Rhythmic foot tapping sounded through the car. An almost never ended echo of Nikki’s shoes hitting against the floor mat. Which would break first? Her foot through the floor, or her nail she was gnawing at. Getting the rank of detective was no walk in the park. The never-ending nights on patrol. Seeing things that most people would dread to even be told about. Yet, all that stress was nothing compared to now. Scottson advised her to stay back for he felt maybe she was in too deep. Whether she was or not didn’t matter. She had a job to do and that didn’t stop due to personal feelings. There was still this uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. How was what Stanley told them even possible? Being around them for all the time and no part of her ever got that feeling of evil. Eric Burdon once said “Inside each of us, there is the seed of both good and evil. It's a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other.”
But what had caused a seed of evil to sprout? Especially in someone who had seemed so kind and caring. So, hardworking and willing to do anything for their partner. What will the other think once this uncomfortable situation is in full swing? The media will be in a tizzy once this hits any creditable new source. Luckily Stan agreed to keep his mouth shut till the investigation was truly closed. Only agreed upon if he was the first to know. Though with all the information present at the bar last night. It was going to be hard to see this going any other way. All Nikki could do was hold out on her faith that they couldn't have possibly done this.
With a deep sigh her head leaned back with a slight thud. Scottson looked over to his partner. Though he didn’t see with her being on the side of his bad eye. Which had been twitching like crazy since they embarked to the airport just moments ago. The ride seemed endless which might have been due to his own nerves. Which was rare for the veteran officer. Seemed both of them had become a little too invested into this case. Even more so with this wave of new information brought to light.
“Listen ki... Nik....Detective” Her head straightened up as he began to spoke. “This job isn't easy.” He continued. “It really makes you look at people and the world in a different way. Anyone is possible of anything.” pulling up to a red light, the car slowly came to a stop. His gaze stayed right ahead of them. “I know you’ve grown attached to them. But that doesn’t change what was done. I couldn’t give two shits about how this affects writer boy. As for Von Rose, it will be stressful. Even more so if all that my brother told us turns out to be true. The law is the law though. No bound or connection you have with another will change that. The law must be put first before personal feelings.”
“I know sir.” Her head hung down a little bit. Having fully grasped the situation before ever getting into the car. “It’s just kind of surreal to think they might be behind all of this. Then that poor family. To having been so close to the murderer of your own family member. Now, to get off a vacation with the person. Probably the first moment of relaxation they had since her passing.” Brian just nodded as the light turned green. There wasn’t much to be said in this moment. Not till the deed had finally been done.
Suddenly Nikki’s phone went off causing her to jump. Pulling it from her pocket she sighed once more seeing a picture of Astrid and Michael on the screen. Swiping up on the green icon, she answered the phone. Struggling to put on her normal cheerful voice for her boss. Well, after this it will be ex-boss. “Miss Astrid hello!” a conversation began between the two women. Nikki nodded and gave a couple nods. “You have? Thats great! I’m glad the flight and trip went well.” A couple more nods from the younger detective. “Yup! I’m about to pull up. I’ll be outside waiting for you two. Heads up got a bit of a haircut, so I will look a bit different.” A some more nods and a goodbye before she hung up. Sighing yet again then looking to her partner. She was calm and showed her head was finally in the game. “Drop off zone 36. They’ll be out in twenty.” He nodded in response.
“Hit it em kid.” Flipping the switch, the red and blue lights on top of the car burned to life. As they raced the rest of the way to the airport.
Already at their destination Astrid and Michael stood before baggage claim. The Woodlins clan right beside them. The whole group all fighting to stay highly aware. The eight-hour flight having really took it out of them. The worst of them being Kathy who had a case of air sickness. Not even being in first class could make up for those finally few hours. Finally, their collection of bags began to roll by. Majority of the group claiming theirs within moments. Unfortunately having to wait for Kat and her mountain of bags. Which came down to Richard having to grab every single one. His daughter having used the big old puppy eyes on the poor man. This causing the younger couple to question ever having kids. Once the absurd amount of un-needed baggage was finally claimed. The group moved as a collective to the exit. Kathy fanning herself with a magazine. Kat already nose deep in her phone after not having access to it for more than two seconds. Richard hiding behind a tower of luggage he was pushing on a cart. Then Astrid and Michael hand in hand. As the doors opened to the outside. Astrid was quick to see Nikki. Giving her big wave with a tired wide smile. Looking both ways before going to cross. Stopping as Michael’s arm shot out in front of her. Looking to him in confusion but brought to concern. Just moments ago, he wore a small smile. Now replaced with a serious look that was rare to see on him. Looking slowly back to Nikki who wore a very similar look. Now also accompanied by Scottson at her side.
