After much discussion Traci gave in and agreed to let Holly visit the West family on the condition she would escort her , Holly argued that she would be fine to go alone but Traci refused ,either they go together or the doctor didn't go at all... Reluctantly Holly agreed and they arranged to go later that day..
Most of Holly's day consist of her playing over the visit in her mind, what would she say,? How would she react to coming face to face with the man who terrified the life out of her? Part of her was nervous but the biggest part of her knew she had to do it.. She wanted to tell the teens mother that he wasn't alone, that she cared for him as best she could.. She wanted to some how provide some kind of comfort to the grieving women... But more then most she wanted to look in to Cyrus' eyes to see if the hunch she had about him was real ..
Traci walking in dead on 4pm she had informed Mrs West that they would be visiting " I can't believe I've let you talk me into this"
Holly smiled " I know and I am really greatful"
"Yeah well remember that when Gail finds out and I become one of your patients " Traci moaned.
"It will be fine, she won't find out" Holly assured the detective.
"No offence Hols, I know you know Gail a little more intimately then I do, but I've known her years and trust me when I say this won't stay a secret, she will find out and I'll be dead"
Holly laughed " leave Gail Peck to me " she winked .." Shell we go"?
...
"Hey Rodney!" Gail smiled as she walked into the morgue " she here?"
Rodney looked nervous, it was safe to say Gail terrified him " uh no.. No she isn't here"
Gail frowned "oh!..well where is she?"
Rodney didn't really know the where bouts of his boss but from the whispering and private talking between her and the detective earlier that day he had a feeling it wasn't for the knowledge of others " I uh... I don't know"
Gail licked her bottom lip " uh.. So she just went out and didn't say where she was going?.. How long she was gonna be"?
Rodney wasn't comfortable being interrogated by the cop " no" he shook his head " I'm sorry I can't help you"
Gail watched him intensely for a few moments, " tell her I came by?"
Rodney nodded and quickly busied himself with tidying the lab so Gail left him to it...
Gail pulled her phone out as she got into the squad car " that was quick" Dov said
"She's not there" Gail sulked " drive"
...
"That's the forth time she's called" Traci said turning to Holly who was holding her phone ..
"I'll call her later"
"Does she usually call you that much" Traci worried
Holly shook her head " maybe she's been to the lab"
"Wait what"? Traci panicked " please tell me your intern doesn't know where you are,"?
"Ofcoarse not"? Holly frowned looking over at the house they were parked outside of... "That's Cyrus Wests car" she pointed to the black vehicle in front of them ..
"So he's home" Traci stated " Hol are you sure about this? I can just go in and tell them myself and we can get out of here"?
Holly shook her head " no! I'm here now ... I'm ok, let's go"! She smiled opening the door stepping out of the SUV .
As they approached the door Holly took a huge deep breath "ready"? Traci asked
Holly bit her lip and nodded " ready"
Traci knocked and they waited .. Holly's heart was beating hard against her chest, she could hear every beat, if she wanted to turn back it was to late , a small women in what Holly believed was probably in her mid forties opened the door..
"Mrs West"? Traci smiled softly " I'm Detective Nash and this is Doctor Stewart "
" I've been expecting you, please come on in" the women offered opening the door .. Holly scanned the walls of the hallway, they were full of pictures of who she believe to be Cyrus and Tyrell at different stages of there young lives ..
" Cyrus" the woman called out " get out here"
Holly clenched the strap of her bag,her palms were sweaty, she great-fully took the seat that was offered to her ..
"I'm here mom" Cyrus said his jaw dropping when he laid eyes on Holly .." Momma I can explain " he panicked " I didn't mean to..."
"Detective Nash and I are here to talk to you and your mom about Tyrell" Holly interrupted " not wanting the young man to drop himself in it,
Cyrus swallowed the lump in his throat " oh"
"Didn't mean to what"? His mother asked .. "What have you done now"?
Cyrus couldn't take his eyes of the pathologist " what?
"You said you didn't mean to"? His mom repeated ..
"Cyrus shook his head acting like he didn't know what his mother was talking about... Traci watched on deciding to get this over and done with " ok so the purpose of our visit today is to tell you in person that Tyrell is ready to come home, we have the paper work here for you and with our deepest sympathy we are sorry for your loss..."
