Utterly Unexpected

Chapter 7: Partners

Here's another chapter. The story is moving forward. I hope you like it and want me to continue. :)

The following morning Jay arrived at the district not expecting to see his TO. He had thought she would take it easy for some time, but she had other plans. There she was, talking to Sergeant Platt at the front desk. He thought he should at least greet her. They had ended their conversation on relatively good terms the previous night. He had been straightforward and perhaps a little blunt, but she had not taken offense like she normally would have. He decided to talk to her before his shift began. He waited patiently until her conversation was over with Sergeant Platt then followed her into the main hall. He spoke softly but loud enough for her to hear him, "Good morning Ma'am."

Hailey turned in surprise and looked at him. She was not aware that he had been following her into the main area. She said naturally, "Good morning."

That was the first time she had actually greeted him properly he remarked in his own mind. He continued, "You're back already?"

"Are you afraid of what's to come?" she asked him casually.

"That's not what I meant," he quickly clarified.

"I know, I am just pulling your leg," she said, smiling mildly.

"Oh, okay," he said, smiling a little as well.

"Well, see you around," Hailey said.

"Yeah, yeah. Sure. I'll set up the car after roll call," Jay said immediately.

"Actually, I am not riding with you today. I am on desk duty for a few days," she let him know.

"Copy that," he replied.

She nodded and turned to leave. A moment later he heard her voice again, "Halstead?"

"He turned and looked at her, "Yes?"

"Can I talk to you after your shift today?" she asked him quietly.

"Sure, Ma'am," he consented immediately.

After roll call, Hailey and Vanessa went to one of the rooms that were empty. Vanessa had only been able to speak to her friend the previous night. As they shut the door, the first thing Vanessa did was to give her best friend a long and comforting hug. She asked softly, "How are you holding up?"

"I don't know," Hailey answered frankly.

"Have you heard from him?" her friend went on.

"No. I don't think I am going to either," she said.

"Hailey, it's for the best. Trust me," her friend assured her.

"I don't know Vanessa. It's not that easy to forget someone you love," Hailey explained.

"Do you really love him Hailey?" her friend asked her.

It took a moment for Hailey to answer that. She didn't know what she felt. She said finally, "I think I do. I am supposed to right?"

"Hailey, there's nothing that you're supposed to do. Things happen. You fall in love and you can fall out of love," her friend explained calmly.

Hailey glanced at her watch and realized that they needed to get to work. She said, "We'll talk later. Be safe out there Vanessa."

"I will be. You don't think too much alright? Everything's going to be fine," Vanessa reassured her friend and even herself.

Jay was riding with his new TO and a part of him missed Hailey for some reason. As harsh and strict as she had been, he always learnt a lot with her. His new TO was good but he was no match to his original TO. His mind was going back to his conversation with Hailey yesterday and he couldn't help but feel that maybe he had crossed a line. He had said too much. Today he was looking forward to the end of the shift so that he could speak to her. There was just something about her that made him feel a little attracted to her, not in a sexual way but his curiosity was always picked. He had no idea what this meant but he knew he was feeling such things. Suddenly he heard his TO's voice, "Will you attach us to that call rookie?"

He broke out of his thoughts and said immediately, "Yes, Sir."

As they arrived at the location, Jay noticed a few people on the lawn, arguing loudly. He got out of his car instantly and followed his TO. His TO interrupted, "What seems to be the problem here?"

"Officer, this man can't keep it down," a middle aged woman explained, pointing to her neighbor.

"This woman is crazy officer," the man justified.

"Are you calling my sister crazy?" another man jumped in, ready to fight.

"Enough! Everybody be quiet," Jay's TO spoke loudly.

He looked at Halstead and asked him to take the lead. Jay spoke, "Sir, there has been a noise complaint against you."

"Yeah, that complaint's a joke," the neighbor retorted.

"He's always drilling or hammering or sawing something officer," the woman added.

"That's my job lady," the neighbor replied.

"All the noise and dust is disrupting our peace officer. Please ask him to do something about it," the woman insisted.

"Let me speak to him Ma'am," Jay said calmly.

"Is that true Sir?" he asked, looking at the stout and short neighbor.

"Well, that's my job officer. What am I supposed to do?" he asked.

