Grimm stared out the passenger window riding in Ramirez's car while his former partner drove. It was just like old times expect it had only been a few days since Grimm's transfer. Grimm flicked his eyes over to Ramirez seeing that content half smile on his face. Seeing that caused Grimm to chuckle under his breath before turning his gaze back out the passenger window. He looked at the people on the sidewalks and other passing cars. He scanned them for the things he always did. Watching their hands and clothing looking for them to conceal anything they shouldn't have. Weapons, drugs, money changing hands. All the things he was trained to look for. Ramirez flicked his eyes from the road to see the half scowl and watchful gaze of his former partner.
"Don't you ever take a break?" The older police officer asked turning his gaze back to the road. "And please don't use a line like 'the criminals never take a break' or 'crime never sleeps'."
"Fine what would you like me to say then?" Grimm asked still looking out the window. However before Ramirez could say something like the smartass he was the shrill ring of a cellphone cut through the interior of the car.
"Hold that thought it's the wife," Ramirez said flicking his eyes to his cell phone's screen sitting in the center console. Ramirez and Grimm had both been to too many car crashes caused by cell phone usage. This lead Ramirez to spring for a hands-free device. He pulled a hand from the wheel to press a button on the device already in his ear. "Officer handsome here." He greeted his wife both hands on the wheel again. "What?...slow down….honey I'm right here you don't have to shout." Ramirez said speaking to his wife chuckling softly.
Grimm who had turned to watch the other officer while he spoke to his wife. While Grimm took that his wife was speaking fast and shouting to be a bad thing Ramirez's chuckle and unchanged attitude lead him to think maybe it wasn't that bad. Or Ramirez was doing a good job masking how bad it really was for his benefit.
"Everything alright?" Grimm whispered as not to be heard by Ramirez's upset wife. He nodded and smiled still listening to his wife in his ear.
"Oh I see," Ramirez said into the device tone still light hearted. "….I am taking this seriously…..he's 16 of course that would happen….I'm not defending him I'm-….I'm trying to-….to say….it happens….cancel the party? That's a little harsh….no I'm not taking his side…..What am I going to tell Adam? I have to send him home so he can eat take out again?" He smirked looking over at Grimm and giving him a wink. If one thing was known between the two, Ramirez's wife loved cooking and feeding Grimm home cooked meals. Because he didn't know how to cook well himself and lived off of take out, frozen TV dinners, and Ramirez family function left overs.
"Yes he's riding in the car right now and we're heading home," Ramirez explained looking back out the windshield. "Say hi Adam." He said turning to face Grimm.
"Hello Grace!" Grimm shouted hoping to be heard by the device in Ramirez's ear.
"See sweetie?...You would be punishing Adam….Yes I am guilt tripping you….I'm sure Adam will just get some greasy burger and oil covered French fires….," The conversation continued as Ramirez chuckled at something his wife said. "Alright that's fair enough….we'll talk about his punishment tomorrow….yeah….yeah….I know….alright…we'll see you soon just got to stop at the Pokécenter get the stuff for his birthday present….I love you to…talk to you soon honey." With that he pressed the button again hanging up the phone. Ramirez let out a loud breath and then chuckled.
"So what did your son do?" Grimm asked. It was easy to tell he'd done something to upset his mother. Ramirez chuckled again turning into a full laugh for a second.
"Seems my wife found my son's porn stash," Ramirez explained. This caused Grimm to laugh as well.
"Oh no," Grimm said. "Say it ain't so."
"Yep the same stash I found a month ago," Ramirez said turning down a street. "I told him to get rid of it before his mother found it. Guess he didn't take my advice."
"Doesn't he clear his computer history?" Grimm asked his laughing fit calming.
"No it was a comic book thing."
"What?" Grimm asked sounding very surprised. "Who uses hard copies of things to jack off to now a days?"
"Apparently my son," Ramirez said with a small shrug with both hands still on the wheel. "Thought it'd be easier to hide."
"Did she caught him while he was actually wacking it?"
"Naw nothing that bad. She just found it hidden in his ceiling. Started to read it because where she found it and did not like what she found."
"Wasn't anything really bad was it?"