Holly kept her eyes on Cyrus who by now was sat holding his mothers hand.. From just sitting in that room Holly could sense they were a close family, a good family, the mother had done her best to provide her boys with a nice home, a warm and welcoming home, there was no modern furniture or wide screen TVs, or Flashy mod-cons ..but from the smell coming from the kitchen there was a good meal provided on the table and a home built with love ..
"Do you have any leads on who took my baby"? The women asked trying to hold back her tears
"Not as yet ma'am but we are doing our best " Traci said her voice full of apology
"He was just a baby,still in school, you know he was on the honour roll"
Holly's heart broke for the women sat beside her, as did Traci's, she couldn't imagine how she would handle losing Leo let alone omin such a devastating way " we will bring these people to justice ma'am, it might not be anytime soon but we will, In the mean time I hope Tyrell coming home and you being able to lay him to rest will bring you some kind of comfort "
The women smiled" thank you"
Cyrus was sat stroking his mothers back whist still holding her hand, Holly wasn't nervous anymore, she knew she was right about the young man, he wasn't evil, he was lost, scared and hurting ...
"Did you say she was a doctor"? The women asked Traci but looking at Holly ..
"Uh yes, Holly answered "I'm a pathologist at the morgue, I took care of Tyrell"
You did"? His mum cried "be honest with me sweetheart, did my baby suffer. Was he in pain",?
Holly reached out to take the lady's hand, the least she could so was be honest " ma'am Tyrell didn't die instantly but the bullet wound was to deep to feel any pain, I promise you"
Traci handed the saddened women a tissue and smiled at Holly..
Cyrus sat watching the exchange greatful that Holly hadn't said anything to his mother, he knew he did wrong and could face jail had Holly spoke up, he also knew that his mother needed him to be the man of the house and take care of her and their affairs " so we can arrange his funeral now"?
Traci nodded ..
"Tell me Doctor when you said you cared for my son what did you mean"?
Holly drew a deep breath "I had to preform him autopsy,"she began " I cleaned him up ,washed his hair, I sat with him for most of the day"
The women was shocked " you mean you didn't just cut him up and throw him in one of those fridges you see on the TV,?leave him cold and alone,"
Holly frowned "No Mrs West, I took the up most care of your son, I held his hand,I stroked his cheek,I didn't leave him alone, I dressed him for you and made sure he went straight to the chapel of rest, your son wasn't alone and he wasn't cold "
Cyrus bowed his head with shame , how could he have done what he did to this women in front of him when she cared so much for a kid she didn't even know?
The women began to cry grabbing Holly holding her Into a tight embrace " thank you. Thank you so much "
Holly allowed the women to hold her as long as she needed " you're welcome"
Traci explained the the funeral company would be in touch to arrange for Tyrell to be escorted home before burial . Traci herself felt happy to see that this poor women had found some kind of comfort from Holly's words .. "Ok so if you don't have any questions we will leave you to carry on with your day" Traci said with a smile
"Mr West why don't you see us out"? Holly asked finally catching the mans eye.. "Sure" he nodded
Traci can I meet you in the car "?
Traci frowned " Holly I don't think ..
"Please" Holly butted in " just gimme a minute ?"
Traci rolled her eyes she knew she would be wasting her time.. Once Traci was gone Holly turned to the very nervous young man stood behind her " I forgive you Cyrus"
Cyrus released the breath he didn't know he was hold and almost chocked on it " ma'am I don't know what I can say to you? What you just did for my mother?" He shook his head " I am so sorry I should be in jail"
Holly bit her lip with a nod " maybe you should be.. But ... Well who gets pleasure out of that happening? Look I came here today because I needed to see you, look into your eyes, I needed to see if what you wrote on that card was the truth"
"It is" Cyrus urged " I know flowers don't make up for what I did but I had to do something"
"Well you can do something for me, I need to know why? I need to .. I don't know " the brunette shook her head " I just need to understand so I can move on "
"What can I do? The young man asked ..
Holly turned to look at Traci who was watching them intensely " there's a small cafe on the high street near the morgue it's called lucies"
"I know it" Cyrus nodded ..
"Good! Meet me there at 10am tomorrow" Holly ordered rather then asked.
Cyrus nodded " I'll be there"
Holly nodded and walked up the path before turning back " Mr West?" She call out " thank you .. For the flowers they are beautiful "
Cyrus was a little surprised at the women's good nature, surprised that she could smile at him and reach out to him like she's doing when things could easily have gotten out of hand and either one of them coulda lost their lives that day ...