"Sir, I understand that but you cannot be disturbing your neighbors," Jay explained.

"Are you serious?" he asked.

"I am Sir. I hope you take this matter seriously as well," Jay went on.

The stout man shook his head and scoffed. He mumbled, "Cops are seriously something else these days."

"Sir, if there is another complaint against you I will be forced to write a ticked," Jay warned him.

"Whatever, 'officer'," he said and returned to his house.

The middle aged woman and her brother started thanking him. Jay accepted their appreciation politely and headed back to his vehicle. On the way to the car, a group of young children stopped him. He looked at them and smiled. One of them asked, "Are you a cop officer?"

"Yes, I am," he replied proudly.

"Do you have a gun?" another asked.

"I do," he said.

"Can I see it?" the child asked in excitement.

"I am afraid I cannot do that. But I can give you these candies if you like," Jay said, pulling out a bunch of candies from his pocket.

"Wow, thank you officer," another girl exclaimed.

"Can girls become cops?" the same girl asked.

"Of course, they can," he answered, an image popping up in his mind immediately.

"I want to become a cop as well," the girl continued, glad to have gotten the approval.

"You know what, my training officer is a lady. She's a great cop," Jay said, thinking of Hailey.

"Wow! Is she a badass and puts bad guys behind bars?" asked another small girl.

"She most certainly does," Jay replied, remembering Hailey's expertise as a cop.

"What's the hold up Halstead," he heard his TO ask.

"I have got to go kids, my officer's waiting for me. You guys be safe alright?" he said, already turning to leave.

The children nodded simultaneously, still in awe of Jay. He waved them goodbye before pulling off. Children were such blessings. He loved to interact and engage with kids. The remainder of his shift was light. He didn't receive any extreme calls. At the end of the day, he and his TO returned to the district, done with their shift.

Jay went to his locker and changed quickly because he had to meet Hailey. As he came out of the mens' locker room he saw her standing in front of a board, her back to him. She had changed out of uniform and was wearing her casual clothes. Her blonde ponytail was firmly hanging down her back. He went to her slowly and lightly tapped her on her shoulder. She turned immediately and he observed for the first time probably, how blue her eyes were. She smiled briefly then spoke, "Are you done with your shift?"

"Yeah, all done," he said, shouldering his bag that was slipping down his shoulder.

"It's nothing serious, I just wanted to talk to you about yesterday," she started.

"Before you say anything, I want to tell you something," he interrupted her.

She raised her eyebrows and looked at him. He elaborated quickly, "I am really sorry for my behavior yesterday. I don't know what made me say all those things. I am no one to say anything at all. I am really sorry," he finished.

"No, Halstead. I am the one who's sorry. I was extremely harsh to you and that was not acceptable. I was just dealing with a lot of things and that frustration came out in the job. You had to face the brunt of it and I am sorry I was rude to you," she finished.

Jay couldn't believe his ears. Was his TO apologizing? Moreover, was she apologizing to him? This was all too much too suddenly. He had no idea this version of her even existed. As though having read his thought, Hailey spoke, "You're probably wondering what's happened to me, but let me tell you I was wrong to treat you like that."

Jay didn't know what to say. He was at a loss for words. Hearing all this, his heart melted instantly and he understood where she was coming from. He said, "Please don't apologize. Your my TO and your job is to train me, in whichever way you see fit. I am no one to question your method."

"Does that mean I get to give you extra tasks each day?" she asked, looking at him.

Jay hesitated for a moment then said, "If you think that's required.

She smiled broadly then said, "Again, pulling your leg."

He smiled this time and Hailey couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. His rookie was a really good looking man. How come she hadn't noticed this before? Probably because she was married. Now that her marriage was coming crashing down, she was suddenly able to perceive the beauty in other men. His eyes were a lovely shade of green. His smile was intoxicating. She blinked several times and pulled herself out of her thoughts. She extended her hand and said, "Partners?"

He shook her hand gently then agreed, "Partners."

Hailey nodded and spoke, "In that case, I'll see you tomorrow Halstead.

"Copy that Ma'am. Good night," he reciprocated.

She wished him the same and left. He looked after her and was pleased with himself. Today had been a good day.

We come to the end here. Do let me know what you think and what you expect next. I would be pleased to hear from you all. :)