Chapter 11
Caitlyn sat parked in front of her police station. Willing herself to do the one thing she never thought herself capable of. She pulled her phone from her purse and dialed the number.
"Hello".
"Jayce, it's me Caitlyn. I need a favor".
"Of course, anything Cait".
"Jayce you know I wouldn't be asking you this if I wasn't desperate, so please before you answer I want you to know, you can say no, you can tell me you don't want to get involved".
"Cait, are you in trouble"?
"Not exactly, but I could lose my job if anyone finds out what I'm about to do, and I really don't want to bring you down with me, but I don't know who else to turn to".
"What is it Cait"?
"Vi's gauntlets, I need you to fill out a report stating they were in need of repairs, and therefore unsafe to use. I need you to date it for 2 days before the shooting and I need it done immediately".
Silence filled the air.
"Jayce did you hear me"?
"Ya Caitlyn, I did".
"Jayce, I told you before, if you don't want to do this I understand".
"Should I know why"?
"Probably best if you didn't".
"Ok Cait, consider it done".
"I'll never be able to repay you for this".
"I would never expect you to Cait".
"Thank you, Jayce, I need to go, but I'll check in later. And please if you could get that report in right after this phone call".
"Starting it now. I'll see you soon. Goodbye Caitlyn".
"Bye Jayce".
Caitlyn sat in her car, angry at herself for involving Jayce in something she shouldn't have. Angry, she felt the need to do it in the first place, but what other choice did she have?
Caitlyn took a deep breath before exiting her car and making her way into the station.
She walked in passing the front desk clerk, who seemed surprised to see the Sherriff back in the office so soon. She then made her way to the elevator, riding it to the 4th floor, known for open investigations. She made her way back, where she met with detective Andrew's.
"Ah Sherriff, thank you for coming in".
"yes sorry I'm late".
"It's alright Sherriff, we are still waiting on my partner detective Scott, he should be by any moment now, but why don't we head back to my office until he arrives".
Detective Andrew's then lead Caitlyn back to his office, getting her situated as he waited for his partner.
"Ill be right back Sherriff, I'm just going to go check in on what's keeping Detective Scott". He said as he stood and left the room.
Caitlyn waited impatiently, as she just wanted to get this over with. The thought of reliving the worst moment in her life was almost unbearable. As 6 o'clock approached, she began to rise from her seat, prepared to tell the detectives she was leaving, and this meeting would have to wait. Before she could exit, she saw the two men approaching. She decided to sit back down to just get it over with.
The two men entered, apologizing for their lateness, and tried to make small talk.
"No offense, but it's getting late. I would appreciate it if I could just give you my statement so I could be on my way".
"Of course," said Detective Scott as he pulled out his recording device and the proper paper work. "Go ahead and start from when you got to the crime scene".
Caitlyn then began retelling the story, doing her best to keep her emotions, and interaction with Vi out of it.
"So, you never saw the shooter"?
"No, I did not".
"Ok great just one last question, you said you grabbed your rifle, but why didn't your partner have her gauntlets with her, if they are technically police issued"?
Caitlyn took a deep breath before continuing. "Well, a couple days prior, Vi came to me telling me they were malfunctioning, so I put in an order with Councilor Talisman to have them worked on".
"Well, that's looks like everything then, thank you Sherriff, we will let you know if we have any other questions".
Caitlyn then stood up, shook their hands, and made her way back to her car.
She quickly sat behind the wheel, trying not to let her emotions overwhelm her, without success. She immediately started breathing hard and fast as tears poured down her cheeks. Ashamed for lying and angry that she had to think about Vi dying on the ground in front of her was just to much. By the time she was able to pull herself back together, the time was now after 7. She raced over to the bakery to get Vi's treats, before heading back to the hospital.
By the time Caitlyn arrived back it was almost 8 o'clock. Caitlyn felt emotionally drained as she walked back to Vi's room, ready to collapse in the chair next to Vi's bed.
