready you are for me." Holly whispered against Gail's ear, taking the lobe into her mouth and biting gently. Holly could feel Gail's hands gripping the fabric of her shirt in what was no doubt a white knuckle grip. Gail's hips bucked against her hand, insistent and wanting. As Holly set a fast rhythm of her fingers Gail could only hope to be able to keep up, her knees turning into putty, Gail had to use the desk as support to just keep herself upright.
Feeling the way that Gail began to tremble against her Holly knew that it wouldn't take much longer to push Gail over the edge. She added a second finger and doubled the pace of her thrusts and heard Gail struggle to stifle what would have been a loud cry.
"You have to be quiet." Holly cautioned.
"I told you I couldn't." Gail countered breathlessly, her eyes shut tight and her fingers gripping Holly's shirt so tightly her hands were starting to hurt. Increasing the pressure of her thumb drawing circles around Gail's clit Holly knew that was the quickest way to push Gail over the edge. The blonde shuttered as another moan was suppressed. She was hovering dangerously on the edge of orgasm and then Gail felt Holly's fingers curl ever so slightly.
Holly bit back her own sounds as Gail bit into her shoulder to muffle the sound of her orgasm otherwise everyone on their floor would hear Gail screaming in ecstasy. Holly held Gail as she trembled as her orgasm began to subside and Gail fell limply against her.
"Jesus woman you'll be the death of me." Gail laughed shaking her head against Holly's shoulder. Trembling as Holly withdrew her hand and brought her fingers up to her lips and tasted Gail.
"I hope not. I'm kind of fond of your existence."
"I don't know how I'm supposed to go back to work right now. My legs barely work."
"You still have about twenty minutes." Holly said wrapping her arms around Gail and pulling her close savoring the closeness of Gail to her body.
"I love you."
"I love you." Gail smiled, she'd never tire of hearing those words pass through Holly's lips. She didn't doubt them when Holly said them. And she felt their power each time they reached her ears. Gail had never understood when people tried to convince her that love had this sort of magical property over it that could turn people into mush. But standing there, and knowing that she was loved and she loved in return was the most powerful, and the most amazing thing Gail had ever felt in her entire life.
"I cannot believe we just had sex in my office." Holly laughed. She was never the most adventurous when it came to sex. Sex in the work place, while there had always been a sort of curiosity about it Holly never would have considered it before, but with Gail. Sometimes it was impossible to keep her hands off of the beautiful blonde.
"Me either. Thank God your door locks." Gail said fastening her pants and straightening, still her legs trembled slightly.
"Still going to the Penny after your shift tonight?" Holly asked her fingers teasing the back of Gail's neck.
"For a few hours. Then I get to take you home and get my revenge for this."
"I look forward to that. But, you should probably get back to work." Holly checked the clock, sure that Gail's lunch break was about to come to an end. And she was pretty sure that if Oliver discovered them he would know almost immediately what they had just done.
It was with great reluctance that Gail pushed off of the desk and allowed Holly to move away from her. But she kept their hand linked. She wasn't quite ready to let go just yet. Holly took in her girlfriend's appearance, mainly because she didn't want Gail to leave knowing that she looks like she just had sex in her office. Gail looked a little disheveled but nothing that would give away what had just transpired except for the smile that hadn't left Gail's face since.
"I'll see you later."
"Be safe."
"Always."
The Penny was filled beyond capacity, but no one was going to call the Fire Marshall on them. Most of 15 was there, except for those that were still on duty. There were toasts and cheers that rang out almost like clockwork. It was a good time, drinks were free flowing and laughter was the most common sound second only to raucous conversation. Gail sat with her friends, they'd gone straight to the Penny after their shift ended and others had been trickling in since then. The guest of honor, Noelle took her honored spot by the bar, approached by everyone and anyone who had missed her while she'd been out on leave. Frank hadn't left her side, proud of his wife and happy that they would finally be able to work together again. Oliver and also happily enough Sam had joined them. The old guard hanging together.
"We're going to be like that one day." Dov commented holding his glass out to their training officers before taking another drink. He was well on his way to getting tipsy.
"I'm alright with that." Andy chimed in looking over at their TO's fondly.
"Hey, Gail where's your lady?" Traci asked while Dov and Andy went on about the glory of their TO's.
"She's going to come by when she gets off work." Gail answered with a shrug. Traci recognized what the shrug represented though. Gail missed Holly, Traci could see it on the blonde's face. Gail was trying to hide it but every time she looked at her phone it was to either check for a text message from Holly or to check the time.
"Leo won't stop talking about the time that he hung out with Holly. I think he's got a crush on her." Traci said with a laugh. For the briefest moment Gail felt her jealousy flair until she realized that it was ridiculous and instead laughed.
"He's got good taste."
"I still haven't forgiven Steve for it though." Traci said with a hint of sadness. When she had finally answered one of Steve's many calls he'd launched into a long explanation that it was an important case and break through and there was nothing that could be done, all the things that Traci understood came with the job. But she needed to be with someone that would put Leo above the job. She needed to be with someone that understood that Leo always came first, it didn't matter if there was a break through. And then to do that to Holly, dump a kid on her without giving her a chance to say no was just wrong. He owed Holly an apology too.