"Kind of. About a young man that apparently a lot of ladies want while he goes on a quest or something. It's got elves, orcs and goblins in it one of those books. This guy ends up fucking his way through this quest or whatever and by the end has this harem of female warriors wearing 'armor'. You know that can't really be called armor because it don't cover a damn thing."
"Huh," Grimm said curtly turning to look out the window again. He no longer smiled but scowled.
"What's up?" Ramirez asked with a frown sensing the sudden change in the man he spent two years with in the same car. "Don't like my son's taste in porn?"
"Not exactly," Grimm said. "It's just…people seem to get a harem and groupies confused."
"Oh?" Ramirez asked arching a brow as he drove. "Please enlighten us who's never seen a harem before."
"Groupies are what people think of normally when a harem is mentioned," Grimm said gazing out the window eyes darting back and forth as if he was watching something. "A bunch of young, horny, attractive females that want to fuck the same dude. This guy keeps them around and just fucks them whenever he pleases because they are always horny or something like that. Which you do see with rock stars and movie stars all the girls or guys want to fuck 'em. That's not what a harem is really, not when it comes to humans."
"You're right that's what I think of," Ramirez admitted. "And I swear I'm not jealous."
"An actually harem is used by kings, or lords or someone that has a lot of money," Grimm continued to explain. "Usually much older than the females in their harem. Those girls are for his use only and they spend most of their time locked away. Only taken out to be used or to be shown off to someone else of similar power. They are not horny all the time like people would think. Nor are they usually attracted to the harem owner. Most of the time they are old and fat why worry about looks when you have women on call. They are treated as objects, bought, sold, taken from villages, taken as offerings, traded to other harems. Then once that are too old or lose their appeal they are removed and replaced. There is no love or care there. Hell there are some that are born into a harem raised and groomed in that life knowing nothing but to serve their master. The 'illegal' age to be in a harem just means they have to be old enough to be able to bear children. What's the youngest a girl can get her period? 13 or something like that?"
"Huh," Was all Ramirez could say at the moment.
"You remember that movie where that guy's daughter gets kidnapped?" Grimm asked. "You know 'I don't know who you are but I will find you and I will kill you?"
"Yeah good movie."
"Well near the end when they're on that ship after his daughter has been auctioned off and bought. There are all those young woman looking like they're doped up being lead to the room for that fat old guy. That is more accurately what a harem is," Grim said turning to face Ramirez at this point.
"Do I want to know how you know all this?" Ramirez asked.
"When I was an MP and I was over there, there were rich families that had harems," Grimm explained. "Some meetings took place in their manors, mansions and estates with officers. You know get support from the locals win hearts and minds kind of things. Well such meetings was a good time to show off the girls of a harem, it's a status symbol after all. Well this grunt on an officer's PSD started talking with one of these girls and no one saw. Well they fell in 'love' and the guy tried to sneak her to his home. They were caught at the airstrip but before it was we were called to the estate to investigate. When they brought them both back the charge wasn't kidnapping it was thief. The guy wasn't going to press charges if we gave the girl back which command did because they didn't want an incident. The guy got a loose of rank and pay the girl…she was executed. There was nothing we could do she didn't fall under our laws and customs."
"Arceus," Ramirez said after a long moment of silence between the two. "I guess I can see why you're a little biter." He said as he pulled into the Pokémon center parking lot. Things had changed a lot. The glass panes in the front entryway had been covered by plywood waiting for work crews to repair them. The windows having been shot out by the three suspects that had stolen the Pokémon. "Alright." Ramirez said once he killed the engine. "I've got to go pick up some stuff for my kid's new Pokémon, Nurse Joy was so kind to give me at a discount. Shouldn't be too long but you can come in if you want."
"Sure why not," Grimm said opening his car door and stepping out. He took a moment to stretch his back. He walked beside Ramirez the two off duty cops entering the Pokémon center. Along with the outside the inside had changed as well. Behind the desk where the on duty officer sat was a fresh patch of plaster ready to be painted. It covered the bullet holes and the traces of blood from the officer who'd been killed when the suspects entered guns blazing. An officer sat behind the desk that still had pockmarks from the rounds splintering the wood. He wasn't reading the newspaper like most officers. He was awake and alert. Standing behind the front desk were two plain uniformed members of T.R.U. They wore their beat uniforms but had on their heavy body armor and helmets. Their assault rifles held pointed at the ground ready to snap up and shoot if the gang was so foolish as to try another raid.