Caitlyn reached for the handle opening the door, just to see Ekko sitting in the chair she was looking forward to collapsing in and Cassie snuggled up next to Vi with her arm around her on the very bed they shared the night before.
"Cait", Vi said trying to catch the sheriff's attention, without success
Caitlyn walked forward, placed the bag that contained Vi's treats on the side table, and walked back out of the room without speaking a word. She then walked out into the hall where she found a chair across from the nurse's station, where she plumped down, not willing to move until Vi's guests left.
"You don't like her either huh"?
"What"? Said Caitlyn as she looked up wondering where the question was coming from.
Becky then made her way over to take the seat next to Caitlyn. "I don't know what it is about that woman, but I really don't like her". Becky said as she pointed to Vi's room.
Caitlyn laughed, as she allowed herself to finally relax for the first time in hours. "Well, I guess as long as Vi likes her that's all that matters right"?
"That's just it dear, I don't think Vi does".
Caitlyn looked towards Becky now intrigued. "What makes you say that"?
"Well, they arrived shortly after I came onto shift, and Vi hasn't exactly seemed to be interested in reciprocating the affection, not to mention, she hasn't been able to take her eyes off the door, like she's been waiting for someone better to come back". Becky then looked directly at Caitlyn. "Funny how the little things will give people's true feelings away".
Caitlyn sat back in her chair not sure how she should respond.
"You want me to kick them out"?
"No, no, I already got myself in trouble with Vi and Cassie yesterday, I don't think she would be to keen on me interfering again".
"You sure Hun, cause I'm more than ready for them to be gone myself"?
Caitlyn chuckled as she sat back ready to close her eyes. "Ya I'm sure".
"Well they have 10 more minutes before I'm calling for lights out, so don't get to comfortable there sheriff". Becky then got up and headed back over to the nurse's station.
Only a couple minutes passed before Caitlyn heard Ekko, and Cassie exiting Vi's room.
"I miss you already". Cassie said as she blew a kiss back to Vi while leaving the room.
"Gross" Caitlyn said under her breath.
She then saw the two walking towards her. Caitlyn just now noticing how inappropriately Cassie was dress. She walked past making eye contact while wearing a short black leather skirt, with fish net stockings and black knee-high boots. Accompanied by a loose-fitting white tank top, with a bright pink bra underneath.
Ekko waved as he walked past, not stopping to chat as he could tell Caitlyn wasn't in the mood for their company. Caitlyn waved back before getting up and heading back to Vi's room.
"Cait, you ok"? Vi immediately said as she saw the Sherriff walk through the door.
"Ya I'm fine, just a bit tired I guess".
"Well how did the statement go"?
"It was fine, but can we talk about it tomorrow, I really don't want to think about it anymore tonight".
"Ya sure". Vi said as she grabbed the bag that Caitlyn brought her. "Hey thanks again for these, I've been looking forward to them since you left".
"Don't mention it", Caitlyn said as she slumped down into the chair next to her partner.
"Hey Cait, before you get to comfortable, you think you could help me to the bathroom. I've been needing to pee for the last hour, but I didn't want to ask, well either of them, and Becky seemed to disappear right after they came in so ya"?
Caitlyn gave a big smile at the thought of Becky not liking Cassie either. "Of course," she said as she stood up, and helped Vi bring her legs around. She then leaned down allowing Vi to put her arm around her neck before standing up straight, to pull Vi up to her feet with her motion. She then tucked herself under Vi's left arm as she held up her up and lead her to the toilet.
"Alright, you need any help with you know"? Caitlyn said awkwardly as she pointed towards the toilet.
"Thanks, hot stuff, but I think I can do this part on my own". Vi said as she breathed heavily, showing it took more out of her than she expected.
"Alright, I'll just be right out here if you need anything, in fact I'm going to quickly get in my pajamas while you're in here".
