AN: Thank you to Labellebeaucoup for all her help. To my readers: Thank you for reading and your support.
"Falling from cloud nine
Crashing from the high
I'm letting go tonight
Yeah, I'm falling from cloud nine
I'm wide awake
Not losing any sleep
I picked up every piece
And landed on my feet
I'm wide awake
Need nothing to complete myself, no
I'm wide awake
Yeah, I am born again
Out of the lion's den
I don't have to pretend
And it's too late
The story's over now, the end"
(Katy Perry - "Wide Awake")
Chapter 18: Love is Blind…
Tritter sat in his car while he carefully observed his 'assignment'. His eyes slowly began to droop as he started to fall asleep. The sound of his phone shrilling woke him up from his temporary sleep state. He quickly sat up and searched for his phone. He found it right beside his empty Styrofoam cups and picked it up. He looked at the caller and sighed.
"Hello?"
"Tritter? I need to see you in my office. RIGHT NOW!"
"But sir, I am in the middle of an investigation."
"Do not test me! I am in no mood for your bullshit. Now!" Christopher Cullen then hung up the phone before anymore could be said.
Michael Tritter contemplated his options. He knew he was in trouble with his commanding officer but at the same time, he would also be in trouble with the cartel. They had been making more demands of him and he found himself pulling snake eyes. For years, they had been adding to his income. At first, it was small things such as giving them a heads up but slowly it had become something more as they demanded more of him. He knew the first mistake was taking the money but now it was too late. He was in too deep. He tipped his head and closed his eyes as he tried to figure a way out of the mess. He heard a beep and looked down at his phone. He sighed when he got a message from his officer: The only words that displayed were "NOW!" He sighed once more and adjusted his seat and began driving away from the street. As he drove, he looked in the front mirrors to look at the house and wondered about the possibilities. The car continued to drive further down the street before making a left, never realizing that there was another car watching Tritter all along. Tritter never saw the man pull out his cell and call someone on that line. He never heard the conversation but what was said between the two in that conversation would remain a mystery for many.
Days passed and then the group found themselves trying to help Jenn and Chase move into a cozy little condo. Jenn and Rachel were in the kitchen trying to put all the kitchen ware into its proper place. The counter was filled with multiple appliances she or Chase might use. Towards the office, the boys began unpacking the boxes as they placed books on the shelf. There were two tables lined at the side with chairs behind it. Wilson went to the table and picked up another bottle of beer. He turned as he signaled the others if they wanted one as well then proceeded to pass them to Foreman and Chase. A voice called from the kitchen and the boys turned towards the closed door.
"Jimmy?" Rachel called. "Can you please come here?" Wilson walked out the door without as much as a second glance from the other two men. Foreman looked to the direction where Wilson left and then turned to Chase.
"Chase, are you sure about this?" His face tipped to the side as he asked his question.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean don't you think this going a little too fast? And I do not need to tell you that if you fuck up, House is going to kick your ass man."
"What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I am talking about. You know you are still in love with Cameron but let me tell you. This is fucked up dude. This is House's cousin and if he finds out what you are doing or what you are planning on doing…" Foreman cringed.
"I am not doing anything, Foreman." Chase denied. Chase knew he was lying but he was just unsure on how to get himself out of this mess. He cared for Jenn but he was unsure if he loved her. He loved Cameron but now, he was not sure. He wondered what would have happened if she truly allowed herself to let go of House. Would their marriage have survived? He did not know. All these thoughts flowed in his head and the more he thought about these things, his head throbbed further. He placed his hands over to rub his temples to help ease the pain.
"You are not even listening to me, are you? I do not know why I even bother. You need to make a choice and whatever you decide better not involve Cameron. Leave her alone. She's been through enough and she is in love with House. House loves her and if they find out…House will never let you see the light of day. You know it and I know it. They rarely leave each other as it is. Do you really think you can have a chance when they do not even want to be away from each other for a second? Chase, you need to think about this and stop thinking with your dick! What you had with Cameron would have never lasted despite what you thought or wondered. She's meant to be with House. Leave them alone. I'm warning you. Leave her alone. Don't make me say I told you." Foreman looked at Chase and sighed. Foreman knew that Chase was confused and that he needed closure but the more he tried to help, the more he seemed to lose the other gentleman. "Chase?"