"Jim, Adam," Joy greeted both Ramirez and Grimm receptively with a smile.
"My stuff ready?" Ramirez asked turning sideways to lean against the counter.
"Yep it's in the storage room she'll lead the way," Joy said pointing to a nearby Chansey.
"Thanks," Ramirez said following the pink Pokémon leaving Grimm at the counter.
"So Adam," Joy began turning to face him. "I heard you were shot today."
"Who told you that?" Grimm asked his eyes going wide. He didn't think that was common knowledge.
"A Pokémon that was brought in," She explained. "Told me all about her handsome knight in Navy blue armor."
"You can understand Pokémon?" Grimm asked not even trying to hide his amazement.
"I've spent my whole life carrying for them so I have come to understand them somewhat but no she speaks English," She explained.
"Oh….how'd she know I was shot?" He asked thinking it had to be that Vulpix that wouldn't let go of his leg.
"She said she saw you. Her and her sister," Joy explained with a soft frown.
"Doc," Grimm said starting to get a lump in the pit of his stomach. "What where these two Pokémon?"
"They're Sneasels," Joy said as if that explained everything.
"What do they look like?" Grimm asked.
"Oh…uh…blue with a long red feather on top of one ear and a gol-" She started.
"Where are they now?" Grimm almost snapped.
"In recovery room six," Joy said concern and fear entering the edges of her voice. "What's wrong?"
"I need to see them," Grimm said heading down the hallway quickly his shoes clicking against the floor leaving a confused nurse at the counter. Recovery room six wasn't far down the hallway and he stopped in front of the door. He looked through the window spotting the pair of Sneasel eyes narrowing. They both sat on a bed, legs dangling swinging in the air. One was busy licking an ice cream cone. Grimm took a deep breath before yanking the door open stepping inside and forcefully closing it behind him. The door shut loudly but didn't exactly slam. One of the Sneasels jumped and flinched turning to look at Grimm. The other one, the one eating the ice cream kept licking for a moment before lazily flicking her eyes mid lick to look at Grimm.
"Sup?" She asked after pulling her tongue from the ice cream cone and lowering it.
"So you can talk," Grimm said his voice strained with anger.
"Very good law dog," The Sneasel said rolling her eyes. "Your powers of observation are outstanding. Is that all you wanted to say?"
"Don't think you can get away with playing the victim," Grimm said pointing a finger at her. "You attacked me and before I burst in that room you two were watching that man screw that fox thing with sadist enjoyment."
"Oh but officer I am a victim," She said her tone becoming sweet, her eyes big as she brought a claw to her chest. "I was forced to stay in that awful place and I had to watch as those humans not only breed those Pokémon with each other but they themselves mated with them. It was so traumatizing for me and my sister that we attacked you out of shock. We're both so sorry about it." She placed an arm around her silent sister and brought her closer so they were shoulder to shoulder. They both gave him large innocent looking smiles.
"You're a liar," Grimm said sternly gritting his teeth.
"Oh and can you prove that? How could you even?" The Sneasel asked letting her sister go. "Can a Pokémon be brought to trial? Could a Pokémon even be charged with anything like you're suggestion officer? Even if you did convince someone we were dangerous and attacked you deliberately, what would happen?" She asked pausing to take another lick of ice cream. "We'd be sent to a shelter to be monitored and examined. Then once they see that it was a onetime, isolated event they will put us up for adoption or release us into the wild. I and my sister can act like the sweetest, most innocent things you ever did see." Grimm just stared at them clenching his fist trying to think of something to say.
"Of course we can be very naughty as well," She said smirking into her ice cream closing her eyes. "Are you here to spank us officer because if you do I promise you won't be disappointed. Just make sure you use your handcuffs and that nice long stick." She said looking up at Grimm with what could only be described as a seductive look. This got a high pitched giggle from her sister. "We do owe you something for saving us officer." Grimm clenched his fists tighter to the point where his knuckles were turning white. He could think of nothing to say that would do any good. So he turned on his heel and left the room. "I hope to see you around officer!" She called after Grimm before the door shut.