"Knock yourself out cupcake".
Caitlyn then left the restroom, as she quickly changed into her sweats and t shirt as she waited for Vi to call her back in.
"Hey Cait"
"You ready for me to come help you"?
"Not exactly, anyway you could get Becky"?
"Vi, what's wrong"? Caitlyn said as she began opening the door.
"Cait, I'm fine, I just don't have the strength to stand up off the damn toilet".
"Well, I'm right here, let me help you".
"Ugh, this isn't exactly the kind of thing friends do".
"Good thing we're more than friends, partner". Caitlyn said as she entered the bathroom, trying to do her best not to make Vi feel more uncomfortable with the situation. "Alright same as the bed, put your arm around me and I'll pull you up".
Vi did as Caitlyn said, as she stood embarrassed with her shorts around her ankles. Caitlyn quickly dropped down, pulling them up, without bringing unnecessary attention to the situation. Caitlyn then led Vi back to the bed, helping her get comfortable.
"Well I'm certainly glad I didn't ask Ekko for help", Vi said as they both laughed about how much more awkward it could have been.
Caitlyn then made her way to the bathroom as she finished getting herself ready for bed, while Vi cleaned herself up with the now trey that sat next to her bed.
Caitlyn came out ready to fall asleep in the side chair, as she looked up to see Vi tucked away to the left side of the bed, making room for her.
"Ready for bed cupcake"?
Caitlyn decided she was to tired to protest as she climbed up into the bed, settling next to her partner.
"Wanna piece of donut" Vi said as she offered half her donut to Caitlyn.
"Ugh you shouldn't eat in bed", Caitlyn said while taking the donut and eating it.
"Ya I probably shouldn't do a lot of things in bed that make me happy", Vi said while smiling at Caitlyn.
"Smart ass"
"Sherriff, language".
Both began to laugh happily with how the night was ending.
"Glad to see you in good company again Vi". Becky said as she entered the room.
"mmm, someone sounds jealous don't worry sweetheart there is plenty of me to go around". Vi said while winking at the nurse.
"Mmm, sorry Babe, but what part of this looks like I'm willing to share". Becky said with a large smirk.
"Ha, she got you there", Caitlyn said while poking fun at Vi.
"Last time I checked you're the one who's engaged but is currently sharing a bed someone else".
Caitlyn's face immediately turned bright red.
"Wow I didn't know you were engaged". Said Becky as she looked more intently towards Caitlyn. "Suddenly the missing puzzle piece is found".
"What do you mean by that"? Said Vi as she looked between the two women looking confused.
"Oh, nothing dear, just makes sense is all". Becky said while making sure to make eye contact with Caitlyn. "After all we can lie to ourselves, but our actions always show our true feelings".
"And what does that mean"? Vi said while giving Caitlyn a weird look.
"Probably just means it's time for bed". Caitlyn said while giving Becky the look of frustration.
"Whatever", Vi said before turning off the light on her beside.
"Night ladies", Becky said as she hit the main lights, before exiting the room.
They both sat in silence as Vi debated bringing up Becky's odd comment to Caitlyn, knowing there was more behind it than they were letting on, but knew Caitlyn would avoid the truth.
"Night Cait".
"Good night Vi", Caitlyn said as she closed her eyes, letting go of the emotional exhaustion of the day.
Caitlyn was walking down a dark alley, alone, covered in a sheet of darkness. Only small bits of light coming from the streetlamp above. She looked around, trying to find her way out as rain began to pour down. Her vision began to blur as the rain became thicker. She pulled her hand out to see it covered in a thick red substance, as screams came from beyond the light.
Caitlyn threw her eyes open, as she felt herself soaked in sweat, from the nightmare.
"Hey you, ok?" Vi whispered as she felt Caitlyn stir.
"Ya I'm fine". she said with an unsteady voice. "What are you doing awake"?
"Nightmare" Vi said ever so casually. "you"?