"I got it." Chase responded tersely. "Listen, I get it, okay? I just wonder because you are right. I do still love Allison but I still wonder what if. I mean what would have happened if she truly let him go and realized she could have been happy with me? I mean am I wrong to be a little upset and confused? I mean really? She and I got married but then she asked for an annulment. I just do not know what to think."
"Listen, I am not in your position so I do not know but the fact is: She's happy so leave it alone. You know more than anyone she deserves to be happy after everything she has been through and despite what you may think they make each other happy and are willing to fight for that love. Just think of it this way, if you do anything to ruin that what do you think she will say? Do you honestly think she will thank you? No, Chase. She will be upset and cry to House. She won't run to you. She'll run to her husband and the one she loves. You know she cared for you but she does not love you like she loves House. Anyone with eyes could see that. When he left for that facility, she was miserable and I think he was too. They are only happy when they are with each other. And what about Jenn and your unborn child? Have you thought of that? Your impulsive behavior has now involved an innocent child, Chase. You have to think this through and grow up. What we want is not always what we need."
"How does anyone know what we need? How do we know? I mean she may be happy now but House is a jerk."
"He's a jerk to all of us but have you seen her with House? He takes care of her. She is cherished and loved. He makes sure she is okay and that she is taken care of. He does that because he loves her. It is what love is: to make sure your other half is happy and loved. And you know how she is. She is like that too. Even before they got together, she was always hovering over him and anytime you and I would do anything against him..."
"Yes…I get it. They are defensive and protective of one another."
"She's happy and she makes him happy."
"I get it but it doesn't change how I feel. I feel cheated."
"Chase, you really are a dumbass and selfish." Foreman shook his head and proceeded to unpack more things in the office. "I pity you and I am sad that Jenn and her unborn baby have been affected by your stupidity."
Wilson came back in and could see the tension between the two men. A few hours later, Rachel and Jenn came and handed them the lunches. Jenn left without as much as a word to Chase. Rachel and Wilson looked at one another before Rachel followed Jenn.
"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable." - Bruce Lee
Jenn was leaning over one of the counters. Her hand was placed over her stomach as she stood there with her eyes closed. A few tears escaped and she quickly brushed them away. Rachel came into the entry way of the kitchen but did not approach her friend. There she stood, thinking and looking at her friend. She was worried and did not know how to help her.
"Are you okay?" Rachel slowly walked over to Jenn and embraced her.
"Am I supposed to be okay?" Jenn turned to Rachel. She scowled before turning her head back to her flat stomach. "I'm sorry, Rach. It's hormones."
"No it is not. You know it is not. Chase is a dick. I can't believe he said that let alone is doing this." All Jenn could do was nod her head. "I mean he is so insensitive and clearly he did not realize the walls were thin. Jimmy looked so mad and if I had not told him not to go, he would have punched Chase."
"Well, he and Greg are practically brothers and I know if Greg was here he would definitely be angry."
"Well, I am wondering when Jimmy will tell him. You know he is such a gossip." The two girls laughed.
"They do act like little girls sometimes but I think though, if Greg found out I am not sure who Greg will punch first. Jimmy or Robert. Greg tends to be protective of those he loves." Rachel nodded her head in agreement. "I mean let's face it. Ever since we were kids, he has been that way. He may be a jerk to those who do not know him but my cousin cares a great deal more than he lets on."
"Are you worried? You know Ally and I will be here to help you. You know Greg will too."
"I am but at the same time I am not sure what to feel. I know my baby needs her father but I also knew what to expect. I just did not think Robert could be so callous over my feelings."
"I do not think he thought about it at all to be honest. The way he was acting left nothing to the imagination of how he felt. It was selfish and immature."
"I know but he is the father of my child and I love him. But I wonder if he loves me or is just using me? And what of our baby? I am so confused."
"Maybe you should talk to him and let him know how you feel. I mean clearly you are in shock and you need to talk to him."