Traci pulled up outside the morgue " so time to close that case huh"?
Holly nodded " thanks for letting me come with you"
Traci sighed " just don't let Gail come after me when she finds out"
Holly laughed " it'll be ok, I'll see you later " she waved as she got out the car ...
"Where you been"?Steve asked as Traci reached for his coffee " you don't want to know" she moaned taking a long draw from the mug..
"You seen Gail",?
Steve shook his head " she's out on patrol I think "
"Good"
Steve frowned " good why,?"
Traci looked around to make sure now one was close enough to hear " I had to go to the West's place to tell them Tyrell was ready to go home "
"Yeah so"? Steve shrugged
Traci tutted "soooo, Holly made me take her along"
"What" Steve shouted "are you crazy"?
"Shhhhh keep your voice down " Traci cringed dragging her lover into the office " I didn't have a choice, she's a very persuasive women" .
"And you're a dead one when my little sister finds out" Steve laughed
" I know " Traci sulked laying her head down on to the desk .. "What could I do Steve ? Hols practically begged me"
Steve puffed out his cheeks " tough one, but Gail ain't gonna be happy"
"What am I not gonna be happy about"? Gail asked from behind her brother. Traci panicked internally only to be thankful for Steve stepping in . " uh mom? You're not gonna be happy about mom"?
"Why, what has she done"?
Steve smirked "she's invited us to dinner at the weekend, all of us"
Gail frowned " bullshit"
"No it isn't, she's asked we all be there"
"Steve your lying,and I know that for a fact because superintendent mom doesn't know about Holly and I yet, and I know this because she would have shown up or had me join some lgbt group for cops by now, .. So what am I not gonna be happy about "?
Steve looked at Traci with a shrug " Holly's not happy with you "
"What"? Gail frowned
"Yeah Traci might have mentioned how mom doesn't know you are dating her and she's kinda upset about it "
Gail looked at Steve then at Traci. " seriously"?
Traci nodded " sorry,"
"Great," Gail sulked " thanks Nash " she moaned hitting the door frame " that's just great"
Once Gail stormed off Traci slapped Steve across the arm.. "Owww" he laughed rubbing the spot
"What am I meant to do with that"?Steve shrugged " well I couldn't tell her the truth so I had to think on the spot ,what I do know is you better get Holly in on this before Gail gets there"
"Shit" Traci moaned picking up the phone ...
Holly was heading home when Traci called to fill her in on Steve's stupidity ... Holly know had to pretend to be mad at the blonde cop about something she actually never even though about or cared about for that matter ..
"Hols"? Came the cops voice from the front door .
Holly prepared herself as Gail entered the kitchen..
" ok look I know you're probably pissed at me because I haven't mentioned you to my parents yet... but what you have to understand is my mom is a first class bitch" Gail rambled on " if she knew we we are dating she would be all up in our business, she would be looking into your whole life, your family, your job, your bank accounts, and I'm sorry I really am but she would even know what grades you had in junior high by the end of the day"..
Holly couldn't bare to see Gail so flustered, to watch as Gail apologised for no reason " I don't care who knows about us , you have to know that but with her it's not just me I'm looking out for, it's you "
Holly pulled Gail into her arms kissing her deeply " you don't have to apologise, it's ok Gail" she smiled kissing the cop again ...
"I will tell her" Gail whispered catching her breath from the kiss ..
"In your own time is ok with me, I know I'm not some dirty little secret"
Gail swallowed " but Steve said you were mad about it"?
Holly shook her head " Steve's just being your annoying older brother, I'm not mad"
"Bastard" Gail fumed as Holly kissed away her frown ..
"What's that smell"?
Holly rolled her eyes , typical Gail Peck she thought " it's Thai, I didn't feel like cooking tonight"
"Great cause I'm hungry, the blonde grinned " mind if I take a shower first"?
"Go ahead" Holly winked ... " Holly had a feeling this was going to bit her on the ass eventually, she didn't want secrets between the two of them but decided she would meet Cyrus first then tell Gail the truth, but for tonight she would forget shoot it and enjoy the rest of their evening ..
...
" Holly just texted me,everything's fine , Gail brought it "Traci told Steve as they sat in the Penny..