"Yeah it was pretty shitty what he did. Even if it did end up working out for the best. Holly said she had a great time too." Gail answered. She knew that Holly wasn't mad at Steve, a little frustrated but Holly didn't get mad about things like that.
"He claimed that it was one of Elaine's expectations."
"I don't doubt that. The priorities of the Peck family are a little skewed."
"You seemed to be able to realize that a kid trumps work." Traci argued. Traci had been surprised when she had seen how good Gail was with Leo. And over time, after Jerry had died Traci began to realize that hanging out with Leo had as much of a positive influence on the moody blonde than it did on her son.
"I think Holly broke me." Gail offered with a shrug.
"Or just melted the icicles a little." Traci teased. Gail rolled her eyes but her snarky response died as soon as she saw Holly walking into the Penny. The pathologist had changed clothes from what she'd been wearing earlier, and was now sporting a pair of tight jeans and a grey t-shirt. It was starting to warm up so Holly had shed the sweaters and switched to breathable cotton.
"Hey." Gail greeted standing up and wrapping her arms around Holly. Holly returned the embrace and then waved her greeting to the other cops around the table. Gail sat back down, scooting to the furthest corner of the bench against the wall allowing Holly to slide in next to her. When she did Gail pulled holly to her, Holly's back pressing against Gail's front.
"You guys are too cute." Traci teased. Holly looked over her shoulder at Gail, she knew that Gail didn't like it when people called attention to it when she showed a softer side. But this time Gail didn't say anything she just pulled Holly closer.
"I missed you Lunchbox." Gail whispered nuzzling against the side of the brunette's neck.
Across the bar where the Old Guard stood enjoying their drinks Noelle nudged Oliver. Her attention caught by the scene happening across from her. Oliver looked over where Noelle was looking and saw Gail and Holly.
"When did that happen?" Noelle asked confused. When she had left to go on maternity leave Gail had just ended things with Nick and she vaguely remembered seeing Holly at her wedding.
"Peck and Holly? A few months. It took us all by surprise but if you spend some time with them it all makes sense." Noelle looked back at the two women and she could see it, there was no doubt in her mind that these were two women in love.
"Things have changed." Noelle said finding that she was still unable to look away. It was rare to see such light when in their lives and in their jobs they were haunted.
Holly ducked under the yellow police tape, her forensic kit clutched in her hand. She knew why she was there, when she had gotten the call that there was a body she knew that it was another one of the killers. Instinctually her gaze sought out Gail. Hoping to find her girlfriend, a short reassuring glance perhaps might be enough to get her through what promised to be an infuriating day. She didn't see Gail, not that she had any expectation to. Gail was on shift but she could be anywhere in the city at that point.
"This one's different." Victoria said meeting Holly at the entrance. Holly came to an abrupt stop, she wasn't expecting the other pathologist to be standing in her way, blocking her.
"Did he finally make a mistake?" Holly asked hopefully. But she looked at her co-worker and saw that there was a grim almost pale look on her face. Something had frightened her. And it took a lot to frighten or to gross out a pathologist. Holly's stomach bottomed out and her mind raced with possibilities.
"I don't think you should go in there." Victoria said in a low voice.
"Why?" Holly demanded. Victoria glanced behind her but before she could answer Holly's question the brunette shouldered passed her. Already it was different than the other murder sights. This one was inside. In an apartment building. Victoria followed but she kept her comments to herself, she knew that Holly wasn't going to heed her warning no matter what she said. So she just followed. There were uniforms swarming the hallway and she had to dodge many of them.
Giving Victoria one last look Holly walked into the room. And what she saw made her stop short. The location of the body dump wasn't the only difference. What she saw before her was a bloodbath. There was blood everywhere, and there were two of them. The bodies were staged on the floor, laying as they would on an autopsy table but it was clear that they had been killed where they lay. The incision that cut open their chests was sloppy, jagged like the killer had used a large knife and not a scalpel.
"Jesus." Holly couldn't help the exclamation that escaped her. Circling around the bodies Holly lifted her camera and started taking pictures. It was muscle memory she barely thought about it as she went through the motions. Her brain was already processing this sudden change.
"Holly, there's something else you need to see." Victoria said still lingering in the corner of the room.
"What?" When Holly turned her attention up to Victoria, Holly saw she was holding something. It had already been bagged as evidence but it was a piece of paper with writing on it. As she got closer however Holly was able to read what it said. As her eyes took in the words and her brain processed what they said Holly felt cold, cold and numb.
Dr. Stewart, now that I have your attention let me remind you that during tests
you are not permitted to cheat. I will forgive your infraction this once. But don't
abuse my generosity. Now that this unpleasantness has been dealt with, let's continue.
A/N: So...things are intensifying with the killer.
Readers have been amazing with offering feedback on how the Canadian police forces operate and what not. And because of that, I have kind of erased the 'feds' from the story. I tried to make it as seamless as possible but I wanted to explain. I am keeping Victoria though, she's important for the plot.