Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the plot and Annie. Even the title is borrowed from Van Morrison.
Italics - Spanish
Some bad words, some violence, and fade into black sex-scenes, nothing too graphic.
Chapter 19. Tuesday interludeThe next morning he awoke with Annie still in his arms. She was wiggling.
"I need the toilet. Please let go of me."
"Never. Not until you promise you´ll be back."
"I promise." She sealed the promise with a kiss, and made a speedy tour to the bathroom. She came back and cuddled up to him.
"I talked to Ranger last night. He said I should tell you that you did a first class job with Helen."
"How did Stephanie take it? I feel like I know her though we've never met, and her mother was one crazy bitch. Totally egotistic, and holier than thou."
"He said it was like lancing a pustule. Maybe she really can take in that her mother is the one who´s been wrong the whole time. We've told her that, of course, but here was even more evidence.
"I need to go to work today. And even though Morelli´s not out and about I'm not thrilled about the fact you were followed from the park yesterday."
"I have my laptop and some work things here, but I need some books and other things. Even though I'm not going to Ms. Anderson´s house I was planning to work a bit on one of the translations. I have a good photograph of the fragment on the computer. So if we just go by my apartment and pick up those things maybe you have a spare desk somewhere at Haywood where I can work?"
"Sounds like an excellent idea. But I believe I have an even better one."
Tank gave her a thorough kiss, and it was some time before they had showered and was dressed and ready for breakfast.
After picking up Annie´s things they continued to Haywood. Tank had an eye out for someone following them, but couldn't see any tail.
At Haywood Annie decided that she´d like to work at a desk in the electronics room, if that was OK with Hector. He happily agreed, and Tank proceeded to his office. After checking in with Bobby to hear how Morelli was – nothing new – Tank worked on the accumulated paper work for three hours. He called down to Annie and they met up and had a sandwich and a cup of coffee. She then returned to her work, and Tank took a deep breath and went down to the basement.
He went into Morelli´s cell, making sure it was locked, and that there were a guard outside and that the cameras were on.
"Morelli," he said.
Obviously the detox had done some good to Morelli. He wasn't shouting, and seemed relatively calm.
"Want to get out of here?"
No answer.
"We've talked to Helen Plum. She said that you had some photos that mayor Juniak had paid for. We're also interested in your photos of police commissioner Ford. If you tell us how to get these we're willing to let you out of here."
Morelli continued his silence.
"Well, see you around. When you're willing to make a deal just say it out loud, I´m sure the microphones will catch it."
He left the cell.
Bobby was standing outside.
"He´s starting to smell a bit rank, otherwise he seems alright. Better than the last times I've seen him," Tank said.
"Keep giving him water and food. Try to space it out unevenly. Loss of time sense can be upsetting."
"Will do."
"And I suppose we could give him a shower in a couple of days."
Tank continued working at the desk, and checked the work calendar. Tomorrow he would have three meetings with potential clients. He couldn't help but think of Mrs. Fraser, and shuddered. There was a knock on his door.
"Yes."
The door opened and Annie looked inside.
He gave her a big smile.
"You're a sight for sore eyes."
"Likewise, I really like the view." Annie gave him a smile.
"I´ve made quite a dent in the translation. But now I feel like my head is ready to explode. Hector said he was off now, and asked if I wanted to have a late lunch with him, and he also promised to show me some shopping places he likes."
"You´ve made a real impression on him, I don't think I've ever heard about him shop anything besides electronics."
"Maybe that´s where we're heading." Annie came inside and went over to Tank and gave him a kiss.
"Are you OK with me and Hector leaving."
"Absolutely. You´ve chosen the one man here I can´t be jealous of, and besides is a most capable bodyguard."
"I'm considering if I should set him up with Ms. Anderson's butler, but I think Hector is too intense for Murillo. Maybe Bart. He and Marvin probably won't last much longer."
"Please let me know the outcome."
Annie just laughed.
"Honestly. I´m not against introducing people to each other, but I'm not into matchmaking. It´s up to the individuals if they want to meet up, not me. See you."
She gave him another kiss and was out of the office. Tank looked at the paperwork and all the mail on the computer and sighed. He worked for another hour, before he got something to eat from the kitchen and went back to his desk. Several hours later he heard laughter outside his door. He looked at the time, and decided that it definitely was time to call it a day.
He powered off the laptop and got his jacket. When he opened the door Annie was standing outside talking and laughing with Hector and Cal.
Her whole face lit up when she saw him. There was that punch to his gut again, he thought.
"So, did you find any interesting electronics to buy?"
"We definitely found interesting things," Annie answered.
She turned to Hector.
"Thank you for today, Hector! I really appreciate all the help and your company."
"You're very welcome."
"Thank you for keeping an eye open," Tank said.
He turned to Annie.
"Ready to go home?"
"Definitely. I'll just pick up my bags."
Tank had expected something from the mall, but it looked like groceries.
"Hector knew some really good markets."
Tank carried it down to the garage, and they went back to the house. They prepared the food together, and took their time eating and enjoying it. Afterwards they cuddled up on the sofa. Annie laid down and put her head in Tank´s lap. She soon had two cats on her stomach, purring loudly. Applejack looked a bit jealous, and then laid down on one of Tank´s broad shoulders.
"This would have been one great photo, if we´d been able to capture it."
Tank laughed at her, and carefully combed his fingers through her hair.
"Keep up the good work, and you'll soon hear me purr as well. And please, no pussy jokes."
"I´ve heard most of them. Apparently it´s hilarious with a big black guy having three tiny cats."
"On the outside you do look more like someone having a Rottweiler."
"I´ve got nothing against dogs, but they need a lot more care."
They enjoyed the silence for a while.
"Do you want to accompany me to a Christening in Miami on the seventh of May? It´s my goddaughter Stella Mañoso, Ranger´s and Stephanie's daughter."
"I´d love to. But who´ll take care of the cats?"
"They´ll be at a boarding house for pets. They´ve been there before, and seem to like it there."
Annie looked at him teasingly.
"I was just worried Mrs. Gonzales would look after them. Being your neighbor, I mean."
Tank removed Applejack from his shoulder and bent over Annie and started tickling her. Ginger and Cinnamon fled.
"You seem so interested in Mrs. Gonzales that maybe I should be worried?"
Annie pretended to consider it. "No, I do think I prefer you."
She straddled his lap and gave him a kiss.
"Want to go upstairs so I can show my appreciation?"
"You bet."