"Nightmare". Caitlyn said concerned for herself and for Vi.
"You wanna talk about it?" Vi asked.
"Not really, you"?
"Nope", Vi said as she stared up at the ceiling.
"How do you make them stop"? Caitlyn asked after sitting in silence for a couple of minutes.
"Not sure you can, at least not in my experience, alcohol helped, or at least when I would drink so much, I would black out not allowing myself to remember a dream" Vi replied, being way more honest than she meant to.
Caitlyn sat back as tears threatened to spill over. Thinking about her friend being haunted by nightmares to the point of numbing the fear with alcohol. She then turned to her side to face Vi as she reached her arm over the enforcer and pulled her as close as she could without hurting her. She then tucked her face into Vi's shoulder before whispering in her ear. "Well now we can fight our demons together". She said Before closing her eyes again, hoping together they could chase away each other's nightmares.
Vi sat stunned by the actions of the Sherriff, who was now holding her tight, causing her to feel safe once again. This time different than the last, as this time she pulled Vi close with a purpose. To keep her safe and chase away her nightmares. Vi turned kissing Caitlyn on the head, before closing her eyes hopeful for the first time that her sleep wouldn't be invaded by her grim past.
Caitlyn woke up early as usual, just as the sun began to rise. She softly pulled herself away from the warm body next to her, doing her best not to waken the sleeping figure.
"Sleep well"? Becky asked, accidentally startling the Sherriff.
"Oh yes, Becky", Said the Sherriff finding herself surprised . "You think I would be used to you by now".
"Well not always ideal to want to get used to sleeping in a hospital, hopefully won't be much longer for either of you". Becky said while checking on Vi.
"Yes I certainly hope not, but I can't imagine the next few months are going to be much easier for her".
"Then I guess it's a good thing she has someone that cares a lot about her, ready to step in and take care of". Becky replied as she looked at the Sherriff.
"Ya I guess it is", Caitlyn said as she sat and watched the enforcer sleeping. Caitlyn then lost herself in thought, as she remembered waking from her nightmare just hours ago. Wondering how many more nights she would be reminded in her sleep of the night she almost lost the most important person in her life.
"They must be pretty special". Becky said, pulling Caitlyn from her thoughts.
"Who"?
"Your Fiancé, they must be pretty special for you choose them over her". Becky said while pointing at Vi.
Caitlyn sat, mulling over the comment in her mind. "It's complicated," Caitlyn finally said.
"Love usually is my dear".
"You wouldn't understand, Me and Vi, it just doesn't", But Caitlyn couldn't find the right words to piece together what the two of them were, and why it wouldn't work. Maybe because she could no longer think of a good reason. What started out as worry that Vi would leave her again, turned into something much deeper. Something she could no longer explain to even herself let alone a stranger.
"I didn't mean to upset you", Becky said as she put her hand on Caitlyn's shoulder. "It's just I've seen a lot of regret in my days here. Some that would give anything to spend just one more day with their loved ones. So, to see two people so meant to be together, its just a shame, that's all".
Caitlyn looked at Becky lost for words. Regret is something Caitlyn has known a lot throughout her lifetime. The most recent being, she never told her mother what she truly meant to her, what an amazing woman and role model she was, before she was taken. If Vi had not made it, what words would Caitlyn have regretted not saying to her, what moments would she have robbed them of by not being with her. Caitlyn tried to focus, what does Vi mean to her, what does she want out of their relationship. Caitlyn could feel her chest begin to tighten, finding it harder to catch her beath.
"Sheriff, you alright". Becky said as she noticed the signs of distress.
"I'm fine, I just need to sit down".
Becky quickly grabbed her arm, and led her to the chair, before kneeling down in front of her. "Look at me, and focus only me, now follow my breathing, in through your nose, out through your mouth, good, keep doing it."
