Chapter 12

Vi found herself becoming more restless as the minutes ticked by.

"Hey its going to be fine ok, just make it simple. They shouldn't be here very long, and they are mostly interested in if you got a good look at the shooter". Caitlyn said as she tried to comfort Vi before the detectives arrived.

"Ya, but I didn't. They were wearing a dark cloak, and the alley was dark".

"I know, that's all you need to let them know ok. But hey with you getting out of here tonight, how about you give me the keys to your apartment? I'll go by and grab you some clothes and other things so you will be more comfortable at my place."

"Uh, maybe you should wait, and I'll go with you". Vi said, sounding nervous at the thought of Caitlyn entering her apartment without her.

"Vi, you can barely manage the 10 steps to the toilet, you're not attempting 3 flights of stairs. I won't be gone long, anything specific you want me to grab for you?"

"I guess grab my phone".

"Your phone, you mean to tell me it's been at your house this whole time".

"Cait, you know I hate that thing. Plus, you're the only one who ever calls me on it, and it's usually only to yell at me for being late. It should still be plugged in next to my bed, and don't be snooping around". Vi said, giving Caitlyn a look of worry.

"Alright Vi, I won't go snooping through your things. Ill probably stop at the market also, I don't think my place has a lot of food at the moment, anything special you want?"

"Beer". Vi said with a shy smile.

"Nice try, you know you can't mix your medications with alcohol, plus its probably a good idea to stop drinking that stuff."

"Ya right". Vi said while slumping back against the bed.

"Well ill try and pick up something good, sit tight and ill be back later". Caitlyn then walked to the door and waved to her partner.

Pov Caitlyn

Caitlyn found herself in front of Vis apartment. It was located on the other side of town. Not in what one might call the slums, but pretty close to it. Caitlyn walked up the three flights of stairs before standing in front of the large door.

Caitlyn had been to Vi's apartment just once before, when she helped Vi move in. She had tried to talk Vi into getting something a little nicer, but Vi knew she couldn't afford it and refused to take the loan from Caitlyn. Something Caitlin always hated, because she felt Vi deserved to be living in a safer place.

Caitlyn pulled the enforcers keys from her pocket and entered the home. She was stunned to see it cleaner than she had expected. Other than a few empty liquor bottles on the counter, there wasn't much else there.

Vi's apartment was small, just one bedroom, one bathroom. The living space was shared with the small kitchen, with the two doors sitting at the other end of the main exit.

Caitlyn walked into the apartment, and straight back to her partner's bedroom. Upon entering, she noticed it was much messier than the main area, as it was littered with dirty clothes, and an unmade bed.

Caitlyn pulled a bag out of Vis closet and set to getting some things packed up for her. She first opened the top drawer of the small dresser, looking for some undergarments for Vi, but was shocked when instead of clothes, there were a few intimate devices used to pleasure oneself. Caitlyn quickly shut the drawer, before opening it once more to peek at its contents. After finding herself blushing, she quickly shut it once again and began opening the others in hopes of finding actual clothes. Upon opening the 2nd she finally found a drawer that contained some briefs, and sports bras of Vis. She grabbed a couple handfuls and threw them in the bag, before noticing a couple pairs of lacy, sexy pink panties at the bottom of the drawer. Caitlyn pulled them out, wondering if they belonged to Vi, or if they were some trophies she had kept from other women. Trying not to think about it too deeply she shoved them back in the drawer, while continuing to pack the bag. After filling it full of what she deemed necessary, she went to the side of Vis bed where the phone sat on top of an old nightstand. After letting curiosity get the better of her, she opened the small drawer. Only one thing sat inside. A photograph of Vi in her new police uniform, with Caitlyn's arm around her. Caitlyn suddenly felt a warmth run through her body, before closing the drawer and grabbing the phone, that was still plugged in. She went to throw it in the bag, when she saw it flashing with messages. After letting her curiosity, once again get the better of her, she opened it.

5 unread messages flashed across the screen.

Caitlyn then decided to open the messages, being Vi told her she doesn't talk to any but her and was curious who else might be messaging her.

After opening the messages, she could see they were all from one sender….Cassie. "I've already come this far Caitlyn thought and opened the messages.

1st message. "Hey Vi, after not hearing back from you, I got Ekko to give me your number. I was wondering when we were going to hang out again. Hope to talk to you soon love."

"Hmph, take a hint lady". Caitlyn thought to herself.

2nd message "Hey Vi, just making sure you're ok, and wanting to see if you want to get dessert sometime", followed by a winking emoji.

"Wow talk about desperate". Caitlyn said while shaking her head.

The next 2 messages were just half naked pictures Cassie had sent of herself followed by the last message.

5th message. "Miss you".

"Ugh", Caitlyn said while slamming the phone shut. "Disgusting".

Caitlyn went to shove the phone into the bag, before finding herself opening it one last time.

Delete

"Shit, why did I do that"? Caitlyn immediately thought to herself.

She then found herself feeling ashamed for what she had just done. She knew she crossed a major line, and worse she didn't know why she did it. Why should she care if someone else wants to pursue Vi. After all, doesn't she deserve to be happy? Trying not to delve too deep into her own psyche, she quickly made her way to the bathroom, where she grabbed a few toiletries and headed for the main entrance. She stopped deciding to at least take out the trash and clear out any old food.

