I Will
Joe Morelli is going crazy.
He has asked around. He has pull favors. He has done a lot of digging. He's a cop. He was born and grew up here. He has eyes and ears all over the city. He's smart. He's determined. He's sad. He's angry. He hasn't shaved in days. His arm is still in a sling. He's still wearing his wedding band. He pulled every string he could. And now, finally, He has found something.
Jake Fransico. Ex-Marine. Single. No criminal record. Model citizen. Good-looking. The man who wrecked his marriage. The love of his wife's life. RangeMan employee.
Morelli stares hard at the photo on the computer screen. He rests his free hand on his forehead, his finger touching the old scar in his left brow. He Lets out a low laugh. The story of his life is like a fucking B-Rated movie. He tried to fight for Stephanie. He did everything he could. He applied every tactic he knew. Still he lost her to the other man. Should he fight for Emily? Will it be worth it in the end? Right now his heart and head are singing different tunes. Which one should he listen to? The look in his mother's eyes. The way his brother, cousins and friends pat him on the back. The silence and emptiness of his lovely house. His pride. His ego. His needs. His anxiety. He feels like trapped and he sees no light ahead. He doesn't want to die lonely. He wants to wake up, everyday, next to a soft warm naked female body. He's also desperate to have a kid. A little boy. Tiny hands. Tiny feet. They will adopt a new puppy. A big happy friendly mutt. Just like Bob. They will have fun. They will be loved. Life will be perfect. He wants to tell Emily the truth. They can try for a test-tube baby. They can go to a counselor. They can fix everything...
"I'm still in love with him."
"After all these years."
"After everything."
Joe Morelli closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and counts to 10 through clenched teeth. He opens his eyes, reaches for his phone, and dials the familiar number.
"We need to talk." Morelli says flatly into the phone.
Ranger hangs up without saying goodbye.
"Rude bastard." Morelli curses.
"Joe, dinner's ready." His mother calls out from the kitchen.
They are having pasta salad tonight.