"I don't know trace, Gail's not stupid, she can spot a lie a mile off. I think you and Holly need prepare yourselves for the storm that is my baby sister " Steve warned his girl .
Traci sighed heavily knowing he was right , she just hoped Gail wouldn't be stupid enough to push Holly away completely ..
It's the mom thing isn't it"? Gail asked from the couch as Holly lay with her head on her lap.. "What"? The doctor frowned looking up at the blonde..
"You're different tonight, quieter"
Holly sat up feeling guilty " Gail " she swallowed " it's not your mom really, I'm just tired "
Gail scanned the brunettes face " no, there's something else"?
Holly forced a smile as she leaned in to kiss Gail's lips " there is nothing wrong, I am just really tired "
"Promise"? Gail asked
Shit. Holly screamed internally, there was no way she wanted to promise Gail , no way did she want to lie to the women sat beside her , looking at Gail's worried face , Holly almost caved in , she needed to thing fast , "Holly , promise me"?
Holly took a deep breath in " you don't have to worry, I am completely fine, we're fine .. And you " she grinned taking up position on Gail's lap " you are oh so fine, and I've been thinking about you all day" she teased as she pulled Gail's top over her head " why don't we get an early night hmmm"?
Gail mind went completely blank at the feel of Holly's lips working her neck, her olive skinned hands tracing patterns on her naked back " though you were tired"? She asked sucking in her bottom lip..
"I'm sure I can hold out a little longer " Holly giggled as she undid Gail's bra.. "Take me to bed officer "
...
9.30 am and Gail slowly crept up on her unsuspecting brother slapping him hard around his head " that is for making me think Holly was upset with me . And that" she punched him on the arm " is for getting Traci to back you up on it"
"Oww ok .. Ok I'm sorry" Steve sulked " geeez "
"Idiot" Gail snapped taking his toast off his plate... " and so you know Holly doesn't care that mom doesn't know "
"Well that's good sis and I'm sorry for teasing you " Steve smiled ..
"Don't do that"? Gail pointed " don't be all nice and stuff it makes me nervous"
Steve laughed " hey what can I say ? I like Holly , I think she's great and she's good for you "
Gail cringed on the outside but was secretly happy her brother approved " yeah well as long as mom doesn't stick her nose in I'm sure we will be fine"
" I'm sure you will set her straight sis " Steve said getting up from his chair " but uh . If I was you I'd check in.. I spoke to her last night and she was asking.. Or should I said moaning she hasn't heard from you.. Wouldn't want a surprise visit now would you"? He winked as she strolled off to his office ..
"Fuck" Gail sulked knowing she would have to call her mother today at some point ..
...
10.10am .. Holly is sat waiting in the cafe fiddling with the handle of her coffee cup , she wasn't sure if Cyrus was gonna show or not? She decided to wait a little longer, maybe till 10.30 before she left ..
10.20am.. Cyrus approaches her table " I'm sorry I'm late, my mom needed a ride to work"
Holly smiled "it's fine , sit? She offered pointing to the seat infront of her " can I get you a drink, some breakfast"?
"Uh coffee'a good" Cyrus answered
Holly caught the attention of the waitress , holding her mug up and two fingers .. "Thank you for meeting me"
Cyrus sighed sliding down in his chair a little " wow it's the least I could do, I wouldn't be able to sit here if if wasn't for you "
The waitress placed the coffee down turning to Cyrus " would you like to order off the menu sir"?
" no thanks , just the coffee"
The waitress nodded and left the two alone .. " how's your mom?
Instantly Holly spotted guilt wash over the man .. He sipped his coffee " she seems better, I think knowing you cared so well for Ty helped..So for that I'm greatful "
Holly just smiled " Cyrus you're probably wondering why I didn't have you arrested "?
" to say it hasn't crossed my mind would be a lie, in fact it's all I've thought about" he admitted .. " I mean that cop was there"
It was Holly's turn to feel the guilt at the mention of Gail " yeah well.. She sighed heavily " she's not exactly happy with me about it"
Cyrus nodded " I can understand that"
Holly looked at the young man taking him in. His and Tyrell's facial structure were almost identical , both good looking boys, a beautiful redness to there dark skin " what made you get into that gang"?
