,Thanks for the response to the last chapter hopefully it continues.
As I mentioned last chapter we are headed back to May when the story begins I will warn readers that this chapter does deal with the topic of gay-bashing and the use of offensive language which this author is not endorsing in any way it is only being used as a plot device.
Chapter3 A World Left in Ruins
Warning This chapter is violent and does contain gay bashing read with caution.
As mentioned before the practice of gay bashing would play a part in this story it is only being used as a plot device this author does not condone the actions depicted in any way.
It had been two weeks since Jamie and Eddie had amended the framework of their relationship and for them it was pure bliss, they had taken almost too well to covert part of their relationship even if it did make their bond stronger.
In a way it spiced up their relationship as a whole which they took full advantage of, but as happy as Jamie and Eddie were with this their progress there was still an elephant in the room that Jamie knew had to be dealt with now and being that he was hours away from taking the sergeants exam it really was now or never.
Since Jamie's exam was at 9 and both he and Eddie were scheduled to work a split morning tour Jamie figured it was best to tell Eddie how him taking the exam would affect their partnership both on and off the job add to that the fact that Jamie wanted to avoid Eddie causing a scene Jamie decided that it was best for both of them if he told her his news in a public place where he could avoid.
After waking up showering and getting dressed Jamie decided to call Eddie and have her meet him before work.
Jamie pulled his from the wall charger and speed dialed Eddie.
The phone rang three times before Eddie finally picked up.
"Hey Jamie what's up nervous about today?"
"No I think I'll do fine I actually called because I was hoping we could grab a bite before you in are you free?"
For you babe I'm free as a bird."
"Great how about the diner up the block from you in twenty my treat."
"Of course see you there."
"Later babe."
After ending the call Jamie grabbed his keys jacket and shield and headed out to his car.
As Jamie drove to the diner he was silently praying that after telling Eddie his news he would still be able to call her his girlfriend.
A short time later Jamie pulled up the diner where he spotted Eddie waiting by the entrance.
Jamie parked his car across from the diner and crossed the street where he greeted Eddie with a chaste kiss.
"Shall we." Jamie said holding the door open for Eddie who was dressed in a fitted blue shirt and matching jeans.
After being seated they were handed menus by a middle aged waitress with brown hair dressed in a seventies diner outfit.
"I'll be back in a bit with your coffees and orders guys." The waitress said cheerfully since Eddie and Jamie were regulars at diner ever since they started seeing each other.
"So Jamie what's the plan today since you're taking test and I'm on beat?"
"Well you're doing solo meter maid duty until I get back to the house then its regular patrol with yours truly hopefully nothing crazy happens today it's Monday and I could do without any unnecessary bull."
"You and me both Reagan."
A few moments later Jamie and Eddie's orders of bacon pancakes and eggs along with coffee had arrived, the couple had enjoyed their food while making eyes at each other while eating.
Half way through the meal Jamie thought it was the right time to tell Eddie the other half of his news.
Jamie took a sip of his coffee put it down and noticed Eddie was finishing off her last two pancakes.
"Eddie I have something I need to tell you and I hope you don't get mad I only kept this from you because I wanted to be sure that I was really prepared."
Upon hearing the concern in Jamie's voice Eddie put down her fork and looked Jamie in the eye.
"Jamie you can tell me anything you should know I'll support you all the way."
"If you say so here it goes."
Jamie took a deep breath before continuing.
"Remember last week when I told you I was talking to sarge before we left a couple weeks ago?"
"Yeah you said it had something to do with the exam why?"
"Well that's not the whole truth."
"Jamie how could you lie to me I thought we were beyond lying to each other."
"I never lied I just didn't tell you the whole truth and I'm sorry for that Eddie I really am."
"Alright I'll forgive you but you tell me the whole truth now and never lie to me or we're through both personally and professionally clear Reagan."
"Crystal and again I'm sorry."
"It's forgiven now what's the missing info on you and the sergeants exam?"
"Well if I pass the sergeants exam it will not only mean a promotion it'll mean big changes in the twelfth."
"Big changes how?"
"Like major changes Renzulli moving to lieutenant for starters."
"If Renzulli moves up that leaves us without a CO."
"Well that's where I come in sarge already told me if I pass the exam I'm on the short list for CO."
"Wow Jamie that's a lot to take in." Eddie stated with a look of shock on her face.
"I know that would mean I'd be dating my boss."
"Another hurtle for us to clear at 1PP I know but I'll turn down the position if I'm picked if that's what you want Eddie you're just as important to me as this job is."