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“What is he doing here?” Michael didn’t take his eyes off the pair. Replace all the passing cars and people with tumbleweeds. And you would think an old western standoff was underway. The Woodlins already packing up a limo that had just arrived. Only Kat seemingly paying attention with a shit eating grin on her makeup caked face. As the road cleared for a brief moment. The pair made their way across to the newly arrived party. Michael taking a step infront of his beloved as they approached. Scottson coming just mere inches in front of Michael. Nikki at his side looking down with a guilt-ridden face. The silence was deafening between them. Long enough for the other Woodlins to finally take notice of the staring contest happening. Both parties unmoving and not sure how to break the silence. Richard approached with his hands behind his back
“Are fans of my boy Michael here? We just got back from a very long trip. So, don’t think he has the energy for an autograph right now.” Brian looked to the businessman, which was able to remind him of the detective. “Ah! Scottson! I know you are handling our daughter’s case, but I’m sure a police escort is not needed.”
“Sorry Mr. Woodlins but this actually pertains to her case.” Richard’s eyes widened a bit. As his wife and daughter joined behind him.
“Is there a lead detective?” Kathy chimed in quizzingly.
“We believe so. Which is what bringing us here today.” Returning his focus to the writer. The silence returned but only for a moment. Brian speaking once again in an authoritative tone. “Maplewood.” a pausing happened before a gruff sigh from him. “Move aside... please.” Michael’s brow rose. Turning around suddenly as he heard Astrid give a small gasp.
“Nikki what are you doing?” Now standing behind Astrid as her hands were put behind her back. A flash of sliver as cuffs went around her wrist.
“I’m sorry.” her voice was low and in a whisper. “Astrid Von Rose, you are under arrest as a potential suspect in the Murder Harmony Woodlins, Derrick Wilson, and Dean Huffman.” Kathy gasped squeezing her husband’s shoulder. Kat grinned like an idiot taking a silent picture with her phone. Michael went to go reach for Astrid. Being stopped as Brian grabbed his shoulder but much rougher than Kathy had grabbed Richard's. Michael spun around slapping his hand off of him. In a moment of weakness and anger. The writer swung at the detective, who surprisingly to him dodged. Grabbing his arm and twisting behind the writer's back. With a hiss he looked over his shoulder. Only Brian’s bad eye able to be seen looking back at him.
“As much as I would love to arrest you as well for trying to assault an officer. There’s only so much stress I can put the kid through in a day. So, Step aside and I won’t accidently break your money maker.” Applying pressure to his wrist. Earning another hiss from Michael as his world went silent. His attention moving from Scottson to Astrid who was being escorted across the street. Nikki reading her Miranda rights off. Astrid’s didn’t pay attention as her eyes met with his. Everything disappeared between them. The officers holding onto them, gone. The distance between them, gone. Standing in front of one another as their worried looks turned to smiles. Looks at screamed in a non-existing voice “I’ll get you out of this.” Answered back by another that just said. “I know you will.”
Both brought back by reality as Brian released Michael and crossed the street. Nikki lowered Astrid’s head as she was helped into the back of the car. As the door closed, the book store owner looked out to her lover. Both smiling at one another as the car pulled away in slow motion for them both. Taking that moment to remember those looks love and confidence. The world returning to normal speed as the car went out of view. Michael’s eyes followed it before landing on Kat. Who gave a small wave with her fingers before getting into the limo. His hands balled into a fist as Richard helped his wife into the vehicle. He knew this love would be the death of him. But not before it was going to be the death of someone else.
To be continued in Season 3...