"I know I do but I also want him to sort out his feelings too. And at the end of the day, I am scared that he won't want us." She touched her stomach to emphasize her point. "And if so, then I think I might be okay with that because overall I need to think about what my baby needs and not what I want."
"Spoken like a mom. I may not be a mother yet but I get it. As a woman, I do but I worry because no woman should be disrespected like this and it is just not right. It is so cowardly if he would walk away from you and his baby."
"And if he does then he truly showed me what type of man he is. He would be no better than James."
"Greg's biological father is a hot mess." Jenn nodded. "I get it I do. I mean I would not want a man like to treat me like some revolving door. It is not right. You can't keep waiting for him to be better and put your life on hold because of it."
"That is what I mean. I deserve better. We deserve better." She looked up and turned her head to the window behind her and in a daze she began to speak. "You know. I envy my cousin. Even though some may have thought less of him. I knew better and I knew that eventually he would have his happiness despite his troubled past. I knew if he truly allowed himself to be then he would have it. Now, he has. He has Ally and I know they will never let each other go. I find myself jealous that I want a guy to cherish and love me the way Greg does Ally. I mean the way he looks at her and the way he calls her 'Baby' makes me wonder…I mean some may say it is over excessive but it works for them and fuck whoever says different. I mean every love story is different but with theirs…it is beyond beautiful. I just wonder if I will ever have something like that."
"That's what I mean. You do deserve better, Jenn. I know you are scared but no matter what you have us. I mean just because it may not work out with Chase does not mean you should give up on love. Love is love but the thing is, sometimes people make it more complicated than what it really is. Maybe what you two need is just time, time for you to decide what you truly need, and what you truly want in your lives. It might mean not with each other and it could mean something else. The point is, there are endless possibilities and worrying over it just won't help you. In fact, stress won't be good for the baby. I think you should just live your life and just take it one step at a time." Reaching over the counter, she picked up a napkin and handed it to Jenn. "What do you want to do? Do you want to stay here? You know you can stay with Jimmy and me. You heard him say it before he walked over there."
"I do not know. I feel…" Her eyes glistened with tears and no words came out. She wondered if all of this would be her life.
"I know what you are thinking. This is not what you are destined to be. There's more to life than heartbreak. I know you believe that this might be all you can be but you are wrong. Everyone deserves happiness and certainly you. I mean even your jerk of a cousin, Greg." Jenn smiled. "See! You are smiling already. Come on. We'll tell Chase you'll stay the weekend with us and then you can decide what you want to do after okay? You are part of this family and right now you need family." She nodded as she allowed Rachel to lead them to the office.
That same day, Lucas Douglas met with David Silverman in Douglas' office. They began discussing Tritter when Silverman received a phone call.
"Silverman." The other man began speaking and Silverman listened on and his poker face made it hard for Douglas to decipher what had happened. After a while, the call ended. Silverman was quiet for a little while before he spoke.
"That was my supervisor and as you know Tritter was called into the office a few days ago and they suspended him."
"Okay, that seemed logical after what he did but I get the feeling there is something more to that conversation that you have not told me. What happened?"
"Tritter's neighbor heard shouting and shots fired in his apartment last night so she called 911 and then when they got into the apartment, they found him dead. They shot him in the head.
AN: How did I do? Did you all like the developments so far? I know the chapter is short but I meant it to be this way for a dramatic appeal. As for Chase and Jenn, I set the stage for part of what the sequel will be. It will be called "The Trouble With Love Is". I was thinking that "The Price of Love" will end after House and Cameron's honeymoon and after that starts the new adventure. LOL. If you haven't already, hit subscribe or alert just in case. Thank you all for reading! I look forward to reading your comments on what you thought of the chapter. Thanks again!
To CSIIReland, Nikmood and to all those who gave me a kudos in AO3: Thank you! I hope you are all liking how I am writing this story so far.
To LucyTheCannibal: Thank you! I am doing my best. There are so many projects I am doing that I am trying to write them all at once. No worries, I will not stop writing this story. (AO3)
To thehopefulone: I hope this chapter answered some of your questions. Feel free to ask more if you are confused on anything. (FFN)