"Jamie I couldn't and wouldn't ask you to turn down a job for me if you get the offer I want you take it hell I'll transfer out if that would make it easier for you to take the job."
"Eddie no the twelfth is just as much your house as it is mine I want you to stay."
"I'll stay but if it gets weird I'm transferring, I would rather have you in my life as my loving boyfriend and happy than as my boss and miserable."
"Thanks Eddie that means a lot."
"Anything for you Reagan now you need to get down to the testing center and I need to get to roll call."
Jamie paid their bill and the couple left diner glad they had cleared the air before they added to their list of problems.
Once Jamie pulled into the testing center he noticed he had just enough time to go in change into uniform and report to his assigned area.
Jamie signed in at the reception desk vouched his weapon and headed for the locker room.
After changing Jamie went up to the fifth floor where the test was being administered found his seat and waited with the other twenty-four Sargent hopefuls.
Fifteen minutes later the captain who would be acting as the proctor welcomed everyone to the exam after going over the test format and posttest procedure the timer was set and the test began.
Meanwhile across town on the campus of Columbia University Nicky and Ashley were preparing to take their first of two final exams before they would be meeting up with Raquel and Marina.
"So Nicky it's been seven months of you and Marina tap dancing with each other don't you think it's time you two stop the we're just casual routine and move on to being exclusive?"
"Ash for the millionth time I want us to be exclusive but part of me is scared I've never been with a girl before and with Marina being older and more experienced I'm scared she'll change her mind and go for someone more experienced.
"Nicky the girl is so into you it's not even funny just the way she acts around should be proof enough."
"What are you talking about Ash?"
"Give me a break like you haven't noticed how she goes from rough ready for anything super-cop to doting wanna be girlfriend around you and from what Rocky told me you're the first girl that has ever completely cracked the wall Marina has around herself, face it I wouldn't be surprised if she uses that big bank account she has and makes it rain for you."
"Ash I don't care about her money or the fact that she's a model as well as a cop I like her for her not the extras."
"Relax I get it you two would be a hot couple though you have to admit the daughter of New York's best ADA's as well as the granddaughter of the current police commissioner with the daughter of the most decorated female MMA fighter in the world in addition to the former chief of the Boston PD not to mention her father brings his own heat as the most feared DA on the east coast."
"Alright I get it we'd be a power couple now let's move before we flunk the semester."
"Nicky and Ashley quickly made their way across campus from the student lounge to the English department where they happen to run into someone they hoped they hadn't, that person was their classmate Bernie Maxwell who was flanked by his best friend Dave Hawk both were on the Columbia basketball team and had crushes on Nicky.
"Hey Nicky why don't you quit hanging with the head of the dyke squad and let me and my boy here give you some real lady loving?" Bernie who was a few inches taller than Nicky with hazel eyes and short black hair.
"Yeah Nicky both of knows the only reason you left that loser you were with was because he couldn't give you what you needed." Dave said as he showed off his abs to Nicky being six five one eighty five with long black hair was something Dave often use on girls to get what he wanted which didn't work on Nicky.
"Beat it losers neither of us want you." Ashley snapped pushing past the guys.
Just as Nicky walked past Bernie he tripped Nicky.
"Hey asshole not cool." Nicky snapped brushing herself off and getting up.
"If you think that wasn't cool you haven't seen a thing yet watch your back." Bernie said as he and Dave left.
Nicky and Ashley took their seats preparing for their final.
"Nicky be careful around campus those two are crazy."
"I will Ash but I'm not going let them get to me."
After taking their seats Nicky and Ashley waited about five minutes after which their professor walked in passed out the tests set the timer and allowed the class to begin their exam.
Nicky and Ashley had finished their exam with a half hour to spare and after they handed in their exams they headed to the Math building to take their statistics final.
Just as they were headed inside Nicky and Ashley were surprised by Marina and Raquel.
"What are you two doing here?" Nicky asked surprised that Marina was on campus considering her last final was an online project.
"Nothing we had time to kill so Marina over here begged me to drive down here so could and I quote be in the presence of New York's most desired bachelorette."
"Aw that's so sweet." Ashley cooed.
"Shut up Ashley you're going to ruin the moment." Marina snapped.
Marina then took Nicky's hands in her own.
"This wasn't how I planned on doing this but I can't wait any longer."
"Marina what are you doing?" Nicky asked confused by her friends' gesture.
"Well Nicky we've been doing the nonexclusive friends thing since the week after we saw each other at the lounge and I can't do that anymore so I'm asking you the one question that has been on mind since we met, Nicky Reagan will you be my girlfriend?"
