Frayed Edges

New Truths

Jake listened intently to every word that left her lips, even the parts that made his skin crawl. He thought he knew the path between right and wrong, in his world everything was binary. Mia had lived in the blur between black and white her entire life.

For the first time ever he saw himself as sheltered. Sure his Dad was never around but his Mom was always there to pick up the pieces. He never had to wonder where his next meal was coming from or worry that one day the locks on his front door might have changed.

His path had been linear. School, academy and the force. Drug dealers were bad guys who made poor choices, that was all he had ever been taught. But now for the first time, he saw the desperation it took to risk your life and your freedom for some decent cash.

The two of them hadn't moved in quite some time. They lay on her bed, Mia's small body enclosed by Jake's arms as if he was trying to hold her together. Her tears had dried up long ago but every so often a gentle sob would rattle through her chest as she spoke. All Jake could do was whisper soothingly into her ear in hopes that he could help dispel the dark thoughts that continued to spiral out of her mind.

Long strands of sunlight were beginning to stream through the gaps in her curtains alerting them both that a new day had begun. A day that held an unavoidable threat to both of them. All her mysteries had become unravelled in such a short amount of time showing her in a new light that should've left him sick of the sight of her. Instead all he wanted was to hold her tighter and keep her safe from the dark world that surrounded them both.

The stories of her brother rang in his ears and he couldn't help but pity them both. He knew more than anyone how it felt to be locked up without a fair chance of a trial. He had his choice taken away from him, but at least he wasn't coerced.

"Uniform will be here soon" he whispered against her ear. He didn't want to break the spell that was this moment but he knew it was bound to disappear sooner or later.

"You should go" she muttered, unraveling herself from his grip "You don't wanna be caught here with a known criminal, I'm sure that won't look great on your stellar record"

Jake couldn't help but flinch at the coldness in her voice but he knew it was her only method of defense. Deep down she was terrified, no matter what she said about her fear of her boss he knew more than anyone that prison was no picnic.

"It's going to be okay Mia, I can't get you out of this" he began but Mia wasn't ready to listen. She walked towards the bathroom and began attempting to remove the black streaks of mascara that were decorating her cheeks.

"I'm not snitching Jake, you've seen those bodies in the East River? I snitch and that'll be me" she replied as she scrubbed the last remnants of makeup off her face "They're gonna be here any minute, it's best you left"

"I'm not going anywhere" he replied firmly planting himself in the doorway of the bathroom "You really worried about what the other cops at the precinct might think or is there another reason you're so desperate to get rid of me? They all know who you are Mia, there's a goddamn photo of you on my desk! The gossip will be round the whole bullpen by now"

Mia noticed how Jake's eyes glanced towards the living room most likely internally cringing at what lay on the table in full view.

"Well now that you mention it" her eyes remained dead as she pulled her lips into a forced grin. She pushed past him and headed towards where the small white packet had been placed only hours earlier. She heard the gentle thud of footsteps behind her but as she reached for the half empty bag it was snatched from view by Jake's own quick fingers.

"No way Mia" he spoke firmly but her eyes only darkened with malice.

"Don't fuck around Jake, I need it"