Grimm clenched and unclenched his fists as he walked back to the lobby. Nurse Joy who had been frowning ever since Grimm left smiled letting out a breath seeing him return. Grimm walked back up to the counter looking around for Ramirez but it seemed he hadn't returned yet.
"Say doc what's going to happen to those two?" Grimm asked hooking a thumb over his shoulder.
"Oh uh…The Sneasel? They will be evaluated, treated for anything and then their owners will try and be contacted. If not they will be placed up for adoption," Joy explained with a smile. Grimm nodded.
"I see and what about the Pokémon that were given that drug?" Grimm asked thinking about all those Pokémon they brought from the mill.
"Oh…well…that is…more complicated," She said with a frown again. "Most have shown positive response to medicine meant to suppress a Pokémon's heat cycle. It was designed for trainers traveling in the wild and didn't want to keep their Pokémon in their ball for a month. But this is only treating the symptoms and it is very likely that a tolerance will be built up to the medication. Not to mention the medicine is very expensive and only will go up with the sudden high demand for it."
"What will happen if the Pokémon can't be cured?" Grimm asked.
"Uh…well…uh…," She started to say her happy attitude gone. "They will…for their own good…have to be…They will…" She couldn't say it, clearly such a thought was upsetting to her.
"Be put down?" Grimm finished for her. She only nodded wordlessly. "Don't worry doc you're smarter than any junky chemists that came up with that shit. You'll work it out." She smiled faintly.
"Thank you Adam you can be sweet," She said taking a moment to use her thumb to wipe the corners of her eyes.
"Don't tell anyone got a reputation to keep up," He said with a chuckle.
"Of course," She said more of herself returning to her voice as she giggled halfheartedly.
"I miss anything?" Ramirez asked walking up to the pair now holding a black duffle bag.
"Naw," Grimm said turning to face Ramirez. "You ready to go or what?"
"Yep," Ramirez said slapping the side of the bag causing it to cave in a little. "It's party time." He said starting to walk towards the door. "Thanks again Joy."
"See you around doc," Grimm said walking to catch up with Ramirez.
"Take care you two," She called after them with a wave. The two officers walked back into the parking lot and over to Ramirez's car. Who pressed the button on his car's remote popping the trunk. He lifted it up and tossed the duffle bag inside. Grimm peered into the trunk and other then duffle bag it was the only thing inside of the small trunk.
"Where's the powder and money for the hookers?" Grimm teased using his former partner's joke against him. Ramirez looked over at him and his eyes got big in fake innocents and surprise.
"I thought you were grabbing it man," He then chuckled and shrugged. "Oh well." He said getting into the car with Grimm sliding into the passenger seat again. The engine turned over and soon they were off again heading towards Ramirez's house. They rode mostly in silence with Ramirez staring at the road and Grimm looking out the window watching people as they drove by. They passed through the metro of the city and the people were fewer till there was hardly anyone on the sidewalks.
"So who's all going to be at this party?" Grimm asked looking straight ahead again.
"Just us and some of his friends. The rest of the family is coming over this weekend," Ramirez explained. "So it'll be pretty low key. Oh that reminds me the wife wants me to tell you something."
"Yeah?" Grimm asked arching a brow wondering what if anything his wife wanted to say to him.
"As much as she loves cooking for you and she does, she says you need to get yourself a girlfriend already. A nice girl that can cook for you and change up your apartment."
"What's wrong with my apartment?"
"It's a bachelor pad."
"And what's wrong with that?" Grimm demanded folding his arms over his chest.
"You had paper cups and plates in your dish drying rack. You fridge is full of beer and left overs."
"And?" Grimm asked again. Ramirez just chuckled and shook his head.
"Never mind man." The two feel silent again as Ramirez pulled into his driveway. His house was a rather impressive but still modest two story, four bedroom five bathroom house. It had a two car garage and spaceish yard surrounded by a fence. It was also far enough from downtown that it was quite and on a side street. Ramirez was doing alright for himself that was for sure. The sound of the car door opening roused Grimm from his thoughts. He opened his own door and stepped out stretching his back.
"When does the party start?" Grimm asked shutting his door.