Cyrus frowned , he hasn't expected so meet Holly and talk about himself , his life , he thought she wanted answers to why he did what he did... Taking a moment to get his head around the situation he sipped his coffee once more " I thought if you can't beat them , join them" he shrugged " my mom never had any money , she worked 3 jobs to pay the bills, Tyrell and I didn't get to have the cool clothes and the nike sneakers, we didn't get candy often or have birthday parties , games consoles , iPhones or iPads , Tyrell would talk about how his friends got all this kinda stuff from their parents and I hated it.. I hated that he was envious" ,Cyrus stop to rub his face before he continued " he would go to his friends house just to watch their cable" i got offered to run some drugs around but I refused, but then one day I came home and my mom was glueing her shoes back together, the poor women couldn't afford a new pair, so I took the job, first off it was little amounts, personal users , $100 here and there, got my mom some new shoes " he smiled remembering how happy she was " I told her I fixed someone car and they paid me, ..then it went to drop off at bars and clubs, I hated it, I didn't want to get into that, my mom would come home and say how she hated the kids that hung outside the store, and that they were scum who gave the neighbourhood a bad name " Cyrus shook her head " little did she know her kid was one of them huh?"
" how did Tyrell get caught up in all of it " Holly asked tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat ..
Cyrus bowed his head " cause I'm a fool and I shoulda known better " was his answer " the week before Tyrell died I was ordered to hide drugs at my house, they got a tip off about the cops were raiding the bar it was distributed in .. so one of the guys told me to hide it .. I said no .. Not at my house no way,I said no more,I told them I wanted out,"
"Then what"? Holly asked ..
Cyrus cleaned his throat and sat up straight " that night my mom was staying over my aunties house , I came back earlier then I said I would be and caught Tyrell stashing it inside the bath tub, I went crazy at him , told him this wasn't gonna be our lives no more, that we had to be better , I was gonna take it back but it was to late, the cops were at the bar and people were getting arrested" Cyrus removed his jacket suddenly feeling hot.. "Once the cops had gone I made Tyrell help me fill the trunk of the car up so we could take it back, when we got to the bar I dumped it on the floor and walked away .. I thought Tyrell was behind me , then I heard gun shots and there he was.. Lying on the floor"
Holly reached over placing her hand on Cyrus' " I am so .. So sorry"
" it's all my fault " he wept
"No " Holly shook her head " no it isn't Cyrus, you tried to do better for your family, no one can take that away from you"
Cyrus for the first time since he arrived looked up at Holly .. His brown eyes meeting hers " you know I will never forgive myself for his death, but I know I have to make things better for my mom, I have to make him proud. And because you haven't sent me to jail I feel like I've been given a second chance . Like your some guardian angel or something "
Holly blushed " I don't think thats what I am , I just don't want another young persons life ruined "
"I'm guessing your cop friend doesn't see things the way you do"? He asked
"Gail? Ahhhh " Holly sighed " Cyrus? Gail is my partner,my girlfriend , but she's also a cop and blue blood runs through her so everything she does is by the book, she isn't happy no.. And she doesn't know we've met"
"Wow" Cyrus coughed " not wow to the girlfriend part " he insisted " I just mean wow , I'm surprised I'm still breathing , I would have shot me that much I know "
Holly Laughed " she came close "
"Ok look don't ask me why but I want help you .. I want to help your mom , I'm kinda guessing you don't work"?
"Kinda hard to find employment when you have a criminal record " he sulked..
"Ok well.. I'm willing to help you out, it's not much and the pay isn't great but there is a job going at the morgue , it's helping out the generator , he's a really good guy and I'm sure he would he greatful for the help " Holly offered ..
"Ill take it" Cyrus said quickly " I'll do whatever "
"I'm putting my trust in you Cyrus"
"I won't let you down . I promise" he smiled " can I ask... Why? I mean why would you wanna help me"?
Holly tilted her head lifting her glasses " I don't know, I just see something in you. Call me crazy "
Cyrus shook his head " your not crazy, your my lifeline, no one has every been this good to me, and I want to show you that you were right about me"
Holly smiled holding her hand out for him to shake " 10am tomorrow morning sound good to you"?
Cyrus shook the doctors hand " sounds amazing , wait what about the cop?
Holly pouted knowing that wasn't gonna be easy " you let me worry about that , I have to go"
Cyrus stood to see Holly off " tomorrow?
"Yes ma'am " he saluted her as she walked away . "Doc"? He called out waiting for Holly to turn to him " I'm defiantly thanking god for you tonight "...