Nicky took a moment to process what was happening the girl who had seemingly gelled with her from the start was asking her to be her girlfriend it took Nicky a few moments but knew what she wanted to do she took one deep breath in and looked into Marina's hazel eyes.
"Marina I've never done this before but I feel like I can trust you to be patient with me so to answer your question yes I'll be your girlfriend."
The duo broke apart and shared a loving but tame kiss to the delight of their friends.
"Well as much as I hate to breakup this hallmark moment these two still have tests to ace so I say we meet up afterwards and head to Eva's afterwards grab a bite and after Marina gets off tour we head to Leo's and celebrate with some hookah."
"I'm cool with that." Nicky commented.
"Then its settled food then hookah now I'll have something to look forward to at the end of tour."
"Good luck you two." Rocky commented as Nicky and Ashley headed inside but just before Nicky went in Marina stopped her.
"Nicky before you go in I wanted to give this to you."
Marina went into her pocket and pulled and pulled out a necklace that had a gold lion claw like charm hanging off it.
"This is for you sorry it's not boxed or anything but it's my charm chain I want to have it now consider it the first of your gifts from me to show you how much I care about you."
"Thanks Marina I'll keep it safe." Nicky said putting the small chain on.
The couple shared one final hug before separating as Nicky went to catch up with Ashley.
Nicky walked in just as the professor was to hand out the exams and shortly after the test began with Nicky hoping she could ace yet another final.
Back at the NYPD testing center Jamie was putting the finishing touches on his exam finishing the last set of questions.
Jamie checked over his answers one last time before handing in his exam.
Once Jamie turned in his exam he walked down to the lobby picked up his weapon and headed for work.
Jamie sent Eddie a quick text saying he would be meeting her in an hour and made his way to the twelfth.
Once Jamie got in he suited up and made his way to Eddie finding her on meal at a deli about ten blocks from the squad.
"Hey Reagan how'd it go?"
"Tedious but I think I passed."
"That's great pretty quiet on my end noting major I got a turkey cheese on a roll eat up."
"Thanks Eddie you know just what I need."
"It's my job Reagan now eat up."
Eddie and Jamie made quick work of their meal before heading out again hoping the remainder of the tour would be peaceful.
Meanwhile at Columbia Nicky was wrapping up her final and checking over her work once she was done she handed in her exam and gathered her ID and signaled to Ashley that she'd be close by.
Nicky headed out of the building and made her way towards the campus exit just as she crossed the street Nicky was approached by Bernie Dave and yet another guy but she couldn't make out his face because it was covered by a black bandana and a hood.
"Hey Nicky where you headed?" Dave asked is a pestering manor.
"Away from you now if you don't mind I'm leaving." Nicky stated.
"You're not going anywhere sweet cheeks unless you agree to go out on a date with us." Dave stated.
"I think I'll pass excuse me." Nicky said trying to push passed the trio.
"Alright we tried this the easy way and that didn't work so I guess we do this the hard way". Bernie stated as he revealed his previously concealed right hand which now had brass knuckles attached.
Before Nicky could react she was being assaulted by the three men and after she blacked out from being beaten the masked assailant pulled out a can of black spray paint while Bernie retrieved a souvenir gay pride from a bag the trio had close by.
"Tag her." Dave ordered.
The masked man tagged Nicky by spray painting the word DYKE on the front of her shirt after which Bernie dropped the flag on Nicky's chest.
"Let's go we're done here Dave said as they ran off.
Back on campus Ashley was walking out of her final and tried calling Nicky but got no answer.
"That's weird Nicky always picks up." Ashley mused to herself walking on to the street just as she crossed the street she noticed something odd and went to cross the street to check it out.
When she saw Nicky's body on the ground she immediately called 911
"911 what's your emergency?"
I'm calling to report an assault just across the street from Columbia university I need an Ambulance Now!" Ashley said trying to keep it together.
"Okay help is on the way."
After calling 911 Ashley called Marina hoping she'd pick up.
Marina luckily picked up right away.
"Hey Ash what's up I just got on tour."
"Marina get over here to campus now Nicky's been hurt and its bad."
Marina didn't even think twice she got her partner Rivera and jumped into the driver's side of their cruiser
"Hey rookie where's the fire?"
"Emma there's been an accident at Columbia we need to move now I'll explain once we're there."
Marina motored through the streets like a bat out of hell knowing that her life was about to get a hell of a lot more stressful.
Next update will pick up with Marina on scene along with two particular patrolmen.