"Well you're here so the party has already started," Ramirez explained leading the way to the front door. Grimm narrowed his eyes and gave the other officer a harsh stare. This caused Ramirez to chuckle. "People will start trickling in soon I'd imagine. My son's friends are probably already here." They entered the house and a narrow hallway that ended in the kitchen. The smell of cooking and preparing food hung in the air as well as the heat from cooking it. The two entered the kitchen to see several dishes already made and sitting on the kitchen's island counter top. Chips dip, crackers and cheese, vegetable plater, potato salad, and of course bags of different potato chips. Working at the counter near the sink was a woman in her late 20s. Her skin was very tan and her raven hair was in a loose pony tail. She didn't seem to notice the two her current task of forming ground beef into hamburger patties seem to take all her attention.
Ramirez smirked and walked up to his wife his footsteps making no sound on the wooden floor. Grimm simply just watched a grin tugging at one corner of his mouth. Only when he was right behind her did he make his presence know. Ramirez smoothly slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her back just enough against him. At the same time ducking his head and tilting it to plant a kiss on her cheek.
"Hola hermoso. ¿Qué estás cocinando?" He spoke just above a whisper. She gasped being startled and dropped the current hamburger patty into the sink.
"Púdrete. Usted imbécil." Was her angered response picking up the dropped patty. She shook it over the sink knocking off the water that had gotten on in the best she could.
"I love you to," Ramirez said giving her neck a soft kiss again.
"Oh get away from me you Cabrón," She said while turning around to shove Ramirez just enough to get him to take a step back. Ramirez just laughed and by the smile that his wife wore she wasn't as angry as she made out to be. Thought when she turned around she spotted Grimm and she smiled brightly. "Adam."
"Hello Carla," Grimm greeted with a small wave.
"So glad you could join us," Carla said wiping her hands on a nearby wash cloth.
"We're the birthday boy?" Ramirez asked. This question caused Carla to sigh placing her hands on her hips as she squared up with her husband.
"In his room playing video games with his friends. Even though it's a beautiful day outside," She did nothing to hide her displeased tone.
"Oh well don't worry once he gets his gift he'll spend plenty of time outside training his new Pokémon," Ramirez said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I hope so," Carla said dropping the wash cloth into the skin. "Now the guests will be here soon. I need to shower and get ready. Light the grill and start the burgers and brats."
"Only because you're so beautiful," Ramirez said picking up the plats of yet to be cooked meat. Carla rolled her eyes walking past him.
"Please help yourself to a beer Adam," She said before walking the short distance to the stairs and ascending them.
"Grab me one too," Ramirez said seeing Grimm make his way over to the fridge. Ramirez opened the sliding door that lead to the backyard and walked outside. Grimm opened the fridge and it only took him a moment to spot what he was looking for. He grabbed two of the brown bottle shutting the door and walking outside. The backyard was large the grass green two large oak trees provided shade to a little under half of it. Between the trees and in that shade was a wooden picnic table covered in a red and white checkered tablecloth. Off to one side was swing set that held four swings next to it was a garden. The entire yard was enclosed in a wooden privacy fence. Grimm spotted Ramirez by the grill and made his way over briskly a beer in each hand.
Grimm could hear the hiss of gas once Ramirez turned it on followed by the rapid clicking of the starter. A whoosh and wave of heat over took both of them once the gas caught and produced blue flames. Grimm joined Ramirez behind the grill and held out his beer to him.
"Thanks buddy," He said taking the beer and twisting the cap off. He took a drink before started to place the hamburgers on the grill each making a faint hiss due to the flames already starting to cook them. The wonderful smell of cooking meat made its way to both their noses. Grimm simply watched opening his own beer and drinking the cool liquid.
"That hit's the spot," Grimm remarked lowering the bottle again just watching Ramirez load down the grill.
"Amen," Ramirez remarked after he'd taken another drink. They both reflected in silence just watching the food cook enjoying the peace. "How'd the raid go?" Ramirez asked once he had half a beer left already. Grimm sighed.
"Sometimes I fucking hate out species," Grimm said. "The place was a Pokémon mill where they were pumping out Pokémon eggs as fast as they could. It sounds like they got their Pokémon addicted to fucking with some kind of drug. Sick fucks. Then they were fucking the Pokémon was well."
"Arceus that's some fucked up shit," Ramirez remarked with a frown. "But hey you're still alive, you stopped those bastards and they're getting what they deserve."