Caitlyn kept her eyes on Becky as she steadied her breathing to follow the nurses. After a minute she could feel her body begin to relax, her chest began to loosen.
"I'm ok". Caitlyn said as she motioned to Becky that she no longer needed her assistance.
"Hey what's going on"? Vi said as she looked to see her partner being taken care of by the nurse.
"Nothing Vi, we were just, nothing, its fine", Caitlyn said trying to dismiss the situation.
"Bull shit Cait, what's really going on with you"?
"I said its nothing", Caitlyn said once again as she rose from the chair. "I just need something to eat, and some coffee, ill be back later." She said as she made her way to the door.
"You serious right now"? Vi yelled at her.
But Caitlyn didn't turn back.
"Hey, I think she just needs to take a walk, catch her breath that's all". Becky said to Vi trying to diffuse the situation.
Vi sat back on her bed, angry that she was still confined to it. Frustrated that Caitlyn was lying to her, and scared, scared that Caitlyn the one that always was so pulled together seemed to be on the verge of falling apart.
Time seemed to tick by, as Becky changed Vis bandages and helped get her cleaned up. But things were different Vi wasn't her usually witty self. She couldn't think about anything, not until she was able to make sure Caitlyn was alright. Before Vi knew it, Becky was leaving and Ethel was entering, ready for her shift, but she came in followed by the Dr.
"How are we feeling today Vi"?
"A good I guess".
"I hear you have been getting up to use the restroom, how's the leg been holding up"?
"Sore, but its manageable".
"Well, that's good to hear, because I think we might be able to get you released later today".
"What really", Vi said shocked by the news.
"We just need to run a few blood tests, make sure your body is adjusting to everything, and make sure you don't have any infections first, but I'm confident we should have you out of here sometime tonight".
"That's great to hear".
"Good, ill send in the nurses to draw the blood, and ill stop by later with the results, in the mean time keep resting, and drinking plenty of fluids".
"Yes Dr, thank you".
Vi sat back as she waited for the nurses to come in finally relaxing, but also excited to tell Caitlyn she was finally able to leave, if Caitlyn returned that is.
After the nurses left, Vi found herself anxiously waiting for Caitlyn. Just as Vi was about to give up hope, she looked up to see her friend walking back through the door.
"Cait I got great news", Vi said as she looked to her partner. "The Dr said I should be able to leave today, can you believe that"?
"That's great Vi". Caitlyn said as she looked a bit worried. "Hey Vi, we need to talk and its very important that you listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you".
"Caitlyn what's wrong"?
"Nothing Vi, at least its not what you think it is. Look the detectives that are over the shooting case will be here in about an hour to get your statement".
"Ok, why is that a problem"?
"Just listen to me Vi, ok" Caitlyn said, causing Vi to become worried. "They are going to take your statement, but they are also going to ask why you didn't have your Gauntlets that evening".
Vi's face dropped, as the worry dug deeper in.
"I've told them that you were having issues with them, so I had requested you not use them until they were repaired. Jayce has already confirmed the known issue and has had them fixed".
"But Cait, you can't, he can't". Vi said trying to make sense of the situation.
"Vi, I don't think you understand what's at stake here".
"Caitlyn, you don't have to lie for me, Jayce doesn't have to lie for me, I can tell them the truth, tell them it was all my fault".
"Here's the thing Vi, you can't. If they find out I pulled the Gauntlets from you because I suspected you of drinking on the job, then they are going to question why I allowed you to pursue a known criminal, while still being intoxicated. No matter what we both lose. This is the only solution I could come up with".
Vi sat back against her bed, hating herself for what she was putting Caitlyn through. Knowing the pain, she was causing her. Vi knew Caitlyn always had the up most respect for the law, and here she had to lie to save both their jobs.
"Caitlyn, I'm sorry, I should have never put you in that situation".
"Vi its not all your fault. I should have pulled you from duty if I didn't trust you. I should have never led us down that alley".