She opened the refrigerator, only to find a few cans of beer. She then opened the freezer to find a few bottles of liquor. After slamming them shut, she went for the trash, only to find it filled with empty bottles and cans of alcohol.

Caitlyn stopped, as she sat in the kitchen, as worry for Vi started to creep into her chest. How long had Vi been struggling like this without Caitlyn noticing. She began hating herself for being so selfish over the past few months, ignoring the obvious cries for help from her friend. As she thought back, she could see the signs, she chose to ignore.

Caitlyn pulled herself up, grabbed the bag and headed out, vowing to herself to be a better friend to her partner.

Caitlyn then made a stop at the market, making sure to grab a few of Vis favorite foods, before heading to the clothing store up the street. She decided to buy Vi a few new pairs of sweats pants, shorts, and t shirts, after seeing the condition most of her clothes were in.

She then made her way home, hoping to set it up to be as comfortable for Vi as she could. She walked into her small 2-bedroom condo, located on the north side of town. It wasn't much, but it was well furnished with all upgraded appliances. She walked to the back large master bedroom, where she cleared out a couple of drawers, and replaced them with Vi's things. She then made her way into the large en-suite bathroom, where she made space for the extra toiletries.

After putting away the groceries, she headed back into her room, where she decided to change before heading back to the hospital. Before leaving, she went into the 2nd bedroom, that was much smaller, so Caitlyn used it as an office. She turned on her computer, and quickly went through her emails, avoiding the ones that had to deal with work, she finished up before heading back out.

Before getting back in her car, she decided to make the phone call she had been avoiding the last few days.

"Caitlyn"

"Hi Jack"

"I'm glad you called, I wanted to apologize, you were right, I should have never lied to you about what the Dr said".

"Thank you, Jack, but that's not exactly why I'm calling".

"Then what is it".

"Look Vi is probably going to be released from the hospital today, and she is going to need someone to take care of her, so I've asked her to come stay with me until she is able to be on her own again".

"Why does it have to be you"?

"Why does it have to be me, because she is my partner, my friend, Jack, I shouldn't even need to explain this to you".

"Well, what about me, what about us"?

"What about you Jack"?

"Well, when do I get to see you, when are we going to get to be alone again"?

"If that's all your concerned about, then I can't have this conversation, not anymore."

"But Caitlyn you're going to be my wife, it's about time you start realizing that".

"Goodbye Jack".

Caitlyn then hung up the phone, as she started her car and made her way to the hospital.

Caitlyn arrived shortly after noon, hoping to see Vi in good spirits after having to meet with the Detectives.

"Hey Cupcake, glad to see you back". Vi said looking a little worse for wear.

"Hey, you doing ok, how did the statement go?"

"Alright I guess, I just really hate thinking about that night again you know".

"More than what you realize", Caitlyn said as she made her way over to the bed. She sat down next to Vi, as she put her arm around Vis back, and placed her head on the enforcers shoulder. "Hopefully we won't have to think about it anymore after today". Caitlyn whispered, knowing it wasn't true, for she knew not a day was going to go by, that images of that evening weren't going to haunt her vision.

They both sat in silence, allowing the warmth from the other to comfort their souls. Just then two visitors entered the room.

"Ekko, Cassie, I didn't expect to see you guys again so soon". Vi said as she found herself awkwardly shifting under the comfort of Sherriff.

"Well, the shipment I've been looking to collect came in sooner than expected, so Cassie wanted to come see you before we head to the docks,".

Cassie then found her way walking towards the bed, before stopping right in front of Caitlyn.

"You seem to be in my spot, Sherriff". Cassie said, as she motioned to the spot Caitlyn was sitting in.

"Hmm, I don't think I am though", Caitlyn said as she kept her head on Vi's shoulder.

Vi began to fidget, as the tension began to grow between the two.

Ekko noticing the discomfort from Vi walked over to the chair next to the bed. "Cassie why don't you just come sit in the chair, we don't have much time anyway". He said, motioning for her to sit down.

"Yes, why don't you take YOUR place in the chair". Caitlyn said, while a menacing smirk began to grow on her face.

"Excuse me, but who do you think you are?" Cassie yelled out while staring at Caitlyn.

"Who do I think I am, please, who do you think you are"? Caitlyn said while her head shot up from Vi's shoulder.

"Please don't do this". Vi said while looking between the two women.

After some hesitation Caitlyn spoke "You're right, I'm sorry Vi, ill let you guys have some time. I'm going to go get lunch anyway". She said as she began to get off the bed.

"No wait Cait, you don't have to leave." Vi said with pleading eyes.

"Trust me Vi, its better this way", Caitlyn said as she made her way for the door, just to see Cassie quickly take her spot next to Vi. Caitlyn watched Vi's face, as she remembered what Becky had said to her the night before, about Vi not reciprocating the affection from the other woman. Caitlyn then watched as Cassie threw her arm around Vi, just to see Vi instinctively pull in the opposite direction. An action so small, you would only notice if you were looking for it.

Caitlyn smiled as she turned and walked out the door. "Actions always show our true feelings". She thought to herself as she made her way to the hospital cafeteria.