"I'll drink to that," Grimm said tapping the neck of his bottle to Ramirez to produce a clink sound. Grimm lowed his beer again and stared at it for a moment not really sure if he wanted to tell Ramirez what was on his mind. He then smiled, Ramirez and him shared everything. "So I met this girl." Grimm started waiting for the smartass comment from his former partner. Instead Ramirez only looked at him.
"Oh?"
"Yeah….just once and it wasn't for very long but I got her number. I was thinking maybe calling her and asking her to dinner or something….that's how that works right?" Grimm explained with a little chuckle at the end to show the last part was a joke. Ramirez said nothing for a moment but smiled wide.
"So how'd you meet this girl?" Ramirez asked finishing the rest of his beer.
"Today while I was working," Grimm started to explain.
"While you were working?" Ramirez butted in. "Don't tell me you have the hots for a suspect or worse a prostitute."
"No," Grimm said with a wave of his hand. "Her Pokémon was being harassed by .these two deadbeats. I arrested them and took the Pokémon back to her owner to see if she wanted to press charges. I met her at her house and of course I ran her through the system not so much as a parking ticket."
"What's she like then?" Ramirez asked flipping over the burgers each one producing a hiss and flare of flames.
"Well I just saw her that one time but she's pretty in a girl next door, doesn't dress to impress kind of way," Grimm explained. "She could be stunning I bet if she did dress up. She seems very kind and caring about her Pokémon. Did I mention she is a Pokémon trainer?"
"No you didn't," Ramirez chuckled. "But I kind of figured since you mentioned she had Pokémon. Sounds like you really like her. If I didn't know any better I'd say it was love at first sight."
"Yeah it's weird," Grimm admitted almost finishing his own beer. "I can't stop thinking about her and you know I'm not the one to believe in fairy tale crap." Ramirez just chuckled again.
"Well what are you going to do now?"
"I don't know…call her see if she's busy."
"Soon?"
"Soon," Grimm said with a nod.
"Good man," Ramirez said turning over the brats. "Just don't tell the misses. Tomorrow she'll be picking out your flowers for your wedding." Grimm coughed and choked on the last bit of his beer as he'd been drinking the very last of it while Ramirez spoke. "You alright?"
"Yeah," Grimm said with another cough. "That's funny though." He wiped his mouth with a weak chuckle. By then some of the guests were starting to trickle in carrying brightly wrapped boxes or bags for Ramirez's son. Who was still missing in action. It wasn't till Carla came back down looking much better with her hair done up and in a summer dress. That her son and his two friends came into the back yard. By the look on their faces they had not been given a choice if they wanted to or not. Grimm couldn't help but smile at the idea. Though the sight of the table loaded down with gifts help to lift the 16 year old's sprits.
Grimm did his best to stay out of the way. With the exception of Ramirez and Carla he didn't really know anyone at this party. Sure he'd seen their faces before but that didn't mean he knew them. He remained by Ramirez at the grill just making small talk and when anyone came over to tell Ramirez how proud he must be or how old his son looked he fell silent. Even when the food was cooked and Ramirez left to mingle with the crowd and his son, Grimm remained near the grill eating his food in peace. Though as not to seem rude once he was done eating he made his way over to the circle of people to watch him open his gifts. They were the typical gifts of a teenager. Video games, gift cards to various stores a few items of clothing.
Ramirez and Carla's gift was last and as he opened the box his son's eyes got big seeing the Pokéball inside. His reaction was classic picking up the Pokéball and just holding it. He then looked to both his parents wordlessly asking if it was real. They both smiled and nodded. He pressed the button causing a bright flash of white light to nearly blind everyone there. Once the light faded there was a blue Pokémon with red spikes down its back and one spike at the end of its tail sitting on the boy's lap. He looked up at the human with its big eyes and smiled brightly.
"Toto," It chirped happily holding its arms out. The birthday boy didn't miss a beat as he quickly embraced the Totodile in a tight hug. Everyone awed at the sweet sight even Grimm had to admit it was a very prefect scene. The cake and ice cream was brought after that and even the Totodile had a piece of cake. The rest of the party was him and his friends play with the Pokémon while the adults said their goodbyes and trickled out. Soon it was just Grimm and the Ramirez family. Grimm helped clean up and soon the sun was already starting to set with work ahead for both officers they were going to have to call it a night.
Grimm hugged Carla goodbye with one arm the other hand was busy holding all the leftover hamburgers and brats that didn't get eaten. She also tried to give him all the chips but he politely refused. Soon both Grimm and Ramirez were back in his car driving back to Grimm's apartment. The ride was mostly in silence with the work related question here and there to break it. Ramirez dropped him off in front of his building and he waved goodbye. Grimm walked into his apartment with a sigh locking the door behind him. He pulled Eris's Pokéball from his pocket and pressed the button to free her. She took up her normal stance on the floor looking up at him.
He placed the left overs in the fridge and filled her food bowl with the Pokémon food he'd bought. He rested his back against the counter pouring himself a glass of whiskey so he may enter a dreamless sleep. He stood there sipping the alcohol thinking about Ramirez's son and the Pokémon he'd just gotten. They both seemed so happy and maybe he was being too harsh on Eris….maybe. It wasn't her fault that he was reassigned or attacked years ago. Still…. He finished his drink downing the rest in one gulp Eris finishing her dinner soon afterwards. He walked into his bedroom and looked around till he found what he was looking for an extra-large pillow he didn't even know why he had exactly. If he remembered correctly it was a gift from a well-meaning person but he'd never used nor planned on using.
"Come on girl," He said walking back out into his living room. He set the pillow on the floor next to the couch. "Come on lay down." He said patting the top of the pillow. Eris trotted over and stepped onto the pillow circling around it once before laying down. She looked up at him the end of her tail sapping the pillow happily. He reached down and rubbed the top of her head between the horns. "This is your bed alright. You're free to use the rest of the apartment but if you get into things you're going back to the bathroom got it?" She nodded wishing to lick his face to show how much she appreciate this but knew better. "Have a good night see you in the morning."
He walked into his room and Eris heard the door close and the click of the lock. He trusted her enough to leave her out but not enough to stay with him she reasoned. Grimm dropped his pants on the floor and left them where they lay. Only pausing to take his cellphone out of the pocket. He set the alarm and plugged it into the charger sitting it on the nightstand by his bed. He got into bed and entered a dreamless sleep just as he hopped only to be broken by his obnoxious cellphone. Expect it wasn't his alarm but his ringer. He opened his eyes and just stared at his cellphone shaking like a thing possessed, the vibrate function was also on. He picked it up after a quick debate of answering it or pretending he didn't hear it and go back to bed. The first thing he noticed was the time: 2:32 am and the second thing he saw was the person calling him: Captain Walker. He was a little more alert after that. He answered the phone and held it to his ear.
"Hello?" He said working very hard to keep the sleep out of his voice.
"Officer Grimm?" Walker's disembodied voice said on the other end.
"Speaking."
"Officer Grimm I need you to get dressed and report to duty immediately."
"What? Why?" Grimm asked had he been more awake he'd have just said yes sir.
"There has been a homicide and canine assistance has been requested," Walker explained. "Also you may be directly connected. Can you take down an address?"
"Hang on," Grimm said pulling open the nightstand drawer groping around inside till he found a sticky note and stub of a pencil. "Alright shoot."
"Report to Davian and sons' warehouse at the corner of 6th and Crestmore Parkway," Walker said.
"Roger," Grimm said still half asleep. "Anything else sir?"
"No just be as quick as you can," And with that he hung up. Grimm sat up letting his feet hang off the bed. He placed a hand to his face and slowly dragged it down as if the effort was enough to wipe the sleep from him. He slowly stood up and made his way over to the closet to get his uniform on. He had more than one and kept them divided between his home and the station. He had almost reached the closet when the wheels really started turning pushing the last of the sleep from his mind. The address given to him by Walker nagged at him in the way he sees a face and is sure he knows that person but can't put a name to the face. He walked back over to the nightstand and picked up the sticky note to examine it more closely.
"6th and Crestmore," Grimm muttered hoping to jog his memory. He was about to give up and get dressed when the memory hit him like a blow to the chest. He exhaled loudly as if he really was hit. "Oh god." That address was where the three Pokémon had attack him. Now there was a homicide there? Walker said there might have been a connection with him. His heart started to beat rapidly his fingers tingling with the flood of adrenaline.